These 5 makeup tips had the biggest impact in 2025

These 5 makeup tips had the biggest impact in 2025

Here’s my rounding up of the five beauty tutorials that have made the biggest impact in my chair.

Each tutorial and makeover tells a story, from the subtle shifts that spark confidence to the bold changes that can redefine your personal style. The work that I feature in my weekly column is intended to help inspire you to try some of these looks out for yourselves.

My wish is that my work is not only helpful, but also enjoyable to read and I look forward to sharing more beauty tips, tricks and trends with you for years to come.

Wishing you all a Happy New Year, and thank you for your continued love and support.

Teal blue eye makeup

Give your summer look an update with a hue of blue. Here’s how I turned a pretty neutral eyeshadow look into an impressive and vibrant statement look using one product.

Silver eyeshadow

Icy eyeshadow that sizzles for summer. It’s all about the cool tones for hot vibes. Whether it’s shimmery, frosty or bold metallic pops, this look will turn heads and keep things fresh.

Retro liner

A contemporary twist on a retro eyeliner. I’m drawn toward the ’60s-inspired makeup trends of the double liner look. Here’s a modern twist on a retro beauty look that you might like to try.

Spring pastels

How to incorporate the spring pastel trend into your look. Spring is a time for optimism, renewal and dreaming of brighter days ahead, and this year’s biggest makeup trend is all about pastels. This time around, we’re seeing more muted hues on the eye, cheeks and lips, which offer a softer and more minimal burst of colour without feeling too intense.

Single-colour makeup

Single-colour makeup that gives the illusion of elevated glam. With a stacked calendar of events this summer season, spending hours on your makeup isn’t practical. Here’s how I used the used an eyeshadow stick to get the look.

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OK! Magazine

‘I’m a skincare expert and these are my top tips for managing festive breakouts ‘

A skincare expert has shared her top tips on how to effectively tackle post-festive skin breakouts for a clearer, healthier skin.

Parul Sharma GAU audience writer

08:00, 25 Dec 2025

How to manage your festive breakouts(Image: Getty)

The festive season is a time for merriment, lavish feasts, late-night parties and perhaps a bit too much indulgence — but for many, it’s also the time when their skin starts to act up. Spots, clogged pores and redness are common side effects of overindulging in rich foods, alcoholic beverages, lack of sleep and inconsistent skincare routines.

If you’re one of the many who’ve turned to Google in desperation, asking how to deal with skin breakouts — we have some good news. A skincare guru has revealed her top tips on how to fight those inevitable festive season breakouts, and all it requires are a few simple, easy-to-follow tweaks to your skincare routine.

Laura Porter, expert facialist and founder of FAB Skincare, says that post-Christmas skin woes are among the most common problems she sees in her treatment room every January. Laura advises: “Your skin is often the first place to show signs of internal stress. Overindulgence doesn’t mean you’ve ‘ruined’ your skin — it just needs a gentle reset rather than harsh treatments or over-cleansing, which can make things worse.”

Why festive excess causes breakouts

Alcoholic drinks, sugar and rich foods can cause inflammation and dehydration, while late nights and insufficient sleep disrupt the skin’s natural repair cycle. When these factors are combined with heavier makeup and less frequent cleansing, pores can quickly become blocked — leading to blemishes, dull skin and uneven texture, reports the Mirror.

Many people’s skin starts to rebel during the festive season due to all the excess(Image: Getty Images)

Skincare expert’s handy post-festive advice

Don’t over-cleanse your skin

When a breakout pops up, many of us instinctively grab for harsh cleansers, scrubs or potent acids in an effort to “dry out” blemishes.

However, Laura advises the opposite: “Over-cleansing and harsh acids can compromise your skin barrier, leading to more inflammation, sensitivity and ongoing breakouts. Your skin needs support, not punishment. Cleanse thoroughly but gently, ideally twice a day, and avoid anything that leaves your skin feeling tight or squeaky.”

A healthy skin barrier helps regulate oil production and allows active ingredients to work more effectively.

