15 Skin Care Tips And Myths to Keep in Mind ...

I don’t know about you, but I can never get enough of reading about skin care tips! I love learning about our skin, what works, what doesn’t, and everything in between. I also like hearing about skin care myths because I often follow certain skin care tricks and tips only to later find out that it turned out to be a total skin care fable! So, I did my own research and came up with 15 excellent skin care tips along with some myths mixed in that I wanted to share with you!
 

1. Skin Care Tip: Ice It down Skin care tips don’t always involve using creams - ice can be just as effective in helping to reduce puffiness, blotchiness and dark circles! The next time you wake up feeling puffy and tired, get an ice cube and use your tongue to place the ice cube under the roof of your mouth and allow it to melt. Easy enough, right? Celeb esthetician Scott-Vincent Borba recommends using this method to decrease the appearance of dark circles and puffiness in the eye area!

 2. Skin Care Myth: Sunscreen Is Only for Certain Skin Types

A common skin care myth that I hear is that only extremely fair-skinned people need to use sunscreen. This is so wrong. All skin types and shades require protection from the sun, no one is safe! Even if you tan easily and rarely burn, the sun can still damage your skin. Use sunscreen on your face and body to stay sun safe.

3. Skin Care Tip: Use a Face Brush

A great skin care tip for busy ladies is to use a face cleansing brush! Whether you invest in a pricey model or a more affordable one, they make cleansing, exfoliating and increasing circulation a total breeze. Your skin will look and feel so much better and it makes your skin care routine shorter and easier.

4. Skin Care Myth: Pores Open And Close I had a hard time believing this skin care myth because I always thought steam opened pores but I was wrong. Discovery Fit & Health as well as other sources confirm that pores are merely tiny openings in our skin and don’t have muscles so they don’t have the ability to open and close with home remedies or any skin care product. Pores can only appear smaller or larger.

5. Skin Care Tip: Apply Moisturizer While Your Skin Is Wet If you have dry skin or just want to have soft, hydrated skin, try applying it while your skin is still a little damp. This is a great tip for ladies with eczema and very dry skin as it’ll help seal in the moisture and help prevent dry, itchy skin. It also helps those with normal skin to really lock in moisture!

6. Skin Care Myth: Expensive Skin Care Products Work Best

This is another skin care myth that might be hard to believe since we’re bombarded with so many ads telling us that pricey skin care products are best. The truth of the matter is, many drugstore skin care products can work just as well as the higher end ones! Everyone’s skin is different so there’s no guarantee that a brand name product will work better than others. Moreover, dermatologists Jenny Kim and Leslie Bauman state that most active ingredients in skin care products are similar regardless of where you buy them!

7. Skin Care Tip: Use Lip Products with SPF A smart skin care tip to keep in mind when you’re shopping for lip products is to search for products that contain SPF. Our lips are thin, and like the skin on our body, also need protection from the sun! Erin Welch, M.D. states that skin cancer stems from the lips, it can be especially aggressive and have a higher likelihood of spreading. Look for lip balms and other products that contain SPF to stay on the safe side!

8. Skin Care Myth: anti-aging Creams Can Reverse Fine Lines And Wrinkles Anti-aging creams promise to do a whole lot of things including getting rid of lines and wrinkles but that’s not the whole truth. Most wrinkle creams only temporarily plump up the skin making it appear like wrinkles have decreased or diminished. Dermatologist Leslie Bauman states that the only topical that has been proven to reduce fine lines and wrinkles are retinoids. If you invest in anti-aging creams, make sure it contains retinoids or Vitamin A or you’re only getting an expensive moisturizer!

9. Skin Care Tip: Be Gentle While you’re going through your skin care regimen, make sure you’re always gentle with your skin. Even if your skin feels dirty or dull, easy does it! Massage your cleanser into your skin gently using your fingers or other cleansing tool and avoid scrubbing. Take it easy with the exfoliator also, no need to rub vigorously or you can risk irritating your skin!

10. Skin Care Myth: Your Skin Gets Used to Skin Care Products And Stop Working I’m sure you’ve heard that using the same hair care products for a long time can cause your hair to get used to it and stop working. Someone felt the same way about skin care products, also. Skin care expert Paula Begoun says that as long as you are using products that are good for your skin, it’ll stay healthy. The only reason you might notice a difference later is that your skin is maintaining its condition so the change won’t be as dramatic as when you first use it.

11. Skin Care Tip: Wash Your Face in The Morning

If you’re not in the habit of washing your face in the morning, get on it! It might seem like our skin is still fresh and clean since we just went to bed, but it’s actually not! When we go to sleep, dust, dirt, oil and dead skin cells can collect on our face overnight so it’s a good idea to cleanse first thing in the morning!
 

12. Skin Care Myth: Oils Are Bad for Your Skin Eating a lot of oily foods isn't ideal, but using oils on your skin is A-OK. I'm sure you've seen all the various oil cleansers and moisturizers out there and if you've been hesitant to try them out, don't be! Even if you have oily skin, it won't cause you to produce more oil. Typically, when you over-cleanse your skin in an attempt to stop the oil, you get more oil production. Try them out!

