The Sunday Mail
Tendai Mbirimi
Blending wedding accessories so as to come up with that angelic look on the big day is the bride’s most intricate task. The bride finds herself in these dilemmas, amongst others — will roses give a better look than lilies? Should I sacrifice the royal ambience of horse-drawn chariots for a limousine? Will l look better in a mermaid gown or a boob-tube? What will my friends think?
However, in the midst of all the stressful planning, there is need to prepare the body and skin for the wedding because looking flawless is no easy task.
While those with good genes can easily get away with flawless skin after applying minimum effort, no amount of make-up will do the trick for most brides if they do not make several trips to the beauty spar prior the big day.
This should be coupled with a healthy diet and plenty of exercise weeks leading to the day. This is the formula if the bride wants to look picture-perfect on their wedding day. It is a good thing that several beauty spas are sprouting in the cities and that most of them offer brilliant bridal packages, brides are spoilt for choice.
Beauty therapist, Joanna Stephens, who plies her trade in Harare along First Street, takes us through the basic beauty therapy stages before the big day.
Ideally, the beauty countdown starts six weeks before the wedding. It is tailor-made to suit one’s skin needs.
Six weeks prior
Depending on the soon-to-be bride’s age and skin requirements, a dermatological anti-aging facial should be the starting point. This treatment repairs and rejuvenates the skin while combating the signs of aging. This facial will leave the skin gorgeous and glowing for the big day.
Four weeks prior
A back cleansing treatment at this stage helps to exfoliate and hydrate the back. Do not let those back pimples stop you from rocking that halter or boob tube gown.
Two weeks prior
At this stage, wedding plans are probably giving you a headache. Pamper yourself with an aroma therapy massage together with your best girl or mother-in-law. It is a perfect time for reassuring each other that the wedding day is going to be magical.
Two days prior
By this time, you must be feeling the effects of the facials but top it all up with a perfect manicure and pedicure. Shellac buff and get those nails polished as you prepare to flush your ring with confidence.
Post wedding
A couple’s massage with your new husband while honeymooning is a perfect exercise that does wonders to your spirits. Trust us, you need it. Marriage presents a whole new journey that is bumpy. It strains you both physically and emotionally so you will need all the preparations you can get.
For those who prefer a once off bridal treatment, it is advisable to start off with a Brazilian wax. Follow it up with a dermatological face treatment which can include extras like the brow wax and brow tint.
Also have a hot stone massage and a paraffin pedicure before your nail treatment.
However, administering cosmetics should be done with due care bearing in mind that no amount of cosmetics can beautify a frog! At times, the much derided natural looks can do the magic.
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