Make overnight skin repair a priority

The skin just needs a gentle reset rather than harsh treatments(Image: Getty Images)

Night-time is when the skin naturally switches into repair mode: “This is the ideal time to support healing, collagen production and hydration. While you sleep, your skin is more receptive to active ingredients, so an overnight treatment can significantly reduce redness, improve texture and help prevent lingering dark spots after a breakout has healed.” Consistent overnight care can make a visible difference within just a few days, shares the expert.

Hydration is key – both inside and out

Dehydration is a common yet frequently missed trigger for breakouts: “When skin is dehydrated, it often overproduces oil to compensate, which can clog pores. Drinking plenty of water, reducing alcohol where possible and using products that hydrate at multiple layers of the skin will help restore balance and improve clarity.”

Well-hydrated skin is also better equipped to heal and protect itself against further congestion.

Treat spots with precision, not panic

Instead of slathering multiple products across the entire face, Laura recommends a focused approach: “Spot treatments, such as the FAB Skincare No.6 Overnight Spot Treatment, are far more effective when used correctly. Apply directly to the blemish before bed and allow it to work overnight, rather than spreading strong ingredients across healthy skin.”

This technique helps clear congestion whilst minimising the risk of dryness, redness and post-inflammatory marks.

Be patient and maintain consistency

When skin plays up, it’s tempting to change everything at once —but this can prove counterproductive and backfire, explains the skin specialist. Laura warns: “Quick fixes rarely work. Consistency beats intensity every time. Stick to a simple, supportive routine and give your skin time to recover. Constantly switching products or overloading your skin will only slow the healing process. Avoid switching products too frequently.”

As we usher in the new year, Laura’s advice is straightforward: steer clear of drastic treatments and extreme measures, and focus on aiding your skin’s natural healing process.

“Your skin is incredibly resilient when you treat it with care. A calm, targeted approach will always deliver better results than trying to undo festive indulgence overnight.”

For the latest money saving tips, shopping and consumer news, go to the new Everything Money website.

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Tips and Tricks to Glow Up Your Going-Out Makeup

Tips and Tricks to Glow Up Your Going-Out Makeup

3. Swap liquid makeup and concealer for stick foundation.

For decades, “going-out makeup” meant applying and blending layers of liquid makeup and concealer as if we were all pros. Well, we’re not. Stick foundation has taken the “less is more” strategy learned from tinted moisturizer and made achieving a polished makeup look a snap.

By using primer, your foundation has one less thing to worry about. For many women, stick formulas can double as foundation and concealer if the formula is matte enough to cover brown spots and discolorations but creamy enough to work in the eye area, too. Maybelline New York Lifter Stix Multi-Use Face Makeup Stick ($8, target.com); Dior Forever Skin Perfect 24H Multi-Use Foundation Stick ($57, nordstrom.com); and Bobbi Brown Waterproof Skin Foundation Stick ($57, bloomingdales.com) all achieve this and come in a wide range of shades.

Some sticks have a semimatte, velvety texture, like Fashion Fair SkinFlex Stick Foundation ($39, sephora.com) and Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick ($49, sephora.com), and provide fuller coverage (I’d use a separate moisturizing eye area concealer with these), but they’re still more natural-looking than full-coverage liquids.

Other sticks, such as Well People Supernatural Complexion Stick Foundation ($26, target.com) and Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Foundation Stick ($46, sephora.com), offer a sheer, radiant look and provide the skin with more polish than a tinted moisturizer. Apply all of these foundations directly from the stick to your face, then use your fingers; their warmth helps the color melt into your own skin tone. Those who prefer tools can use a brush or makeup sponge. Reapply where you need extra help on brown spots, broken capillaries or redness around the nose. Sticks are portable and mess-free, so slip them into your bag for touch-ups as needed.

(From left) Anastasia Beverly Hills Dual-Ended Fill & Define Powder Perfect Brow Pencil; Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Matte Eye Shadow; Makeup by Mario Master Mattes Long-Wearing Cream Eyeshadow; Tarte Fake Awake Waterproof Gel Eyeliner Highlight in Universal Nude.