13. Skin Care Tip: Use Sunscreen Even If Your Makeup Has Sunscreen in It These days, lots of cosmetics companies have added SPF to their beauty products. While it is a good thing, it can also give us a false sense of security. Just because your foundation, powder, primer or BB cream contains SPF, it doesn't mean you should skip sunscreen. Dermatologist Joshua Fox, director of Advanced Dermatology states that due to the thickness and binders in makeup, it takes up to 7 times the amount of makeup needed to get the amount of SPF you want.
 

14. Skin Care Myth: Exfoliating Your Skin Helps Slow down Hair Growth As much as I wish this were true, exfoliating does not do anything for hair growth. Exfoliating does have a lot of benefits so it should be part of everyone's skin care routine, but unfortunately you'll still have to shave just as often.

15. Skin Care Tip: Take Time Out
Stress is one of the major causes of many skin care issues so take time to de-stress. Do something nice for yourself like take a nap, do some deep breathing, eat a good meal or spend time with someone you love. You'll not only feel better on the inside, but it will show on the outside.
I hope these skin care tips and skin care myths were helpful for you! I know everyone and their dog has skin care tips for everyone and it can get confusing. But, I hope these tips can help clear things up a bit! Do you have any skin care tips or myths you want to share?

Sources: thefashionspot.com, webmd.com, health.howstuffworks, nationaleczema.org, paulaschoice.com

Baking Soda for Beauty's sake.

There are many uses of baking soda around the house, and you probably know a lot of them, but what about ways to use baking soda in your beauty routine? Baking soda has active ingredients that make it suitable for cleansing operations from top to toe. Check out these uses of baking soda. Why not give them a try?

1. Face Wash
One of the most efficient and green uses of baking soda is as a face wash. Dilute 2 teaspoons of baking soda with 1 teaspoon of warm water in a bowl and mix to a soft paste with your finger. Wet your face with warm water and apply the paste in a gentle circular motion. Rinse thoroughly and pat your face dry with a soft towel. It’s a great way to remove make-up.

2. Teeth Whitening

There’s no need to spend lots of money on expensive toothpastes and whitening kits because one of the ways to use baking soda that has been around for centuries is as whitening toothpaste. Mix together a small amount of baking soda and salt and use it to clean your teeth. Rinse well afterwards. Baking soda is also a natural breath freshener.

3. Exfoliator

You don’t need grit and roughness to be effective and that’s why one of the nicest uses of baking soda is as an exfoliator. To revitalize and smooth the tired skin on your hands, elbows and feet, mix together 3 parts baking soda with 1 part water to make a paste and apply with a gentle circular motion before rinsing off.

4. Dry Shampoo

So many of the ways to use baking soda are so great because they can produce the same results as expensive proprietary toiletries, at a fraction of the cost. If you need a quick and easy way to freshen up your hair and don’t have time to wash it, sprinkle some baking soda and talcum powder on your hairbrush and comb through. The baking soda will absorb the excess oil.

5. Bath Soak

Baking soda is a natural cleanser, so add half a cup to your bath water. It will not only cleanse, but also leave your skin feeling silky and smooth. A note for those with very dry skin: baking soda is alkaline, so be sure to rinse well to avoid any irritation from residue.

6. Sunburn Relief

One of the uses of baking soda that I learned while compiling this list is that it works to relieve sunburned skin. Make a sloppy paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the burned area. You can also bathe in it as in the previous point, and I also read the suggestion that you can dissolve some baking soda in warm water, then chill it in a spray bottle in the fridge and use it as a cooling spritz

7. Foot Soak

In water as hot as you can bear, dissolve 2 tablespoons of baking soda and 1 tablespoon of salt. Soak your feet and relax for 15-20 minutes. The mixture will remove all the grime and grunge from your feet. To really give them a pampering, use the exfoliating paste as described earlier.

8. Hair Shampoo

If you use a lot of styling products or wash your hair every day, residue will build up over time and leave it looking dull and lifeless. The active ingredients mean that one of the uses of baking soda is as an alternative to shampoo, removing the product build-up. In a small squeezy bottle with nozzle applicator, mix 1 part baking soda with 3 parts water. Shake well then apply to your hair by starting at the roots and working down to the tips. Leave on for 2-3 minutes then rinse well with warm water.

9. Nail Scrub

Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda onto a damp nail brush and use it to clean under your nails and around the cuticles. You can do this on finger and toe nails. It will leave your cuticles soft and your nails shiny.

10. Deodorant

If you're looking for an all-natural alternative to deodorant, whip up this easy baking soda deodorant to stay clean and fresh. Combine 4 tablespoons of baking soda with about 10 drops of the essential oil of your choice and apply it to your underarms with a brush.

11. Remove Product Buildup

Baking soda is fantastic at removing oil and product buildup in our hair and it can do the same for our combs and brushes. Fill up a bowl with warm water and add about 3 tablespoons of baking soda. Mix and soak your combs and brushes for a quick cleanup.
I'd love to hear if you have tried any of these ways to use baking soda, or maybe you have some more suggestions?

BB creams vs CC creams

 

BB Creams

What is it? Short for beauty balm or blemish balm, BB creams are the love child of makeup and skincare. BB cream is promoted as an all-in-one facial cosmetic product to replace serum, moisturizer, primer, foundation and sunblock. While its benefits seem to be endless, at its bare bones BB cream is the world's best tinted moisturizer, packed with tons of benefits as well as SPF.

