Your Hampshire and Dorset Wedding - Page number 82 - November/December 2021 (Issue 89)

Q&A Beauty Top tips for you and your whole bridal gang SQUAD GOALS My mega bridal party includes friends, family and flowergirls of all ages so how can I achieve a coordinated look? Celebrity hairstylist Steph Stevenson says: There’s something really special about a large bridal party coming into the salon all together on the wedding morning as it generates great energy and a huge amount of excitement. For the hair salon or stylist, it can be a military operation. Bridal hairdressing is not like the usual commercial work and often brides might need a different hairdresser to their usual one, simply because their regular stylist doesn’t specialise in bridal hair. One of the key things to remember is that the focus of the overall look goes beyond the dresses. To help create a coordinated effect here are my three top tips: ❤ The devil’s in the difference Generally the bride will already have an idea of how she wants her hair and it’s our job to develop that and create a look for the bridal party that complements everyone, taking into consideration face shape, skin tone, hair length, texture and colour. A variety of hair types is something to be celebrated though, so take the differences into account. ❤ Balanced bridesmaids The symmetry of the bridal look is so important, especially for the photographs. For example, with six bridesmaids walking in pairs, side-by-side down the aisle, if they’re having their hair styled in side chignons, they should be on different sides of the head as otherwise the balance will look odd. ❤ Ace coordination with accessories Hair accessories or floral pins can really enhance a coordinated theme. For bridesmaids, floral detail in the hair looks great and this can transition down to the flowergirls and junior bridesmaids with flower crowns to tie the whole look together. Steph Stevenson | Founder and owner | www.hnbsalonspa.co.uk BRIDAL GLOW My skin looks great with a tan in the summer but really pale and washed out in the winter. What can I do to give my complexion a boost and a natural-looking glow for my December wedding? Harriet says: Sun tanning is actually not a good idea if you want to look after your skin. I found this out the hard way after many years basking in direct sunlight with low or sometimes no SPF on; such a big no-no, I can’t even imagine doing it now. That’s why I’m a big fan of natural-looking fake tan. I absolutely love Tropic Sun Drops gradual tanning facial serum; a real game-changer, perfect for a subtle glow to last throughout the day. Alternatively you could have a spray tan prior to the wedding, they have come a long way from the early days and there are some really good ones out there now such as Vita Liberata (also look out for the brand’s range of great tanning products). Otherwise, just embrace a paler wintry look. Although this may be a scary thought for some, it really doesn’t have to be. As long as you have a good skincare regime and your complexion is in the best possible condition, you can look just as radiant on your big day. Your make-up artist will be able to help choose the best shades to complement your natural skin tone and colouring. You could even make the most of the season and go for a classic 1920’s look, ideal for a pale complexion with winged eyeliner, blusher and statement red or coral lips. Whatever you choose, it’s really more about well-prepped skin and getting the base right rather than how tanned or bronzed you are. Also, if you’re planning to have a facial, it’s always best to research what kind will work best for your skin type and make sure you book it at the right time too, as the day before the wedding is not recommended for some treatments. Harriet Forester | Beautician www.facebook.com/beautybyharrietemma 82