With the flurry of activity in the lead up to your wedding, beauty regimes tend to take a backseat. Here, we’ve got your basic beauty concerns covered

1. For A Flawless Face

Besides that five-carat rock and Italian-imported gown, your face is the centerpiece of this meticulously orchestrated wedding – and all eyes will be on you. If your complexion is primed for the aisle, but could afford an extra touch of radiance, then a visit to The DRx Medispa is in order.

THE TREATMENT

Dr Yanny Xu, a physician at the DRx clinic, recommends a full facial assessment by your dermatologist before committing to any facial treatment. One to consider is the non-invasive DRx O Plus (Rejuvenate) with Atoxelene, which boasts a Hollywood A-list patronage.

The facial begins with the clinic’s award-winning microdermabrasion to slough off rough layers of dead skin. This creates an even canvas for the Topical Hyperbaric Oxygen (THO) Therapy – the second step to this 60 minute facial – that directs concentrated blasts of oxygen to surface skin cells, thus promoting cell growth. This mean you get skin with a rejuvenated, plumper appearance, in just one session.

This brings us to the luxurious finale with a topical application of amino acid-rich Atoxolene, which reduces fine lines for a porcelain-smooth complexion. “The pharmaceutical grade vitamins that are involved include vitamin A, which reduces wrinkles and improves skin texture; vitamin C, which has a skin lightening effect; and vitamin E, which increases skin firmness and gives a glowing complexion,” says Dr Xu.

THE EXPERIENCE

Skincare maintenance doesn’t stop upon leaving the aesthetician’s office, though. To transform yourself into a real showstopper, a pampering range of skincare products from the five-piece SK-II Bridal Glow Set is recommended. The set includes the Facial Treatment Essence, masks, serums and moisturisers.

Use these products with Suwon Smart Ion/Sonic Skin Care, a lightweight beauty tool which contains three modes: the use of Ultrasound and Iontophoresis to facilitate better cleansing and absorption of products, along with a massaging “sonic” function. Apply your skincare product on the cotton sleeves provided before attaching it to the applicator head. Then, gently glide tool across face in an upwards motion.

THE PLACE

The DRx Medispa, 302 Orchard Road, 16th Floor Tong Building, 6223 1555

 

2. A Fair, Even Complexion

THE TREATMENT

Standards of beauty have come and gone; but like diamonds, an even complexion is forever admired. To achieve this, try a pulsed-dye laser – which administers alternating bursts of skin-cooling cryogen and lasers – to rid any stubborn pigmentation spots or acne scars.

THE EXPERIENCE

The V Beam Perfecta laser helps with reducing any of such discolourations effectively and painlessly. Dr Lynn Chiam from Children, Adult Laser, Skin & Hair Clinic, who advises the use of this treatment for milder acne scars, says, “The red pigmentation after the pimple heals is a result of tiny broken blood vessels (capillaries). V Beam targets these broken capillaries and causes them to coagulate and be reabsorbed by the body.”  

To give your post-treatment skincare efforts a potent boost, use Sisley Phyto-Blanc Absolute Whitening Essence. The serum contains patented ascorbic acid 2-glucoside (AA2G) that allows the continued release of vitamin C (a key ingredient of this product) throughout the day. Used over a period of one month, this whitening essence reduces the size and intensity of pigmentation spots for a complexion in the league of diamonds.

THE PLACE

Children, Adult Laser, Skin & Hair Clinic, 38 Irrawaddy Road, #07-22 Mount Elizabeth Specialist Medical Centre, 6570 2303

 

3. For A Dapper Groom

THE TREATMENT

Wanting your groom looking nothing less than dapper is one thing; having him commit to a skincare routine is another issue altogether. To counter this dilemma, slip him a bottle of Coast To Coast Pore Purifying Aqua Mist. This mattifying mist is formulated with anti-inflammatory rosalina to keep sebum production under control, giving him a fresher, smoother complexion.

THE EXPERIENCE

If he’s game for a more intermediate regime, take your man down for a gentle microdermabrasion at Porcelain: The Face Spa. Its OxyRevive Facial uses a high-velocity sodium chloride spray to gently cleanse congested pores and remove dead skin without causing irritation – a common side effect from exfoliating treatments.

To complete his debonair ensemble, have him spritz on a deep, oriental scent like Gucci Made To Measure EDT. Fashioned with rich amber, the fragrance is also accompanied with a medley of notes ranging from French lavender to Sri Lankan nutmeg. Just the kind of scent you can nuzzle up to in the privacy of your bridal suite.

THE PLACE

Porcelain: The Face Spa, 15 Cantonment Road, 6227 9692

 

4. Beauty Treats For Your Bridesmaids

THE TREATMENT

When the wedding ceremony is over, the flowers will wilt; the guests will vacate; but your girlfriends will always be there for you. So take this occasion to show your appreciation and spoil your bridesmaids with the delectable range of facials available at the Sulwhasoo Facial Studio at Seviin, Tangs.

THE EXPERIENCE

Here, the facials provided harness the healing properties of precious stones, like jade and amber, as massaging tools. Used in harmony with Sulwhasoo’s proprietary blend of Asian herbs, the stones are gently kneaded on the various pressure points of your face. This reinvigorates blood circulation which pumps oxygen to your skin’s surface, leaving you with a well-rested, dewy glow. The Concentrated Ginseng Rejuvenating Facial, for instance, combines the vitamin C-rich main ingredient with a broad, massaging jade ring to purge toxins from your skin.

