beauty countdown

What blushing bride doesn't want to feel beautiful on her big day? Especially on the occasion you will be photographed more than any other time in your life. Follow our six-month plan to ensure you are looking sensational in time for your wedding.

Six months to go:

If you havent already got a beauty routine then now is the time to adopt one, invest in yourself and find products that agree with your skin. Now is the time to put effort into attaining flawless skin. Start with the skincare basics: drink plenty of water, which will moisturise your skin from the inside out, use a moisturiser with an SPF, and exfoliate, not just your face, but also your entire body once a week. If you are not already a regular visitor to beauty salons, then become acquainted as soon as you can in order to build up a trusting relationship with your therapist and find treatments that suit you best. Incorporate at least 30 minutes' exercise into your daily routine and, if possible, aim to get at least eight hours' sleep each night.

Four months to go:

Be sensible about what you eat by dining on lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, which will allow your skin cells to renew and give your immune system a boost. By now you will probably have chosen your dream dress and therefore should start to play about with hair and make-up styles to complement your gown, skin tone, eye colour, best feature and hair type.

Three months to go:

If you haven't already, start thinking about which beauty therapist or professional make-up artist you want to hire for your wedding. If you have decided on a professional, remember that some will travel (see our listings). Alternatively, you could find a make-up artist through your venue. A hair and make-up trial is a must to establish the look you are going for and to ensure that you are happy with the artist. If you have decided to apply your own make-up invest in new brushes, if you are working within a tight budget then Ruby and Millie at Boots have a great selection for under £10. Also, treat yourself to quality cosmetics; set aside a day to visit beauty counters with a trusted friend - most offer complimentary make-up applications so you can try out what colours suit you for free!

Two months to go:

If you have only just begun to follow the plan then don't worry, there is still time to make significant changes to your skin, health and fitness, and overall well-being. Do not crash diet! Instead, cut down on sugary and fatty foods. Start pampering your skin now, it's not too late - with quality products you should see immediate effects. For the ultimate in lazy-girl beauty buy a rich, intensive night cream such as Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Concentrate Recovery Boosting Treatment, £65, pricey maybe, but worth every penny. Slather on at bedtime and by morning your skin will be hydrated and glowing.

One month to go:

It's time to think about your dress - how much flesh does it reveal? Is your dress backless? Are you showing off your shoulders? If you are exposing your shoulders or back, exfoliating with a body scrub will invigorate and slough away dead skin. Work the scrub in circular motions, paying particular attention to common dry spots such as elbows, knees and feet. After scrubbing apply body cream so that your skin repairs itself and is silky soft.

One week to go:

By now your skin should be plump, hydrated and glowing, so it's time to think about hair removal. Although there are several options, the most effective method, with the exception of costly laser treatment, is waxing, and for your honeymoon you will want to de-fuzz legs, underarms and bikini line. Yes, some people do find it painful but an experienced therapist will have the expertise to minimise any discomfort and ensure it is over quickly. Do not attempt to do it at home; it's too difficult to attain an even job and you are risking bruising.

The wedding morning:

Put cosmetics on before the dress because you don't want it marked. If you have opted for a make-up artist they will have lots of practical tips for you. But if you are applying your own, moisturise the face a little more than usual, and do this at least an hour before the make-up goes on. Ensure you have good light to apply your make-up, use a steady hand and most importantly blend for a natural, flawless finish. After following these steps, you should be radiant and ready for the camera.

After all this, you'll be looking fantastic. There is one problem - treatments are addictive. You may want to keep up your beauty regime. Why? Because they make you feel absolutely, one-hundred per cent, drop-dead gorgeous!