AARP (Meiko Arquillos, Getty Images)

4. Power up your eyes in a newer way.

Smoky, contoured eyes and their multicolor palette shadows have been the go-to for years. While there’s nothing wrong with the look, many women say their eyelid space is now reduced due to hooded and deep-set eyes, and the texture is often creased. Use your smoky-eye skills, but simplify the process by tweaking your products and application techniques. Start by adding an eye primer, and swap powders and palettes for cream shadows and basic liners, and mascara for waterproof versions in black.

Here’s why: Creamy shadow clings to lids, whether they are dry, warm or watery, and it doesn’t flake or crease. All you really need is one neutral shade applied from just above the crease to the lash line. Choose between light and dark shadow, matte and shimmer. To freshen discolored lids and wake up tired or small eyes, opt for peachy, sandy, beige or nude shades. Enhance your eyes’ shape or update your smoky vibe by choosing medium-toned taupes, browns or gray/mauvey browns.

Matte shadows like Makeup by Mario Master Mattes Long-Wearing Cream Eyeshadow in Taupe, Sandstone or Chestnut ($25, sephora.com) and Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Matte Eye Shadow in 17 Caramel, 13 Au Natural and 18 Cobblestone ($33, nordstrom.com) will blank out redness and give lids a smoother, firmer look. Shimmers, like L’Oréal Paris Le Shadow Stick in Magnetic Bronze, Brown Abyss, Twinkly Rose and Brown Bliss ($14, cvs.com), revive radiance and restore sparkle. Skip reddish browns and metallics that exacerbate fatigue and crepey lids. 

Next, swap your usual eye pencil and mascara for waterproof formulas in black, like Too Faced Killer Liner 36 Hour Waterproof Gel Eyeliner in Black ($26, kohls.com) and Revlon Colorstay Full Time Waterproof Mascara in Blackest Black ($13, cvs.com), to really power up your eyes. Double-line the upper lids at the lash roots and again under the roots, on the inside of the rim; for lower lids, use a lighter touch and the same pencil. For eyes that are red (due to allergies, cold or sensitivity) or puffy or that have significant under-eye discoloration, skip the black pencil on the lower lid. Instead, apply a nude eye pencil, such as Tarte Fake Awake Waterproof Gel Eyeliner Highlight in Universal Nude ($24, kohls.com), inside the waterline to brighten the eyes and counteract redness.

Last tip: Fill and extend brows that are skinny, skimpy, short or tadpole-shaped. Powder pencils, such as NYX Powder Louder Brow Pencil in Deep Brown, Blonde, Taupe and Soft Brown ($8, cvs.com) and Anastasia Beverly Hills Dual-Ended Fill & Define Powder Perfect Brow Pencil ($26, sephora.com), make revising and shaping brows faster and easier. You’ve got this!

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Liverpool Echo

Skincare expert shares her top tips to manage festive breakouts and dull skin

Festive breakouts are all too common during the holiday season — but there are a few simple ways to manage them, according to a skincare expert.

Parul Sharma GAU audience writer

08:00, 25 Dec 2025

A skincare expert is revealing her top tips for the festive season(Image: VladimirFLoyd via Getty Images)

The festive season brings joy, lavish feasts, lengthy evenings and perhaps an excess of everything — yet for numerous people, it’s also when their skin begins to act up. Blemishes, congested pores and inflammation are common results of rich cuisine, boozy beverages, inadequate rest and erratic skincare regimens.

If you’re among the many folk who’ve turned to the internet seeking solutions for skin breakouts — we’ve got some good news. A skincare specialist has revealed her essential advice for battling those unavoidable holiday season flare-ups, requiring only a handful of straightforward adjustments to your daily skincare regime.

Laura Porter, expert facialist and founder of FAB Skincare, reveals that post-festive season skin troubles rank amongst the most common concerns she witnesses in her treatment room each January. Laura explains: “Your skin is often the first place to show signs of internal stress. Overindulgence doesn’t mean you’ve ‘ruined’ your skin — it just needs a gentle reset rather than harsh treatments or over — cleansing, which can make things worse.”

What causes holiday overindulgence to trigger breakouts

Alcoholic drinks, sugar and decadent dishes can spark inflammation and moisture loss, while extended nights and poor sleep disrupts the skin’s natural restoration process. Combined with heavier cosmetics and inconsistent cleansing habits, pores can quickly become blocked – leading to spots, dull skin and patchy texture, reports the Mirror.