What it was? BB cream was originally formulated in the 1960s in Germany by dermatologist Dr. Christine Schrammek to protect her patients' skin after surgery. Introduced to South Korea and Japan in 1985 – where healthy-looking, porcelain skin is heavily prized – the cream was hailed as "the secret of Korean actresses," and was heavily endorsed by Korean celebrities.

What it does: BB creams can smooth the skin, contain anti-aging elements, even out your skin tone, moisturize, protect against sun damage, and have a light-reflecting component that give your skin a dewy, luminous look!

How to use it: Although it may have SPF, don't douse your face with it the way you do sunscreen—a light layer is all you need. BB creams can also be used as a primer, moisturizer, and foundation!

How it differs: BB cream provides the least amount of coverage of all the alphabet creams, so it's perfect for a younger woman whose skin needs a little pick-me-up!

CC Creams

What is it? Known as Color Control cream, or Color Correcting cream, is a refined Blemish Balm cream. CC cream was developed to retain all the benefits of BB cream with added nourishing ingredients whilst reducing the appearance of skin redness or sallowness (often with light-diffusing particles). Packed to the gills with vitamins C and E, complexion corrector cream is similar to BB cream, but focuses on color correction.
What it does: Lighter than a BB cream, CC cream's primary purpose is to correct color-related skin issues, such as sallowness or redness. Like BB cream, it has SPF as well (number varies by brand).
How to use it: If you're acne-prone, have dull skin, dark spots or constant redness, CC cream is for you.
How it differs: Use CC cream to help with redness, acne, dark spots, sallowness and more. It's also lighter than BB cream!

DD Creams

What is it? Fresh to the alphabet cream craze, DD creams, or "dynamic do-all" are a super cream: They combine the power and benefits of both BB and CC creams. However, their primary focus is anti-aging.
What it does: The anti-aging speciality of the cream works to diminish wrinkles and fine lines throughout use. Additionally, DD cream will balance skin tone and protect the most sensitive areas of your skin.
How to use it: Supposedly, you'll really see improvements in your skin with continued use, so use often and incorporate it into your daily routine!
How it differs: DD cream's strongest selling point is their anti-aging benefits. If you're looking to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, this cream is the cream for you.

Benefits of 100% pure Cocoa Butter

 by Seasame

Cocoa butter is the natural fat extracted from the cacao bean of the cacao tree in tropical climates like South America and West Africa. It has a soft, sweet cocoa aroma and contains lots of vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids. This is why the ingredient makes an excellent moisturizer especially for dry skin on the body. This is the first time I’ve purchased cocoa butter from a brand. The last I’ve purchased was by the weight from a DIY ingredient supplier and I used it to make deodorant.

When I ran a search on the benefits of cocoa butter, I came across many benefits of the ingredient for our skin, some of which I wasn’t even aware of. I believe some of you will be surprised to learn of them too.
1. Provide sun protection
I know that shea butter provides some sun protection but it looks like cocoa butter is also a natural sunscreen. However, don’t expect it to provide too much protection—you’re better off using your sunscreen. What you can take comfort is that it may provide added sun protection and so it’s a good ingredient if you also have it in your sunscreen.
2. Prevent stretch marks
I’ve read a lot about how cocoa butter makes a good ingredient to reduce stretch marks. In fact, quite a number of reviewers actually use this Cococare 100% Cocoa Butter Stick for that purpose. However, I reckon this stick is good enough for a small area because you’ll definitely need lots of them if you’re looking at preventing stretch marks during pregnancy.
3. Reduce pigmentation
Okay, I wasn’t expecting to find out that cocoa butter can help reduce hyper-pigmentation. But apparently, it does, going by the reviews I’ve read online with before and after pictures. True or not, I have to take it for a spin to know. Logically, it makes sense because of the next benefit I’m about to share but I suppose it’ll take quite a long time to see results.
4. Smooth out scarring
Yes, cocoa butter is widely known to reduce scarring and I can attest to this. I started rubbing this stick on an ugly mark on my arm and have noticed some fading after just two days. Prior to that, the scar remained dark and showed no signs of improvement. So I believe the scar will disappear soon if I continue to persist in my application. But I need to add that my scar is rather new so I’m not sure if this ingredient will work as well for older scars.
5. Alleviate psoriasis, eczema and dermatitis
I’ve read that cocoa butter is good for problem skin conditions because it contains cacao mass polyphenol (CMP), a substance that inhibits the production of the immunoglobulin IgE. IgE is known to aggravate and accelerate skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema and dermatitis. But I think if you want to use cocoa butter to treat your skin conditions, it’ll be best to get a body lotion containing this as a key ingredient because a stick like this can’t get you too far.
Well, the Cococare 100% Cocoa Butter Stick is little but I’ll say this product is versatile and useful especially if you need a moisturizer on the go. It is light and smooths your skin without causing greasiness. Anyway, at less than US$2 per stick, I don’t suppose users have anything much to complain against it anyway.

