We’ve been washing our faces since we were toddlers but cleansing our skin isn’t as easy as it might appear.
Finding the right cleanser is as important and sometimes as difficult as finding the right spouse (well, almost).
You need one that addresses your specific skin needs (inflammation, acne, dryness, oiliness) in the most beneficial format (gel, foam, oil). If you find the right one, your pores will be unclogged and minimized and your skin will be well hydrated and glowing.
Cleansing is only the first step to great skin; however, there are a wide variety of treatments that will enhance your glow. Although most of us love a trip to the spa, there is a lot a bride can do at home to get her skin into tip top condition and prepare it to be a healthy, glowing canvas for her makeup application.
Marcia Turnier, consultant at Bergdorf Goodman, says, “My approach to beauty compares the skin to a garden. Take care of your skin like you would a garden. It will bloom and glow.
“It’s important to cleanse well, follow with a serum appropriate for your skin type and needs, and then moisturize. At a minimum, treat the skin to a facemask at least once a month.
“You can do this at home as there are some excellent products available. The Lancôme Absolue L’Extrait Mask, for example, offers a transforming texture never experienced before. The Ultimate Rose Serum Mask leaves the skin rejuvenated, retextured, more elastic and more radiant.”
Sharla Martin, Spa Director at The Windsor Court Hotel in downtown New Orleans, also has some great at home tips. “If you can’t make it into the spa for some microdermabrasion followed by a nice blast of oxygen, which would be my number one recommendation for a day of radiance, you can certainly accomplish similar results at home.
“The day before the big day, I would begin with a gentle exfoliation followed by a deep cleansing mask. I personally love Skinceuticals Phyto Corrective Mask for all skin types.
“This mask is incredibly soothing and contains my favorite ingredient, hyaluronic acid for skin plumping. Top this off with a hydrating moisturizer specific to your skin type.
“My favorite at home recommendation for brides or anyone wanting tight skin, is an at home coffee scrub for the entire body. Just mix used coffee grounds (make sure it’s caffeinated coffee) with your favorite body oil (suggestion: coconut oil), and scrub away before showering. Begin at your feet and work your way up the body towards your heart. Shower, hydrate and glow!”
Lina Ferrucci, consultant Saks Fifth Avenue, advises on how to stop make up slippage.
“Always exfoliate a few days before your event, with something you know works, and is gentle. I prefer the new Replenishing Oil Exfoliator from La Mer because it uses sugar and renewal oil to bind moisture and calm the skin while melting away dead skin and polishing for the perfect makeup application.”
“While prepping the skin before your big day apply your thinnest hydrating product while your skin is damp from washing. I recommend washing with a foam and immediately applying your treatment lotion or tonic. Your treatment lotion, tonic, or toner, absorbs quickly and brightens and hydrates deeply without build-up.
“We never want your products to ‘pill.’ This happens when thick products are applied too early and your make-up will ‘roll’ off the skin. I prefer using a thin and hydrating cream like the La Mer Soft Lotion in the pump for weddings as I can set it with La Mer loose powder for long-wear, and still achieve that youthful glow.”
Say “I do” to taking care of your skin and prepare to glow for the rest of your life.
Marcia Turnier, consultant, Bergdorf Goodman, 646-400-9215; Lina Ferrucci, Saks Fifth Avenue, Canal Place, New Orleans, 504-524-2200 Ext.5356; Sharla Martin, Spa Director, The Windsor Court Hotel, New Orleans, windsorcourthotel.com
This article originally published in the 2018 Summer issue of New Orleans Bride Magazine.