Many people’s skin starts to rebel during the festive season due to all the excess(Image: SWNS)

Skincare expert shares post-festive skincare advice

Steer clear of excessive skin cleansing

In the wake of a breakout, it’s common to reach for potent cleansers, exfoliators or strong acids in an effort to “dry out” blemishes.

However, Laura advises against this: “Over-cleansing and harsh acids can compromise your skin barrier, leading to more inflammation, sensitivity and ongoing breakouts. Your skin needs support, not punishment. Cleanse thoroughly but gently, ideally twice a day, and avoid anything that leaves your skin feeling tight or squeaky.”

A robust skin barrier aids in controlling oil production and enhances the effectiveness of active ingredients.

Prioritise nocturnal skin repair

Night-time is when the skin naturally enters repair mode: “This is the ideal time to support healing, collagen production and hydration. While you sleep, your skin is more receptive to active ingredients, so an overnight treatment can significantly reduce redness, improve texture and help prevent lingering dark spots after a breakout has healed.” Regular overnight care can yield noticeable results within just a few days.

Hydration is crucial — both internally and externally

The skin just needs a gentle reset rather than harsh treatments(Image: Getty Images)

Dehydration is a common but often neglected trigger for skin breakouts: “When skin is dehydrated, it often overproduces oil to compensate, which can clog pores. Drinking plenty of water, reducing alcohol where possible and using products that hydrate at multiple layers of the skin will help restore balance and improve clarity.”

Well-hydrated skin is also better prepared to heal and shield itself against further congestion.

Address spots with precision, not panic

Instead of slathering numerous products all over your face, Laura recommends a more focused approach: “Spot treatments, such as the FAB Skincare No.6 Overnight Spot Treatment, are far more effective when used correctly. Apply directly to the blemish before bed and allow it to work overnight, rather than spreading strong ingredients across healthy skin.”

This technique aids in clearing congestion while reducing the risk of dryness, redness and post-inflammatory marks.

Exercise patience and maintain consistency

When skin acts up, the urge to change everything at once can be strong – but this can backfire and prove counterproductive. Laura warns: “Quick fixes rarely work. Consistency beats intensity every time. Stick to a simple, supportive routine and give your skin time to recover. Constantly switching products or overloading your skin will only slow the healing process. Avoid switching products too frequently.”

As we usher in the new year, Laura’s advice is straightforward and unambiguous: steer clear of severe treatments and radical actions, focusing instead on bolstering your skin’s innate healing process. “Your skin is incredibly resilient when you treat it with care. A calm, targeted approach will always deliver better results than trying to undo festive indulgence overnight.”

For the latest money saving tips, shopping and consumer news, go to the new Everything Money website.

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The SIX skincare tips to get rid of 'Christmas face' this winter, according to experts

The SIX skincare tips to get rid of ‘Christmas face’ this winter, according to experts

THE festive season is a time of indulgence – from mince pies and festive cocktails to endless turkey sandwiches.

While these treats bring joy, they can take a toll on your skin, leaving it looking tired, dull, and acne-prone.

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Dr. Vanita Rattan on how to keep your skin glowing over the holidays

Dermatologists and skincare experts are calling this phenomenon “Christmas Face.”

Global skin doctor and founder of skincare line Dr. Vanita Rattan explains that late nights, overindulgence in alcohol and sugary foods, and disrupted routines are the main culprits behind the seasonal skin slump.

She shares six key habits to watch out for and how to keep your skin glowing throughout the holidays.

1. Alcohol

Alcohol is one of the fastest ways to dehydrate your skin because it’s a diuretic, increasing urine production and causing the body to lose more fluids than it takes in.

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As a diuretic, it increases fluid loss, leaving skin dry, flaky, and rough.

Fine lines and wrinkles can also appear more pronounced.

Alcohol depletes essential nutrients needed for skin repair, slowing down cell regeneration.

To combat this, Dr Rattan recommends using a ceramide- and peptide-rich moisturiser, such as a CeraPep cream, to boost hydration, improve texture, and strengthen the skin barrier.

