EXFOLIATE LIKE A PRO! I’ve heard that exfoliation is important, particularly at this time of year, but how often do I need to exfoliate? Exfoliation is brilliant for achieving radiant, fresh and flake-free skin; however, it’s important not to over-exfoliate. How often you do it depends on your skin type, but as a rule, you should exfoliate no more than two to three times per week. A great entry-level AHA product for all skin types is the Q+A Glycolic Acid Daily Toner, which is £8. Containing glycolic acid and hyaluronic acid, it brightens, balances, hydrates and reduces skin congestion in a few swipes. With continued use, it can help to reduce the visible signs of ageing, such as hyperpigmentation. Nobody needs to exfoliate daily, but if your skin is dry, you may need to do so just once a week. If oilier, you could benefit from exfoliating up to three times a week. I’d suggest using a gentle formula like the Q+A Apple AHA Exfoliating Gel, £8.50, once or twice a week, as it’s highly effective at buffing the skin but is also packed with skinsoothing ingredients. Whether you need to exfoliate in the morning or evening depends on ingredients. A chemical exfoliator, like an AHA, should be used at night, as it can make skin more sensitive to UV rays. The same goes for retinol. Start with a thorough face cleanse to decongest your pores and create a clean canvas. Then move on to your chemical exfoliator, but always take care to follow the usage instructions. If it’s a toner or a serum, there’s usually no need to wash it off. Follow with a barrierprotecting moisturiser, which is crucial for maintaining your skin’s health and integrity. A physical exfoliator can be used in the morning. Work a 10p-sized amount into skin gently in circular motions, so as not to drag or tear. Rinse with warm water and pat the skin dry with a towel. Follow with a daily moisturiser, and always apply your SPF. If your skin looks or feels red or irritated, you could have overdone it. Remember, harsh, gritty, or strong formulas may seem like they’ll work faster, but they can do more harm than good. Always follow the instructions. If it says to leave the product on for one minute and rinse, don’t leave it on for 10! Go low and slow – lower inclusions of exfoliating ingredients gradually introduced into your regime can still have a big impact. When using any exfoliator, it’s vital to use a broadspectrum SPF 30 or higher on a daily basis. Removing the top layer of dead skin cells makes the skin underneath more prone to sun damage so don’t skimp on this important step. Faye Purcell | Q+A | www.qandaskin.com Unsplash via Rikonavt TIERS OF JOY What styles and flavours work well for a summer al fresco wedding cake? There are plenty of cake options for a summery or al fresco theme! Fruity flavours are always a hit at weddings during this time of year. Some of my most popular options are a classic Victoria sponge or a lemon cake with a delicious curd filling. Others perfect for summer include prosecco and strawberry, white chocolate and raspberry, or lemon with blueberries or raspberries. You could also opt for a dessert table instead of a cake and feature treats like Eton mess or build your own pavlova boards. Beautiful designs include naked cakes, vibrant buttercream and floral decorations. Delicate Lambeth cakes are especially lovely and perfect for a summer wedding. If you choose a colourful theme, these designs will make a bold statement. Your wedding should always reflect your preferences and what feels right for you and your partner. Remember, it’s your special day, so ensure it’s done your way! Stacey Badger | The Mad Batter’s Baked Goods www.themadbatter.co.uk NOW THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT We’re having a large wedding with guests of all ages. What style of music would you suggest we have to please everyone? For a wedding with guests of all ages, prioritising a music mix that keeps everyone dancing and maintains the right vibe is key. Instead of fixating on specific genres, focus on blending familiar tunes with new sounds. Having Motown, including classic soul, infused with modern hits while taking advantage of anthemic dance classics will help keep people of different ages on the dancefloor. Dominic Nyarambi | Big Dom Music | https://bigdommusic.com 78
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