What to Expect Before, During, and After a Spa Treatment

by Kaitlyn Dreyling


Nothing is more indulgent, relaxing, and restoring than a trip to the spa. Whether it's your first time or you're a spa regular, Amanda Wells, the spa director at The Setai Spa Wall Street, to give us tips to making the most of your spa experience. Learn when to eat before and after, how to prolong your state of bliss, and more when you read on.
Before:
Eat an hour before: "When it comes to eating, you don’t want to be extremely full, otherwise being on your stomach would just be uncomfortable," Wells explains. "It’s OK to snack lightly right before your massage, and eating a light meal 60 to 90 minutes before your service is ideal."
Arrive early: "We recommend arriving at least 15 minutes early in order to change into a robe and slippers," Wells says. "But we encourage our guests to arrive 30 to 45 minutes early to use the jacuzzi, sauna, and aromatherapy steam amenities." Be sure to ask what amenities are available at your local spa.
Use the heat amenities: "Using the heat amenities before a massage warms your muscles, making it easier for you to relax once on the massage table and allows the therapist to achieve better results," Wells explains. For a facial, only use the steam room and heat amenities before your service, not after.
Talk to your therapist: Let your therapist know of any medical conditions or surgeries, allergies, any current ailments, what areas to focus on and any areas to avoid, and the level of pressure you prefer. Also be sure to mention if you're pregnant or need fragrance-free options.
During:
Undressing: "Being completely nude is entirely up to the discretion of the guest," Wells says. "Most spas do provide disposable underwear and bra tops for clients to wear during body treatments. However, you will be properly draped. The only area exposed will be the area being worked on by the therapist."
Make sure you're comfortable: "A therapist should always check in with you about seven to 10 minutes into the service to make sure you are comfortable with the level of pressure." But don't be afraid to speak up if something is uncomfortable during your treatment or if you have a question or request.
After:
Drink water: Because massage increases blood flow and stimulates circulation, it's important to rehydrate after a treatment.
Have a light snack: "Massage work increases your circulation and speeds up digestion, so eat a small snack right after a massage to give yourself an electrolyte boost."
Stay warm: Just because your treatment is over doesn't mean it's time to leave. Continue to relax and stay warm using the spa's heat amenities. Wells also recommends a warm neck pillow for at-home relaxation.
Don't forget to tip: "A standard gratuity is 18 to 20 percent of the total service, and if you received a special promotion or savings, always be sure to leave gratuity on the original price," Wells adds.

Most Irritating Phrases ever

Whether you are at work or at home, with colleagues or friends, there
are some words or phrases that can drive the people around you to
complete insanity. Especially if you use them again, and again and
again!

The trouble with these words is that they are not something we have
carefully chosen to most eloquently make a point. No, they are just
filler words that we got into the habit of using. They often don’t
mean anything, they are just there to irritate.

In some people the use of these repetitive, nothing-saying,
filler-words has reached epidemic proportions. I believe we need to
cure this and stop using them. When I say stop using them I don’t mean
completely. I don’t mind if someone uses them appropriately. I use
most of them. What we have to stop is using them repeatedly and
without meaning!

But then, maybe it’s just me? Maybe I am the only one that gets
irritated by that? Or do you get annoyed and tired of hearing someone
talk like this:

“To be honest, at the end of the day you are literally going get into
trouble, seriously. I mean, you better be careful, if you know what I
mean. I am just saying.”

Or this:

“Awesome! This is, like, I mean, totally seriously, like, the most
epic band I have ever heard. You know what I’m saying. I am literally
going to, like, die if I can’t go and see them.”

Some might argue it is just teenagers. No. I believe that every decade
has their favorites. For me, the two examples show this nicely where
the first one would typically come from someone a little older and the
second from someone of a younger generation.

We seem to use these words to fill pauses in our conversations. My
recommendation is to actually pause, instead of bombarding people with
meaningless words that simply make it more difficult (and exhausting)
to understand what someone is saying. Pauses are fine! Pauses are
natural.

Here are my top ten most irritating filler phrases:

“At the end of the day” – What does that even mean? Does it mean
later? Just leave it out!
“To be honest” – Why, are you normally not honest with me? What a
crazy thing to say!
“If you know what I mean” – If I don’t know what you mean I would
probably tell you. I don’t need a prompt.
“You know” – Is this a question or a statement?
“Having said that” – Yes, you have just said that. I was here, you
have been speaking to me and I don’t need you to tell me that you have
just said something to me!
“Like” – This is especially annoying if it is inserted a number of
times into every single sentence. Why, oh, why?
“Literally” – Should mean ‘figuratively’ or exactly as you say. It
makes so sense to ‘literally explode’ or to ‘literally die’.
“I am just saying’” – Yes, I have heard it. Should this make me feel
better about the fact that you have just offended me or said something
that didn’t make sense?
“Seriously” – Are you saying that you are telling me the truth or are
you using it as a replacement for ‘yeah’ – I am, like, seriously
confused!
"I mean" – Some people litter this phrase into every single sentence
they say. It must be one of the most meaningless phrases of all.
So, is it just me? Or do these words drive you nuts too? 'Like’ this
post if they do! No seriously, like, totally 'like' this post! I am
just saying, if you know what I mean? Finally, feel free to add other
phrases you find particularly infuriating into the comment field –
let’s make it the most complete list, like, I mean, seriously, EVER!

In addition will add another irritating phrase i absolutely hate
" I swear down"- why do you have to swear down, it does not show you
are been truthful!

Why Hire a Professional Makeup Artist for your Wedding?