2. Sugary treats

Christmas indulgences like roast dinners and sweet treats are high in saturated fats, which can disrupt gut bacteria and trigger inflammation.

This often leads to excess sebum production, clogged pores, and acne breakouts.

According to Dr. Rattan, cleansing twice daily with a blemish-controlling cleanser and following with a PM Gel Moisturizer containing glycerin to hydrate, niacinamide to control sebum, and salicylic acid to unclog pores can help.

Dr Rattan said: “It’s important to remember that achieving clearer skin isn’t just about avoiding certain foods.

“It’s about maintaining a solid skincare routine to combat inflammation which can lead to acne.”

3. Late nights

Sleep is crucial for skin repair. During rest, skin regenerates and recovers, helping your complexion look refreshed.

Lack of sleep leaves skin stressed, inflamed, and prone to breakouts.

Late nights and binge-drinking not only leave you feeling tired and hungover, but also make your skin look tired.

Prioritise getting 8-9 hours of sleep during the festive season
to keep your skin radiant and healthy.

4. Sleeping in makeup

It may be tempting to skip your nighttime routine after a long night out, but leaving makeup on can penetrate the deeper layers of the skin, preventing hydration and causing dryness and irritation.

Eye makeup can clog follicles, increasing the risk of infection.

Dr. Rattan recommends using a non-comedogenic, oil-melting cleanser to remove makeup gently without irritating the skin.

5. Dehydration

Hydration starts from within, and it’s easy to forget to drink enough water amid festive celebrations.

Proper hydration keeps skin plump and glowing.

According to Dr. Rattan, including water-rich snacks such as cucumbers, watermelon, and celery in your Christmas menu helps, as does sparkling water or herbal teas as an enjoyable alternative to sugary drinks.

6. Winter weather

Cold winter temperatures, combined with dry indoor heating, can strip the skin of natural oils, causing dryness, flakiness, and sensitivity.

Dr. Rattan advises protecting your skin with warm clothing like scarves, applying a barrier cream to lock in moisture, and using broad-spectrum SPF50++++ year-round to prevent UV-related damage.

With these six expert tips, it’s possible to keep your skin healthy and radiant – even through the indulgences and celebrations of the festive season.

Alcohol is one of the fastest ways to dehydrate your skin

Christmas indulgences like sweet treats are high in saturated fats, which can disrupt gut bacteria and trigger inflammation

Cold winter temperatures, combined with dry indoor heating, can strip the skin of natural oils, causing dryness, flakiness, and sensitivity

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Skincare expert shares 5 tips for perfect skin this winter

Skincare expert shares 5 tips for perfect skin this winter

As the colder months creep up on us, the temperature change can wreak havoc on our bodies and make it difficult for us to look and feel our best.

This is why specialist skincare pharmacist Yasar Hussain has warned that the drop in temperature and lower humidity, paired with harsh winds, can be abrasive on our skin.

For example, these conditions can cause damage to capillary beds in the skin, leading to redness and sensitivity. 

A skinecare expert has shared his advice for perfect skin this winter (Image: Kennedy News & Media)

Skincare expert warns against skin damage over the winter

Discussing the challenges winter poses for our skin, Mr Hussain from prescription dermatology service MiQuest said: “Winter can be a challenging time for our skin, and it will have different needs in the colder, darker months than it does at other times of the year. 

“The combination of cold, wet air our skin is exposed to outdoors, and the warm, dry air of indoor central heating can certainly leave it looking and feeling less than its best. 

“The so-called winter uglies are a very real experience for many people at this time of year, but thankfully, there are a number of easy and effective ways to tackle them. 

“It’s vital to keep skin properly hydrated through winter, which you can do through applying moisturiser each day, eating healthy fats, avoiding dehydrating caffeine and alcohol and drinking plenty of water.  

“Another tip is to avoid hot showers, which can strip the skin’s barrier of its natural oils, and protect your skin from the harsh weather as much as possible by covering up key areas such as your face, neck and hands where possible. 

“Being aware of the different challenges your skin faces at this time of year and how to avoid them can go a long way.”

Skincare expert shares 5 things you need to do if you want perfect skin this winter

Here are his top five skincare tips to help your skin look its best this winter.

