Wedding Beauty Regime by Paula's Choice

Paula’s Choice is the website we all wish was around when we were hormonal teens, with unfortunate skin (and too much eyeliner in my case), and no clue what to do about it. Packed full of advice, product reviews, and information on all thing beauty, this is the bible for those who want better skin, better makeup, and better results.

We’ve been speaking with Paula herself (*squeal!*), on behalf of all you gorgeous brides-to-be, and asked her for some top tips on getting your skin in shape for your wedding. Kind of like boot camp, but with much less sweating and internal cursing.

We’ve broken it down into a simple six week plan, with some tips and tricks and do’s and don’ts for your face and body in the run up to your wedding. We’ll be posting in weekly installments, so you can follow along!

Six weeks until the wedding:

Paula’s top tip: “Practice smart skincare well in advance.”

“Experimenting with new products right before the big day is risky. Not only could it result in an adverse reaction that leaves skin red, rashy, or flaky – it also cheats your skin out of ample time to reap the potential benefits of a well formulated product. Starting a great skincare routine now (if you don’t already have one) is the key to getting the best possible results so you can feel confident and beautiful on your wedding day!

If you’re unsure of where to start, here is a handy guide to products and their uses – click the links to browse for your specific skin concern!

Cleanser – Step One
What? A gentle cleanser removes debris, oil, and makeup.
Why? When your face is clean, it allows the other products you use to work even better, morning and evening.
Results? Skin will look and act healthier, feel smoother, and be ready to receive the maximum benefits from your other skin products.

Toner – Step Two
What? Well-formulated smooth, soften, and calm skin, while removing the last traces of makeup. They also add vital skin-repairing ingredients after cleansing.
Why? Toners with skin repairing ingredients hydrate and replenish the skin’s surface immediately after cleansing. They also help reduce redness and dry patches.
Results? Skin will feel softer and look smoother, and redness will be reduced. Daily use will give your skin what it needs to function in a younger, healthier way.

AHA or BHA Exfoliant – Step Three
What? AHA and BHA exfoliants gently remove built-up dead skin cells, revealing new skin. AHAs exfoliate the surface of skin; BHA exfoliates the surface of skin and inside the pores.
Why? Sun damage causes the surface of the skin to become abnormally thick. Acne and oily skin complicate this further. Exfoliating eliminates this build up, which otherwise would cause clogged pores, uneven skin tone, dullness, and deeper wrinkles.
Results? Overnight your skin will look radiant, smoother, and younger (really)! Daily exfoliation with an AHA or BHA can unclog pores, reduce redness, blackheads, breakouts, diminish wrinkles, build collagen, and improve uneven skin tone.

Acne Treatment – Step Four (if necessary)
What? An acne treatment with benzoyl peroxide kills acne-causing bacteria and helps reduce redness.
Why? When acne is your concern, research shows that topical treatment with benzoyl peroxide is an essential step for achieving clear skin.
Results? With consistent use you will see fewer breakouts and a reduction in swollen blemishes. Your acne will be reduced, and possibly eliminated.

Skin Lightening Treatment – Step Four/Five (if you follow acne treatment!)
What? Used at least once daily, skin lighteners gradually reduce, and in some cases eliminate, brown spots and discolourations.
Why? Using a skin-lightening product reduces the over-production of melanin, the skin pigment that causes brown spots and discolourations.
Results? After several weeks of daily use, you will see discolourations fade or even disappear completely. Your skin tone will be more even and radiant. Ongoing use is needed to maintain results.

Anti Ageing/Anti Wrinkle Treatment – Step Four if you’re not using acne or skin lightening treatment; otherwise those go on first!
What? Serums/treatments filled with antioxidants and other anti-ageing ingredients fight the signs of ageing.
Why? Improves skin in numerous ways, from reducing redness to stimulating healthy collagen production and improving the appearance of wrinkles.
Results? Immediately, your skin will feel smoother and look radiant. With twice-daily use, signs of damage will fade and your skin will look and behave healthier and younger.

Anti Ageing/Anti Wrinkle Moisturiser with Sunscreen (last step in your morning routine)
What? This essential morning step keeps your skin shielded from sun damage (very important for us Aussies!). It must offer broad-spectrum protection. If you’re blemish prone, follow this link for some information tailored to suit!
Why? Sunscreens with antioxidants are essential to protect your skin from sun exposure, which is the No. 1 cause of wrinkles, brown spots, and other signs of ageing.
Results? Protecting your skin from further sun damage allows it to generate younger, healthier skin cells. This is the critical step to having radiant skin. You will see fewer signs of ageing!

Anti Ageing/Anti Wrinkle Moisturiser (Phew! The last step in your evening routine!)
What? Adds hydration + fortifies skin with the types of ingredients research has shown help your skin look healthier and younger.
Why? Improves skin’s healthy functioning and keep it feeling smooth and soft. You can (and should!) use them around the eye area.
Results? Smoother, radiant skin that’s hydrated and healthier. Dry, dull, or flaky skin will be replaced by skin that looks and acts younger!

And finally…

Optional Targeted Treatments – depending on your skincare concerns.
Why? “These products may be needed as an extra step to hydrate skin, absorb excess oil, calm skin, or treat a special need or occasional skin concern.”

It looks like a lot to take in, especially if you have no current strict skincare routine at all – BHA and AHA exfoliators, who knew they were a thing?! But if you can find ten minutes every morning and evening to perform this routine, Paula promises the pay off will be worth it! You may need to speak to your photographer – your glowing skin may cause some lighting issues!