One of the many questions that a bride-to-be usually asks herself is whether or not to hire a professional makeup artist for her big day. Most women know how to do their own makeup, so why not save the money and do it yourself on your wedding day?
One important thing to keep in mind – if having your makeup look amazing during your wedding (& for the wedding photos) is important to you, get it done professionally!! It’s better to spend the extra money to ensure that you won’t have regrets during your wedding if your hair comes undone, your eyeshadow keeps fading or if your face appears too shiny/oily in the photographs.

Your wedding is a day you’ve most likely dreamt of when you were a little girl. You must’ve pictured yourself looking like a stunning princess. Let a professional makeup artist help you turn that dream into a reality! There are a number of reasons why you should get your hair and makeup done by a pro:

- Photography makeup is different from your everyday makeup. A professional makeup artist will know how to perfectly apply it so you look radiant and photogenic in front of the camera. Being familiar with how makeup will look after the effects of professional photography, they will be able to apply it so your photos turn out flawless and amazing – no photoshop needed!

- A professional will know which products to best use for flash photography. For example, you do not want to accidentally use a foundation with SPF and have your face come out a lighter shade than the rest of your body in your photographs! A professional makeup artist will have a kit full of camera-friendly products.

- Your wedding day will be full of emotion and stress. You will be moving around for hours while having people hug an kiss you, leading to sweat and tears (of joy!). You will want good quality makeup applied correctly so it lasts for hours and stays flawless and fresh.

- On your wedding day, there may be a number of unexpected problems to arise that will keep you busy and pre-occupied. The time spent on having your hair and makeup done by someone else will be a time for you to relax.

- A professional makeup artist will have knowledge of which products will work best for your features and enhance them. They will create looks that best compliment your dress, wedding theme and your personality.


If you are still hesitant about using a professional, why not book a trial? Take some photos of yourself after the trail run - we are positive you will love the results.

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Five big-day secrets every bride should know

Karen Rose asks these newlyweds what they wish they’d known before walking down the aisle...

1. Some things won't quite go to plan, but it doesn't matter

It might be hard to swallow, but no wedding (no, not even yours) will go off without a hitch. It might be that you wake up on your big day with a blemish that makes Mount Everest look small in comparison, the heavens could very well open despite it being mid-July, your flowers may wilt, the beef might be overcooked and it’s very likely that someone will end up in a heap on the dancefloor. But will you care? Not a jot!

When newlywed Abbie’s car broke down on the morning of the wedding, she was terrified she wouldn’t make it to the church on time: “I was meant to arrive in a beautiful mint green vintage vehicle. In the end, I stepped out of my dad’s knackered old Volvo but it didn’t matter, all our guests were already inside. At least it got us there on time.”


2. It’s important to spend quality time with your groom 

Although the guests will be competing for your attention all day, your wedding is about celebrating your love, so do this together rather than at opposite ends of the room. “I only got one short moment with my new husband,” confesses recent bride Emily. “It all went by so quickly and I wish I’d taken some time to stand back and just take everything in,” she adds.

Even if you do plan to escape together, it can be difficult to find the time to slip away so make the most of the moments where you do get to focus on each other. “During our first dance, we didn’t even notice anybody else,” recalls newlywed Nicole. “It was the most beautiful moment and felt like just the two of us.” Other times to cherish throughout the day include saying your vows at the ceremony and the time you take out with your photographer.


3. You won’t want to pose for photos, but you’ll be thankful you did

When it comes to the photography, it’s not just the couple portraits that are important to spend time over. You should also ensure you get pictures taken with the other important people in your life. You can’t have a second run at your wedding album, so don’t miss out on those perfect shots with the people close to you. “I didn’t realise at the time, but I had lots of pictures taken with my dad and nowhere near enough with my mum,” recalls newly-wed Jane. “My mum and I are so close and it’s sad that there’s not more pictures of us together in my wedding album.”

Be sure to give your photographer a list of people you’d like to be photographed with and put a member of the bridal party in charge of rounding everyone up. You might feel like you’re spending a lot of time posing, but it’ll be worth it in years to come when you have the perfect wedding album to reminisce over.

4. You should give your dress a trial run before the big day 

We’re not suggesting you nip down to the shops in your pristine white gown, but if you leave it hanging in plastic right up until the morning of the wedding, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to: a) fasten it properly, b) move around in it, and c) figure out how to go to the bathroom. “I hadn’t prepared for the size of my skirt during our first dance,” admits newlywed Heather. “All of our carefully practised steps to Nina Simone’s ‘Feeling Good’ had to be improvised as I couldn’t safely execute the pirouette turns without getting myself into a tangle!”

Recent bride Avril had a different problem on her big day: “When I tried on the dress in the shop, the sales assistant showed me and my sister how to fasten it and we thought we had it down. But on the day itself, we just couldn’t get it right. In many of the photos, I can see myself in the background pulling at the bodice to stop my bra from showing.” All it takes to prevent these wardrobe malfunctions is one afternoon spent in the house with your bridesmaids – put your dress on, walk around for a while, do a little jig and figure out the most practical way to obey the call of nature.


5. You shouldn’t let your guests have all the fun 

After months – possibly even years – of planning your dream celebration, you will be surprised at how many of the finer details you won’t even notice on the day. You’ll be so busy having a good time that things like the handmade favours and elaborate table plan could escape your attention.