Keep your skin moisturised 

Colder temperatures and a drop in air humidity, as well as warm, dry air indoors, can disrupt the skin barrier and make it harder to keep moisture locked in. 

This is why it is important to ensure your skin is protected against moisture loss, which can lead to issues like dry, itchy and dull skin.

An easy way is to ensure you are drinking enough water, or make changes to your skincare routine, such as adopting a moisturising cleanser or a richer moisturiser. 

Avoid harsh chemicals 

Our skin produces its own natural oils, such as sebum, to moisturise and protect itself, but harsh chemicals in creams, oils and other skincare products can strip these away. 

In winter, it’s better to switch to more natural cleansers and moisturisers with fewer chemicals, alcohols and fragrances. 

Instead, opt for products high in organic ingredients such as shea butter, cocoa butter, peptides and aloe vera. 

Colder weather and harsh winds can cause damage to our skins (Image: Getty Images)

Wrap up for the weather 

British wintertime is often not for the faint of heart, and powerful storms, driving rain and gale force winds can all take their toll on our skin. 

Keep key areas such as the face, neck and hands covered up while outdoors to protect against windburn or irritation. 

A good lip balm is also a useful weapon to keep dry, cracked skin at bay. 

Avoid hot showers 

Many people enjoy a hot shower in winter, but it can cause disruption to the skin’s barrier and strip it of much-needed moisture. 

While taking a hot shower every so often won’t wreak havoc on your skin, too many hot showers can gradually strip away the natural oils, weaken the barrier and increase transepidermal water loss. 

Instead, it’s better to keep the temperature at a moderate level and not spend too much time exposed to hot water. 

Recommended Reading:

Tweak your diet 

What we eat and drink plays a vital role in keeping our skin at its best, and healthy fats can play a huge role in maintaining our skin barrier and locking in moisture. 

They can be found in a range of food items, including avocado, oily fish such as salmon, tuna and mackerel, nuts and seeds. 

Meanwhile, other skin-friendly nutrients are worth getting into your diet, including vitamin A, found in spinach, vitamin C, found in citrus fruits, and zinc, which is found in beef, poultry and shellfish. 

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Essential winter skincare tips to keep your skin soft and glowing

Essential winter skincare tips to keep your skin soft and glowing

During the winter season, our body requires extra care, especially the skin, which can easily become dry, itchy, and rough due to cold winds and low humidity.

If you want your skin to remain soft, glowing, and refreshed even in winter, adopting a few simple yet effective precautions can help maintain your daily skincare routine.

Cleansing and bathing:

Proper cleansing and bathing are essential. Long, hot showers may feel comforting during winter but strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and itchiness. Experts recommend using lukewarm water and limiting showers to 10–15 minutes. Immediately after bathing, when your skin is slightly damp, apply a moisturizer or cream to lock in moisture.

Moisturizing and skin protection:

Moisturizing is crucial as cold air draws moisture out of the skin. Use a quality moisturizer containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, glycerin, or oils. Thick creams or oils are preferable over light, water-based lotions, especially for rough or dry skin. Pay extra attention to hands, elbows, ankles, and other areas most affected by the cold.

Use gentle and mild cleansers for washing. Soaps and fragranced washes can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. Opt for sulfate-free, color- and fragrance-free cleansers or cream-based washes.

Use of humidifiers:

Indoor heating, air conditioners, or solar heaters can dry out the air, which in turn dries out the skin. A small humidifier in your room or office can restore moisture to the air, slowing down the drying process of your skin.

Exfoliating dead skin cells:

For a fresh and radiant look, include light exfoliation in your skincare routine but avoid overdoing it. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells, allowing new ones to breathe, while a gentle scrub ensures the protective skin layer is not damaged.

Healthy diet and hydration:

Alongside external care, maintaining internal health is equally important. Drinking sufficient water daily helps retain skin moisture, and in dry winter conditions, dehydration can worsen skin dryness. Additionally, foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins C and E, and other nutrients—like fish, nuts, fruits, and vegetables—support skin elasticity and radiance.

