ESPA Bridal Skincare Routine | Just Add Ginger

I have always been really careful when it comes to skincare products I use. Growing up, I had absolutely terrible skin that really knocked my self-esteem, and I never, ever want to go through what I did back then, because, quite frankly, it was not a happy time for me ... at all!  

Given my love for all things ESPA, when it came to establishing a good bridal skincare routine, who else was I going to choose? Knowing anything that was recommended to me would make my skin look and feel fantastic, I headed to the counter in Harvey Nichols in Manchester to ask for advice. 

The sales assistant was so lovely, and suggested a three-step routine that would suit my "lazy girl" sensibilities when it comes to a beauty regime. I never doubted this, but I can honestly say that since starting my bridal routine, I have noticed such a difference in my skin. 

1. After cleaning my face (with a baby wipe - who are we kidding?) I dab a few drops of the ESPA Optimal Skin ProSerum on to my skin, focusing mainly on my T-zone and cheeks, as these are the places that I find to be the most dry. The serum works to prevent signs of premature ageing, and helps brighten the skin, which for me is really important. My skin can look really drab and lifeless - during the winter in particular- so anything that helps give me a bit of colour and some glow is very welcome. 

2. After applying the ProSerum, it's time for the 24 Hour Replenishing Eye Moisturiser. I dispense two pumps on to the back of my hand, then dab this on to each under-eye area and round to my crow's feet. The consistency of the eye moisturiser takes a little longer to sink in to the skin, so I let this settle for a minute or two. Having super-fair skin, my dark circles show like crazy if I'm not careful, and I can look really sleepy - almost zombie-like - especially in the mornings. I also suffer from dry eyes occasionally, and my eyes will just water for no reason. But since using the moisturiser, I a) no loner feel like I scare people, and b) my eyes are hydrated and are left feeling soft all day. 

3. The final step in my routine is with the Optimal Skin ProMoisturiser. I've been in love with this moisturiser for ages. It really hydrates and takes care of your skin, and is also a great base for make up. It's rich and luxurious without feeling heavy, and oh yeah, did I mention it smells amazing? It sinks in to the skin quickly, which is perfect for me, as I literally roll out of bed and get ready for work still half-asleep! 

I can't pin the results down to just one product, but since adopting a sound bridal skincare routine, and using ESPA products that I really trust, my skin has been brighter, I haven't had any breakouts (unless "time of the month" related) and my skin generally feels softer, Okay so I did spend a little more on preparing my visage before the Big Day, but it has been well worth it, especially because I'm going to be papped so much on the day. And bearing in mind I picked up all these goodies before Christmas, and I'm nowhere near finishing them, I think I've got a lot of bank for my buck. 

The Reality Of Wedding Planning | Just Add Ginger

The wedding planning process for me is nearly coming to an end. And whereas I could ramble on for ages about how I have found it all, but instead, here's the reality of wedding planning presented in a very different way...

First there's,

When you tell your friends that you're engaged...

 When it hits you you can finally make your "Secret" Wedding Pinterest board PUBLIC!!

Then, as the planning REALLY begins,

The look your other half gives you when you want his opinion on another colour scheme/flower/bridesmaid dress/hairstyle...

What you're worried your friends who you haven't asked to be a bridesmaid are secretly thinking ...

The pose you make when you find the dress....

When Christmas stands between you and your wedding dress fitting and you have to eat healthier...

And as the wedding gets closer...

Your inner-reaction (and the one you really wish you could have) when you have to compromise on something that you really don't want to...

Everything wedding-related makes you cry...

Trying to keep an outer veil of calm when stress levels are starting to rise and someone asks how the wedding planning is going...

You really can't wait to let your hair down at the hen do because you have had no involvement whatsoever in the arrangements...

But knowing that at the end of all of this, you get to marry the man of your dreams, and looking forward to that kiss...

Tips On Buying Your Wedding Dress | Just Add Ginger

Ta-da! Here's my wedding dress!

....Yes - you're right. Of course it's not. But this is me - in a wedding dress. I wanted to include it in this post as an example of what could have been my wedding dress. You'll have to wait a little while longer before I reveal the actual one. 

For some brides, wedding dress shopping will be the most exciting part of the wedding planning process. For others, it will be the most stressful aspect. But either way, if you have decided you want to buy and wear a wedding dress for your big day, as a bride who has been there myself (for the record, it wasn't my favourite,) I wanted to impart some advice. 

1. DON'T Invite Everyone To Go With You 

Yes, it's exciting having a wedding to plan. And whereas the world and his wife may want to come with you to experience the wedding-dress-picking process, this isn't the best idea. Everyone is going to have their opinion.

Imagine you have found the dress you think is the dress of your dreams. You love it. Mum may love the dress, Great Aunt Bessie might think it makes your eyes shine brighter, and your bridesmaids might unanimously hate it. And Grandma Edna might declare loudly that it makes your bottom look the size of a London bus. With all these opinions floating round your head, are you still going to want to wear that dress? 

Choose to take a few select people you know will support you, give their opinion (in the right way,) and make the experience enjoyable for you. I invited MG and Saunders when I went wedding dress shopping, and I loved having them there because when I needed them to, they told me what they thought, and when I'd made a decision, they didn't try and change my mind. Don't feel like you have to invite everyone along with you because you might find your dress. Bring along a select few you really, really trust. If you find your dress, you can always take friends and family to see it. I must've gone back to try on my dress at least three times and I haven't had my first fitting yet. Some wedding shops can be really accommodating like that. 

2. DO Take A Camera 

Now I don't know if this is allowed in all bridal shops, but the shop I bought my dress did allow photos to be taken. Which really, really helped. Of course there are mirrors for you to look in, but bear in mind that a camera may capture the dress differently to the way you see it. That's how I ruled out the dress above. On the hanger, it looked lovely, but when I saw it in a photo, I realised the fabric and cut just didn't suit me at all. Taking pictures will let you see the dress from all angles, and will be the most unbiased way for you to look at yourself in a dress. Having a photo to hand will also be extremely handy for planning out accessories, additional attire for your partner, and coming up with a theme for the wedding too. 

3. DON'T Feel You Have To Make A Decision 

Tried on a dress you love but aren't 100% sure about it? That's okay. 

On the Big Day all eyes are going to be on you and you want to wear something you love. Don't feel like you have to buy your dress right then and there. Sleep on it if you need to, or, like I did, try on a few dresses again and then try the dress you are considering again. Doing this made me realise I had found my dream dress, and this is when the tears started. Now every time I think about wearing my dress, I get so excited. Just thinking about it now is making me tear up. And that's how it should be.

4. DO Ask For Help

Unsure how to tie the corset? What the best underwear to have is? What accessories you should consider? It's okay to ask the sales assistants. They are the experts and will be able to advise or recommend different things to you. And unlike others who may want to drape you in all the veils, tiaras, headbands, jewellery, the sales assistants should be there to give their honest and informed opinion. I wasn't going to have a veil for the day, but Boyfriend wanted the ceremony to be really quite traditional, so together with the staff at the bridal shops, I worked out what made me feel most comfortable, and worked best with the dress. They have really been amazing, offering advice on the right bra to get, to how to wee without ending up in a pickle! And it has been so reassuring to know there is always someone who will be able to answer all my weird and wonderful questions. 

5. DO What Makes You Happy 

At the end of the day, buying a "traditional" wedding dress might not be for you. The choice is yours, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. If you want to wear something a bit more low-key, do it. If you want to buy online or from your favourite shop, do it. It's your day, and you want to wear something that will make you feel comfortable, confident, and most importantly, be true to who you are. 

Wishing you a beautiful wedding day!