“I got so swept up in the excitement of the day that I didn’t remember to have any of the delicious Italian antipasti and appetisers, which I’d spent a whole afternoon choosing ahead of the wedding,” says Jane. “People still talk about how good the food was and all I can do is nod,” she laughs. To ensure this doesn’t happen to you, savour every detail of the day, taste every canapé, don’t just cut the cake; eat it! Try to take a mental snap of every special moment that happens throughout the wedding – and you can recall them over and over again in the years to come.

Oh, and another thing...

It could possibly be the best-kept secret of them all, but that romantic first night as husband and wife you’ve been dreaming about? There’s a good chance it won’t happen quite as planned. In fact, it’s more likely you’ll awake still trussed up in your dress with no memory of falling into bed at all. OK, so you might not end the evening in the throes of passion, but do make sure you organise a late check-out for the following morning to make the most of a long lie-in!

Five big-day secrets every bride should know

Karen Rose asks these newlyweds what they wish they’d known before walking down the aisle...

1. Some things won't quite go to plan, but it doesn't matter

It might be hard to swallow, but no wedding (no, not even yours) will go off without a hitch. It might be that you wake up on your big day with a blemish that makes Mount Everest look small in comparison, the heavens could very well open despite it being mid-July, your flowers may wilt, the beef might be overcooked and it’s very likely that someone will end up in a heap on the dancefloor. But will you care? Not a jot!

When newlywed Abbie’s car broke down on the morning of the wedding, she was terrified she wouldn’t make it to the church on time: “I was meant to arrive in a beautiful mint green vintage vehicle. In the end, I stepped out of my dad’s knackered old Volvo but it didn’t matter, all our guests were already inside. At least it got us there on time.”


2. It’s important to spend quality time with your groom 

Although the guests will be competing for your attention all day, your wedding is about celebrating your love, so do this together rather than at opposite ends of the room. “I only got one short moment with my new husband,” confesses recent bride Emily. “It all went by so quickly and I wish I’d taken some time to stand back and just take everything in,” she adds.

Even if you do plan to escape together, it can be difficult to find the time to slip away so make the most of the moments where you do get to focus on each other. “During our first dance, we didn’t even notice anybody else,” recalls newlywed Nicole. “It was the most beautiful moment and felt like just the two of us.” Other times to cherish throughout the day include saying your vows at the ceremony and the time you take out with your photographer.


3. You won’t want to pose for photos, but you’ll be thankful you did

When it comes to the photography, it’s not just the couple portraits that are important to spend time over. You should also ensure you get pictures taken with the other important people in your life. You can’t have a second run at your wedding album, so don’t miss out on those perfect shots with the people close to you. “I didn’t realise at the time, but I had lots of pictures taken with my dad and nowhere near enough with my mum,” recalls newly-wed Jane. “My mum and I are so close and it’s sad that there’s not more pictures of us together in my wedding album.”

Be sure to give your photographer a list of people you’d like to be photographed with and put a member of the bridal party in charge of rounding everyone up. You might feel like you’re spending a lot of time posing, but it’ll be worth it in years to come when you have the perfect wedding album to reminisce over.

4. You should give your dress a trial run before the big day 

We’re not suggesting you nip down to the shops in your pristine white gown, but if you leave it hanging in plastic right up until the morning of the wedding, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to: a) fasten it properly, b) move around in it, and c) figure out how to go to the bathroom. “I hadn’t prepared for the size of my skirt during our first dance,” admits newlywed Heather. “All of our carefully practised steps to Nina Simone’s ‘Feeling Good’ had to be improvised as I couldn’t safely execute the pirouette turns without getting myself into a tangle!”

Recent bride Avril had a different problem on her big day: “When I tried on the dress in the shop, the sales assistant showed me and my sister how to fasten it and we thought we had it down. But on the day itself, we just couldn’t get it right. In many of the photos, I can see myself in the background pulling at the bodice to stop my bra from showing.” All it takes to prevent these wardrobe malfunctions is one afternoon spent in the house with your bridesmaids – put your dress on, walk around for a while, do a little jig and figure out the most practical way to obey the call of nature.


5. You shouldn’t let your guests have all the fun 

After months – possibly even years – of planning your dream celebration, you will be surprised at how many of the finer details you won’t even notice on the day. You’ll be so busy having a good time that things like the handmade favours and elaborate table plan could escape your attention.

“I got so swept up in the excitement of the day that I didn’t remember to have any of the delicious Italian antipasti and appetisers, which I’d spent a whole afternoon choosing ahead of the wedding,” says Jane. “People still talk about how good the food was and all I can do is nod,” she laughs. To ensure this doesn’t happen to you, savour every detail of the day, taste every canapé, don’t just cut the cake; eat it! Try to take a mental snap of every special moment that happens throughout the wedding – and you can recall them over and over again in the years to come.

Oh, and another thing...

It could possibly be the best-kept secret of them all, but that romantic first night as husband and wife you’ve been dreaming about? There’s a good chance it won’t happen quite as planned. In fact, it’s more likely you’ll awake still trussed up in your dress with no memory of falling into bed at all. OK, so you might not end the evening in the throes of passion, but do make sure you organise a late check-out for the following morning to make the most of a long lie-in!

How to look *amazing* in your wedding photographs

If you're dreading being photographed on your wedding day - whether it be due to an aversion of saying 'cheese!' or a terror of unflattering angles - fear no more. Internationally renowned wedding photographer Julia Boggio has shared her top tips for feeling snap-happy in front of the camera!

