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Wedding beauty timetable: countdown to the big day

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The perfect wedding look doesn't just happen overnight. In the final months leading up to the big day, it's time to start thinking about how to get photo-ready. From starting a skin care regime to having a trial run of your make-up, there's lots to fit in – and getting the timings right is crucial.

You need to book appointments well in advance, while also consider the last-minute preparations the week or night before. Read on for Hairtrade.com's ultimate wedding beauty timetable and find out when you should do what when...

wedding timeline1 © Photo: iStock

Six months before:

Get serious about skin care... If you don't already have a skin care routine, start getting into the habit now. No more going to bed with your make-up still on. A simple cleanse, tone and moisturise regime will keep your skin in tip top condition.

Start exercising... Exercising is not just important for getting in shape but also for reducing stress levels. If you're prone to breakouts during hectic times try yoga to increase posture strength and relieve tension.

Three months before:

Book consultation appointments with make-up artists... If you're getting your make-up professionally done, consult with a few different make-up artists to see who you are happy with. Once you've found one that gets the look you want, book early to avoid disappointment.

Start experimenting with fake tan... You don't want to have a streaky fiasco on the big day so leave yourself plenty of time to get your bridal golden glow. Think about the neckline of your dress and any existing tan lines you'll need to even out.

Teeth whitening... Start an at-home teeth whitening routine to give you perfect pearly whites. Don't leave this to the last minute as you need to factor in sensitivity and you might not get the results you're after with a quick session a day or two before the wedding.

One month before:

Have a trial run of make-up for the big day... In your head trying Kim Kardashian-style contouring may be a good idea but practise it in advance, as the style might not suit you. If you're doing your own make-up, now's the time to buy the products you like. Ask for samples from beauty counters to give them a test run before you buy.

Get your eyebrows shaped... Leave plenty of time for getting your eyebrows shaped professionally. This will leave enough time to grow them out in places if needed.

Salon facial or facemask at home... Book in for a facial or start using facemasks at home. Do not do this the day before the wedding in case you have a reaction to the product.

Cut down on tea and coffee... You don't have to full on detox but cutting down on tea and coffee will reduce staining your teeth and flush your body of caffeine.

wedding timeline2 © Photo: iStock

Two weeks before:

Exfoliate and moisturise... To get those silky soft elbows, hands and feet, start an exfoliating and moisturising treatment once or twice a week.

Drink lots of water... Staying hydrated is the cheapest and easiest beauty trick in the book. Aim to drink one and a half litres of water a day for clear skin.

One week before:

Bikini wax and shave legs... Make sure everything is silky smooth ready for your bikini on the honeymoon.

Splurge on a massage... You'll probably be under a lot of pressure the week leading up to the wedding so treat yourself to a relaxing massage with your maid of honour. It will relax your muscles and increase circulation.

One day before:

Pack an emergency make-up kit... Get all your essential make-up for touch ups packed and give it to a trusty bridesmaid.

Get a mani-pedi done... You'll be too excited to sit patiently and wait for your nails to dry on the big day so make this one of the last things you do the night before. Go gel with your manicure and pedicure to keep the colour lasting right through to your honeymoon.

Have a bath... Unwind in the tub to ease your mind of any pre-wedding jitters. Try adding some essential oils for luxuriously soft skin the next day.

Beauty sleep... They don't call it beauty sleep for nothing so get a good night's rest of eight to ten hours.

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