Wedding day beauty investments

Most women have spent many days wishing for the perfect wedding day. But with all the things vying for our attention these days, it’s hard to be the centre of an entire universe. Not even the Duchess of Cambridge could keep up with the Kardashians, so here are a few tips on how to prepare with beauty treatments before your big day. You might not make all the magazine covers, but you’ll certainly look fantastic:

Manicures and pedicures

If you’re not a slave to the beauty industry, that’s absolutely fine. You don’t have to feel left out. But, you may want to go for at least three manicures and pedicures before your big day to ensure your hands and feet are in a fabulous condition.

Ruined cuticles, dry skin and cracks can make even the most beautiful rings or shoes look less than divine, so prep yourself before the time. If you’d rather save on the cash try these easy at home treatments:

Hands:
1. Get a pair of gloves from your local pharmacy as well as some coconut oil.
2. Give your hands a gentle scrub using some sugar and a little hand cream.
3. Warm the coconut oil slightly and rub generously onto your hands, particularly your nails, and the backs of the hands which are likely to be photographed.
4. Slip your hands into the gloves and wrap in a towel for five to 10 minutes.
5. Rinse hands gently and moisturise.

Feet:
1. Purchase a soy candle of any fragrance at your nearest store.
2. Light the candle before you soak or scrub your feet to soften the wax.
3. Soak feet in Epsom salts and warm water.
4. Scrub feet using sugar and some moisturiser.
5. Dry feet and buff heels and file toenails.
6. Rub some of the soft soy wax from the candle all over your feet and wrap in cling wrap.
7. Cover each foot with a warm sock and leave for 10 minutes.
8. Rinse feet gently and moisturise.

Body basics

Body scrubs help to make your shoulders, back and bust look flawless in strapless or sleeveless dresses. If you’re not into the whole routine yet, try going at least once a month, two months in advance to smooth away any bumps or imperfections.

You could also invest in a body brush and a good body scrub from a health or beauty store to do this at home. Using body oil and then a moisturiser afterwards is a great quick fix if you haven’t kept a good routine. This will also leave your skin with a natural looking glow. For easy, cheap at home remedies: make your own scrub with coarse salt and a body wash liquid of your choice.

You can add fragrance oil to the mixture for an extra special pamper. The best way to know if your mixture is the right consistency is to make sure the salt isn’t lying at the bottom of your bowl. The measurements should be enough to make a paste-like consistency. Lemongrass, ylang-ylang and sandle wood are great for encouraging cellular turnover as it invigorates your senses and encourages blood flow. It also smells amazing.

For your hair

Visit a salon at least six months before your wedding to discuss your hair management options. To save money, ask your stylist about a good shampoo, conditioner and treatment and instead of going for weekly treatments, do your hair at home. As an added bonus, use rosemary oil and massage it into your hair once a week and keep it in overnight. Remember when shampooing this out; apply the shampoo first on dry hair (no water) to loosen any oil particles. Once you’re satisfied with the texture, add water and repeat till clean.

Image: Artem Furman/Shutterstock.com