 

1. One of the best ways to look good in your wedding photos is to hire a professional photographer. This is one of the most important days of your life and it’s not worth gambling with your wedding memories by hiring an inexperienced photographer.

 

2. This may sound obvious, but get your hair and make-up done. Ask for a trial beforehand to make sure you’re happy with how it looks. And, if you can stretch to it, get your bridesmaids’ hair and make-up done, so that they look fabulous in your photos, too!

 

3. Buy a dress that looks great on the body you have, not the body you’d like to have. Whether you are slim or full-figured, there is a dress out there that’s flattering for you. Have fun with accessories: a little bit of bling or a nice furry jacket can look great in photographs. This is your chance to look like a movie star, so, for example, you could add a bit of glamour by switching your veil for a birdcage hat in the evening.

 

4. Smile! Again, it may seem obvious, but don’t worry about details on the day. Just enjoy it, even if not everything goes to plan.

 

5. However, you should practice perfecting your smile beforehand! It’s not always about toothy grins at the lens. Try a variety of expressions when you’re being photographed. Sometimes a serious look is better. If you’re worried about looking sullen, then soften the look by breathing through your mouth.

 

6. Stand up straight. Slouching is seldom attractive and good posture will help you look taller and more slender.

 

7. If you don’t have toned arms, then avoid standing with your arms crushed to your body. Lifting them away – for example, by holding your bouquet – will make your arms appear slimmer.

 

8. Book a pre-wedding shoot with your photographer. Most people have never been professionally photographed before their big day, so it’s a good idea to experience it beforehand. It’s a good chance to get to know your photographer and how she works and it’s also going help you relax on your big day, when it really counts.

 

9. Leave enough time for your photographs, so that you don’t end up rushing them. I generally ask couples to put aside 45 minutes to an hour for their couple photos. Alternatively, you can have smaller photo sessions with your photographer throughout the day, for example, half an hour after the ceremony and fifteen minutes between the main course and dessert.

 

10. Listen to your wedding photographer. He or she can see the image they are creating and will know, from experience, how to pose you so you look your best!

What does your handwriting say about you

If It Slants…
To the right: Outgoing and sociable, you like to communicate with those around you.
To the left: You tend to stay away from group work, preferring to work alone and
out of the spotlight. Right-handed? A leftward slant may indicate rebellious feelings.
No slant: Logical and sensible, you tend to keep feelings to yourself.

If The Writing Is…
Small: Insightful and a bit shy, it is easy for you to focus and concentrate.
Large: Your personality is a big as your letters. You are likely very outgoing and enjoy
being the center of attention.
Average: You’re a go-with-the-flow kind of person. You are a social chameleon and
tend to adapt well in most situations.

Speed…
If you write things quickly: you are impatient, dislike delays or time wasters
If you write slowly: more organized, more methodical, more self reliant

Spacing…
Good deal of space- you need your freedom, to do things in your own time, don’t like
to be overwhelmed or crowed.
Very little space- it shows a tremendous about of irritability and constant pressure
on yourself

Size…
Small handwriting: research-oriented, good concentration, methodical, not always
social
Large handwriting: people oriented, outgoing, outspoken, love to entertain and
interlock
Right in the middle: you like to be with people, but value your own time

Top tips from real-life brides

Written by Bride De Force on 12-11-2012

Who better to take advice from than a recent bride? So, with this in mind, I have compiled a top ten 'real bride top tips' list to help you to achieve your perfect wedding.

1. Try not to obsess about the weather in the run-up to the wedding day. You can ruin the excitement by worrying what the weather will be like and checking hundreds of different weather forecasts. There's no point, there's absolutely nothing you can do to change it and the weirdest thing is - on the day you really don't care! Abbie

2. Create the best version of yourself and stay true to our own style. Kelly

3. Try not to get stressed out with family members. It’s hard to remember that they are looking forward to this day almost as much as you and just want to help. Try and be as diplomatic as possible with interfering parents. Alex

4. Make the most of your day as it really does fly by and no matter what goes wrong, there is nothing you can do on the day. Catherine

5. Don't lose sight of why you are getting married in the first place. Rachel

6. Make sure your photo session is really organized and timing is kept to a minimum. The photos part can easily take over an hour if you're not careful, and you'll miss out on spending time with your guests and enjoying the atmosphere. Becky

7. Try and have a quiet moment together with a nice glass of champagne. Catriona

8. Stop looking for inspiration online at least three months prior to your wedding, otherwise you'll go crazy trying to fit in yet another cool detail you just found! Anita

9. Leave more time to get ready than you think so you have time for photographs. Gill

10. Force yourself to eat on the day. I was so nervous/excited that I didn’t remember to eat but wish I had later on as the champagne went slightly to my head! Chloe

Bridal Resolution

It's the start of a new year - and the perfect opportunity to get on top of your planning!

Whether you're newly engaged or have already started planning your wedding day, the New Year is a perfect opportunity to reassess how your big-day plans are progressing. Here are our top 10 resolutions for brides-to-be...