A fresh face is best paired with sexy gams peeking from the hem of a bridesmaid’s dress, so make a trip with the girls to Honeypot Wax Boutique. Its in-house wax is specially formulated by Australian chemists to render an almost painless waxing experience. For the faint of heart, opt for a session of IPL – which, separate from the connotations of violent pulling and screaming associated with waxing – relies on light to thermally destroy hair stubs.

To keep future ingrown hairs at bay, spray Honeypot’s Goodbye Forever treatment onto legs. The mildly exfoliating spray contains salicylic acid to remove the dead skin cells that encase hair follicles, and witch hazel to calm inflammation so nasty red bumps will be a thing of the past.

THE PLACE

Sulwhasoo Facial Studio, 310 Orchard Road, Seviin at Tangs Level 7, 6311 3317. By appointment only; Honeypot Wax Boutique, 391 Orchard Road, #05-15 Ngee Ann City, 6235 6686

 

5. Toned Arms And Back

THE TREATMENT

So you’ve decided to don a strapless gown on your wedding day, but your procrastinated fitness routine has left you with bat wings for arms. While regular exercise and a good diet can prevent this from happening, an Exilis body shaping treatment is essential for dealing with those stubborn fatty deposits.

THE EXPERIENCE

No anaesthesia is required for the 30-minute treatment session, said to be warm, comfortable and akin to a hot stone massage. The treatment breaks fat cells down while stimulating the growth of new collagen, reshaping and improving the elasticity of skin. As this collagen growth process continues even after treatment, you will see cumulative improvements in your skin’s texture for up to two to three months.

Dr Karen Soh, MBBS, MD of Privé Clinic Pte Ltd, recommends four sessions spaced one to two weeks apart for best results. Debunking the myth that such treatments can lead to an uneven distribution of fat – characterised by dimply, disproportionate body areas, Dr Soh stresses that this is not the case with Exilis. “While liposuction removes most of the fat cells completely from the treated area, Exilis ensures a smooth and uniform effect because its radio frequency stimulates the fat cell to liquefy fat within the cell structure. The liquefied fat is then flushed out by the lymphatic system.”

To maintain the appearance of your newly toned figure, include Skincode Cellular Total Shape Control within your repertoire of salves. This body moisturiser contains caffeine to visibly curb the appearance of cellulite, and keeps skin feeling smooth and firm at the same time.

THE PLACE

Privé Clinic, 390 Orchard Road, #03-03 Palais Renaissance, 6737 6639

 

6. Youthful-Looking Eyes

THE TREATMENT

Everyone will be giving you beauty advice in the lead up to your wedding; but anyone who tells you to adhere to a strict regimen of eight-hour beauty sleep needs a reality check. This inevitable lack of sleep that tags with our busy lifestyles, coupled with long hours in front of the computer, are some of the causes for tired-looking eyes. These habits are responsible for dehydration which weakens the delicate skin around the eye, causing it to sink into a pouch.

THE EXPERIENCE

According to Dr Kelvin Chua of SL Clinic, fillers are ideal for giving your weathered wedding-planning eyes a supple, more youthful appearance.

Contrary to the belief that fillers can render one’s look artificial, he assures this can be avoided. An experienced doctor’s understanding of your face shape is key, as the contours are matched with a specific amount of treatment to achieve desired results – easily lasting 1 to 1.5 years. “Fillers can help push up eyelids. They are useful for gentle lifting at the edges of the eyelids so the person looks fresh. Also, they tackle a sunken look under the eyes and reduce dark circles too,” says Dr Chua.

For an added boost of moisture, use Lancome Absolue L’Extrait Regenerating Ultimate Eye Contour Ritual. This luxuriously rich eye cream contains 60,000 rose stem cells for a plumper, smoother eye contour. As a rule of thumb, avoid applying your eye product too close to the rim of your lower eyelid, as the product spreads across skin over time and this can cause eye irritation.

THE PLACE

SL Clinic, 501 Orchard Road, #04-04 Wheelock Place, 6235 3246

 

7. Couple Spa Retreats

THE TREATMENT

You’re so busy liaising with the wedding planner; sending invitations; nit picking at logistics that you forget the very person central to this whole affair: your husband-to-be. So take a well-deserved break from the madness of micromanagement, and have a couple spa retreat where you can spend quality time with each together, yet catch up on your beauty preparations.

THE EXPERIENCE

The Suite Romance couple treatment at The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Singapore, is the ideal getaway. In this private abode, your feet are first treated to a relaxing foot ritual, followed by a fragrant bath and sensual body scrub of sweet vanilla and honey. The use of aromatherapy to calm your body and mind crescendos in a glorious frankincense oil full massage, with mandarin and ginger completing this intimate journey.

For gourmands who crave saccharine scents, a luxurious spa treatment awaits you at the Estheva Spa. At the Chocolate Honey Indulgence spa package for two, couples are pampered in a 2 hour 30 minute full body spa treatment inspired by sensuous honey and chocolate. The treatment begins with a Calming Senses Therapy experienced by both partners, before proceeding to one of the two decadent alternatives available: Choc De-Ager, recommended for ladies; and Dream Honey Ritual, recommended for gents. The former involves an irresistible Chocolate Fondue Wrap, which coddles your body in moisturizing goodness, leaving your skin baby smooth and simply divine.

THE PLACE

The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, 5 Raffles Avenue, Marina Square, 6885 3533; Estheva Spa, 328 North Bridge Road, #01-30/31 Raffles Hotel Arcade, 6338 3318