Protection from ultraviolet rays:

Do not forget sunscreen, regardless of winter or summer! Even when sunlight is weak, UV rays are present. Apply SPF sunscreen before going outdoors, including on snowy or damp days, to protect your skin from UV damage and dryness.

Winter skincare requires effort but is essential. Short lukewarm showers, gentle cleansers, moisturizing creams and oils, humidifiers, a nutritious diet, adequate water intake, soft clothing, and sunscreen together create an environment in which your skin can remain soft, healthy, and glowing despite the cold.

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A dermatologist's guide to wedding skincare: Expert tips for a natural bridal glow on your big day

A dermatologist’s guide to wedding skincare: Expert tips for a natural bridal glow on your big day

Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life. From selecting your wedding lehenga to jewellery, picking your hairstyle and getting the makeup right, everything contributes to creating the bridal glow. But in between planning for all these aspects, brides-to-be often end up neglecting skincare.

Get glowing skin on your wedding with these tips(Freepik)

What’s worth not forgetting is that while makeup can enhance your beauty, true glow comes from healthy, nourished skin. The secret to that flawless bridal look is a well-planned skincare routine that starts months before the big day. So, for all those beautiful bride-to-be, here is a quick guide for glowing skin for a bridal look that lasts from the ceremony to the final dance.

Wedding Skincare Guide for brides-to-be

Dermatologist Dr Shweta Tripathi, Co-founder at MySkindom, tells HT ShopNow, “For a wedding glow, it’s better to start way early before your D-day. Apart from skincare, it is also important to stay hydrated and eat well. ”

Start Early — The 3-Month Rule

Bridal glow doesn’t happen overnight. It is something you build with regular care and consistency. “As a dermatologist, I always remind brides to start your skincare routine early, preferably 3-6 months before their wedding. This gives enough time to address issues such as pigmentation, acne scars, uneven skin tone or texture, and to build skin resilience”, says Dr Tripathi.

In case you have breakouts, acne, or pigmentation, you can consult a dermatologist beforehand. She suggests to drink plenty of water (or hydrating fluids like coconut water), and eat an antioxidant-rich diet of fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds as these habits will really make the skin look healthy from within. Moreover, try staying away from fried and oily food to avoid acne and breakouts.

Follow the basic CTM routine consistently

Keep your skincare routine simple with basic cleansing, toning, and moisturising (CTM). Maintain consistency by using the products as per your skin type. A consistent skincare routine is much better than applying some last-minute skincare products.

Morning routine:

Cleanser: Use a gentle cleanser to wash off impurities and dirt and prep your skin.

Toner: Make toner your daily BFF as it helps balance pH and tighten pores.

Serum: Use a face serum daily for the ultimate glow. Opt for a vitamin C face serum to boost your glow and even-toned skin

Moisturiser: Choose a moisturiser as per your skin type. A good nourishing cream or moisturiser keeps your skin soft and hydrated throughout the day.

Sunscreen: Never skip using a sunscreen. In fact, this is non-negotiable! Even indoors, SPF protects you from dullness and premature ageing.

Night routine:

Remove makeup: Your skin will thank you for this later. But never forget to remove your makeup. Use a makeup remover wipe or micellar water to clean away your makeup or dirt residue before going to bed.

Exfoliate (2–3 times a week): Exfoliate your skin at least twice a week. Exfoliation gently buffs away blackheads and dead cells.

Face Serum: Treat your skin with a face serum at night, too. Retinol or hyaluronic acid face serum helps repair and renew your skin.

Night Cream: Finally, finish your nighttime skincare with a nourishing night cream to lock in hydration while you sleep.

Weekly skin pampering

Your skin deserves at least a weekly dose TLC! Weekly pampering helps maintain that glow and freshness. Go for facials or treatments, or opt for DIY face masks for that glow.

DIY face masks: You can create your own DIY face masks using homemade products. Choose natural ingredients like honey, yoghurt, turmeric, and aloe vera for your skin that can work wonders.

Professional facials: Go for hydrating or brightening facials every 2–3 weeks, but avoid trying anything new too close to the wedding.

Body care: Remember, your glow shouldn’t stop at your face. Scrub, exfoliate, and moisturise your body regularly for even-toned, soft skin.

