Your Herts and Beds Wedding - December/January 2024/2025 (Issue 107)

Q&A Beauty Look the best version of you with our expert advice https://unsplash.com/@laurenjean THE PERFECT SMILE I’m looking to get my teeth whitened before my wedding; what should I keep in mind? If you’re considering whitening your teeth before the big day, it’s essential to have a dental checkup to ensure you don’t have any cavities or other issues. Whitening gel can exacerbate cavities, so it’s important to confirm that whitening is the right option. We typically recommend the home whitening technique, in which you wear custom-made whitening trays for two to three weeks. After the treatment, the final shade takes about two weeks to settle, so start the process at least five weeks before your wedding. Although whitening companies often claim minimal sensitivity, your teeth may feel sensitive during the treatment. However, this is temporary, and your teeth should return to normal afterwards. Sepideh Nikzad | Russell Avenue Dental Practice | www.russellavedp.co.uk LOOKING YOUR BEST I’ll be emotional on our special day and worry about my eye make-up. How can I ensure it won’t budge throughout the day? Your wedding is one of the most emotional days, so some tears are acceptable. As a make-up artist, I do my best to ensure your look remains flawless. I like to follow a few key steps in my routine to achieve this. I always start with a solid base. Cleansed and moisturised skin creates a perfect clean, smooth surface and canvas for the make-up. Then, I like to apply products in lots of light layers, which helps with longevity. Once I’ve applied everything, I set the make-up with a translucent powder and setting spray to reduce shine and lock everything in place before using a waterproof mascara. A setting spray helps seal your look in place and can be used throughout the day for quick refreshes. Blotting papers are also helpful in managing oil buildup without disrupting your look. It’s a good idea to avoid touching your face to prevent transferring oils and make-up as well as creating streaks from the tears. I also suggest bringing essential touch-up items like your favourite lipstick and powder for quick fixes throughout the day. By following these steps, you’ll maintain a fresh and polished appearance from the ceremony to the reception. Any time your photos are taken, you’ll look as perfect as you did in the morning. Jessica Swales | J Swales Makeup & Hair www.instagram.com/jswalesmakeupandhair 66

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