I WILL…
Spend non-wedding time with my fiancé

Remember life before wedding planning? We thought not... It's really important not to lose sight of why you’re getting hitched and the key to this is spending quality time together. Preferably, where you don’t end up arguing about the seating plan! (Check out our feature Feel The Love in the February/March issue of Wedding on sale 10 January!) A fun first step could be organizing a 'date night' at least once a week where you and your man take a trip to the cinema, cook a fancy meal or simply have a cuddle on the sofa. These are all activities which will help you reconnect as a couple pre-wedding day.

I WILL NOT…
Obsess over things I can’t control

Your wedding day will be here before you know it, so promise yourself you'll savor the run-up rather than stressing about the unpredictable elements. Torrential rain, simmering guest-feuds and Uncle Alf’s jokes are all things which can’t be controlled, so focus on what you can have command over and relax.

I WILL…
Keep my eyes peeled for sample sales

Whether you’re searching for your dream dress or shopping for your bridesmaids, the sample sale is a powerful opportunity to find fabulous gowns at jaw-dropping prices. Make sure you check our Diary pages to keep up-to-date with the latest sample sales happening near you.

I WILL NOT…
Compromise my vision

Whether you’ve always dreamt of doves being released as you say your vows, or fantasized about a first dance to Reach by S Club, make sure you don’t lose sight of what you and your fiancé want. One bride’s ‘ridiculous’ is another bride’s ‘OMG, amazing!’ – it’s your day, so make sure it’s what you want.

I WILL…
Get glowing

Every bride wants to look her best in her wedding photos but that doesn’t mean you have to pound the treadmill or hop on the surgeon’s couch. Rather, take little steps to guarantee a gorgeous, healthy glow on your big day. Drink more water, go for a stroll on your lunch break, get your eight hours of sleep every night. All these small changes will really make a big difference to how you look and feel.

I WILL NOT…
Let organization (or lack thereof) stress me out

Enlist your most efficient bridesmaid to help you monitor how things are progressing, from the RSVPs to buttonhole arrangements. Keep contact details for suppliers, caterers and florists to-hand; make sure you know what time your cake and floral arrangements will be set-up on the day; double – and then triple – check the best man knows where the wedding rings are. Simple (promise!).

I WILL…
Get crafty

Endeavor to make your wedding the ultimate in personalized by adding a hand-made touch or two. Whether you create the invites or make the favors, an element of DIY will add a real splash of personality to your day. Take a look online for ideas (check out our Pinterest boards here) and get creative!

I WILL NOT…
Go over budget

If you set yourself just one resolution for 2013, make sure it’s sticking to your wedding budget (or as closely as you can). There is a lot of temptation when it comes to planning your big day: from dresses to flowers and cakes to favours, it’s all so gosh-darned pretty and you could find yourself spending far more than you originally planned. However, avoid this by drawing up a proper budget and working out how much you can spend on each area of the day – and click here for some extra penny-saving tips, too.

I WILL…
Spend time finding our dream honeymoon location

Don’t rush into booking your honeymoon unless you already know exactly where you want to go and precisely what you want to get out of your bridal break. However, if you’re not so sure, consider the various factors which will impact upon your experience. When will you be going? What kind of weather do you prefer? What do you want from the trip: to soak up culture, have an adventure or simply chill out by the pool? Do your research, shop around for the best deals and – most importantly – check your passport hasn’t expired!

I WILL NOT…
Turn into a bridezilla

Fact number one: every bride wants her big day to be perfect. Fact number two: the quest for big-day perfection does not have to turn you into a bridezilla (remember Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway in Bride Wars…?). Focus on the fact that everyone in your bridal party is doing their utmost to help you plan the day of your dreams – and also bear in mind that ‘bridezilla’ is a reference to Godzilla, the scaly, roaring monster that terrorises mankind. Not a hot bridal look…

Why Men Cheat

Why Do Men Cheat?
Intimacy, control, and…just being a horn-dog? Sex and relationship experts spill on the top reasons why men cheat. (Besides, you know, being total a-holes.)

They're Avoiding Intimacy
"Some men cheat to avoid any real intimacy. Intimacy scares them, so they distance themselves from their wife or girlfriend by cheating on her" says psychiatrist Gail Saltz, MD. This way they never have to fully rely on someone else, so they can't get hurt. Yeah, it makes sense in their minds…

They Crave Intimacy
On the flip side, some men are searching for intimacy outside of their relationship. According sex expert Emily Morse, some couples drift apart over time and don't communicate about their lack of intimacy. When that happens, some men think it's easier to just cheat instead of talking about it.

Their Libido Needs a Boost
You know how it goes—you can't get enough of each other at the beginning. But after a while, things feel more comfortable…which isn't a bad thing. Some men crave that newness again and go elsewhere to find it.

They Want Control
Dr. Saltz says some men are unfaithful because they want control and power in the relationship, and cheating puts the ball in their court.

They Lack Willpower
Morse says that some men are just plain weak. They give into a sexual affair, "simply because the opportunity presented itself and they weren't strong enough to say no." Sounds like a cop-out to us.

They've Gotten Away
With it Before
According to Dr. Saltz, not every cheater is a repeat offender, but they can be—especially if they haven't worked on figuring out what drove them to in the first place or if they just don't care about anyone but themselves.

They Want Variety
Get this: Some men will cheat even though they love the woman they're with. "Men admit to cheating because they crave variety, and new experiences" says Morse, "but have done so while still being very happy in their current relationship." Yeah…that's ridiculously lame.