Tackle specific skin concerns

Every bride has her unique skin story, whether it’s acne, dryness, or uneven tone. You can tackle these skin issues with certain skin ingredients. This gives enough time to address issues such as pigmentation, acne scars, uneven skin tone or texture, and to build skin resilience. Begin to address pigmentation or hair care concerns at least 6 months before the wedding date. For any booster to be injected, go for it at least 1 month before the wedding. And for any laser hair reduction, keep at least an 8-month window.

For acne-prone skin: Choose products with salicylic acid or tea tree oil.

For pigmentation: Vitamin C and niacinamide help fade dark spots.

For dry skin: Look for hydrating ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid.

For oily skin: Gel-based moisturisers and mattifying toners keep shine in check.

However, consult a dermatologist before using these ingredients.

Don’t forget the basics

No product can replace the power of a healthy lifestyle. Indulge in a healthy lifestyle before your D-Day to glow on the special night.

Sleep enough: Sleep for at least 7–8 hours for that fresh, rested glow.

Stay stress-free: Stress = breakouts. Try yoga, meditation, or simply a walk in the fresh air.

Exercise and burn those calories: Exercise boosts blood circulation, along with burning some fat, and gives you that lit-from-within glow.

The final week countdown

Know that the final few days before the wedding day are not the time to experiment. Rather, just stick to what your skin already loves. “The week before the wedding should be about keeping the skin calm and rested. Your skin regenerates while you sleep — this helps reduce dark circles, puffiness, and dullness. So, get adequate sleep of at least 7–8 hours.”, says Dr Tripathi. She further mentions that when a bride cares for her skin holistically, internally and externally, the makeup doesn’t just sit better, the glow feels effortless and authentic. A combination of discipline, wellness, and confidence is the true essence of bridal radiance.

(Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.)

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Expert Tips To Achieve A Luminous Wedding Day Look

Expert Tips To Achieve A Luminous Wedding Day Look

(By Dr. Blossom Kochhar)

For many brides, the wedding day starts long before the first outfit change or the very first photograph. The glow that everyone talks about is not just makeup magic. It comes from how well the skin has been cared for in the weeks leading up to the celebrations. A radiant bridal look is really the result of small habits done regularly and  not something that appears overnight.

ALSO READ: Beauty Trends Of 2025: The Rise Of Mindful, Meaningful, And Mood-Led Beauty

Start Early For Noticeable Results

Brides should begin their routine as early as they reasonably can. Even simple steps like cleansing properly, drinking enough water, and sticking to mild products make a visible difference after a few weeks. The skin behaves best when it feels familiar with what is being used on it. Sudden experiments do not help, especially so close to the wedding. A gentle exfoliation once in a while, a good moisturizer, and a serum that suits the skin type are usually enough to restore softness and brightness.

Keep The Routine Gentle And Familiar

Brides should focus on things that support the natural texture of the skin. Vitamin C works well for uneven tone. Hyaluronic acid helps with hydration. Calming botanical ingredients reduce redness when the skin is stressed. Staying away from harsh peels or strong active ingredients right before the big day since the skin may react unpredictably when nerves and exhaustion are high.

A Simple, Effective Wedding Morning Ritual

On the morning of the wedding, keep the routine very simple. A light cleanse, a refreshing toner or mist, and a comfortable moisturiser are usually all that is needed before the makeup artist starts working. Well hydrated skin holds makeup better and looks more luminous without needing too much coverage. Brides who have daytime functions should include sunscreen that blends well and does not create a heavy layer under makeup.

Rest, Wellness, And Mindfulness For Radiance

Rest and wellness matter just as much as products. A calm night’s sleep, less screen time, and light meals can help the skin look healthier. Even a few minutes of slow breathing can ease the tension that often shows up as dullness or puffiness.

True Bridal Radiance Comes From Consistency

True bridal radiance comes from a combination of preparation, consistency, and a relaxed mind. When the skin is cared for in a gentle and steady way, the glow appears naturally and stays through every moment of the wedding day.

Dr. Blossom Kochhar is Pioneer in Aromatherapy and Founder, Blossom Kochhar Group of Companies

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