Bridal Beauty Countdown: 8 skin care products to start using now

Jen Connell will be trying all the best treatments and reporting back to let you know what's worth investing in on your big day. From facials and body wraps to everything in between.

You might love natural skin or a bronzed glow, subtle makeup or ALL the glamour. Either way, Jen has you covered.

While booking in regular facials in the run up to your big day will give you a head start with your skincare, your at-home skin care needs to do the heavy lifting. Here are the products I've added to my daily routine, that I've noticed have really made a difference!

1. The must-have: Image Skincare Prevention+ SPF50

If you were to have only one step in your daily skincare routine, it would have to be SPF to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays. SPF should be worn every day so if you're not doing this, start now!

I have tried many different formulas and Image has come out on top due to their formula which blends seamlessly into the skin. It doesn't leave a white cast in photos and acts as a fantastic base for makeup which is ideal for brides getting married in Ireland or abroad.

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2. The brightener: Altrient Liposomal Vitamin C Supplement

"Feed your skin from within" as The Skin Nerd would say! Nutriceuticals is the word on everyone's lips and the benefits of Vitamin C are impressive. A powerful antioxidant, it is anti-ageing, while also brightening and smoothing the skin.

I've been taking this most mornings for a month and have noticed that my skin is noticeably more plump and bright. The reason I like this particular supplement is the delivery method: you take the gel with water in the morning which ensures maximum absorption.

I also like to complement the supplement with topical vitamin C via The Ordinary Vitamin C and sheet masks. Unlike topical vitamin C, which you may need to slowly build up to using an effective amount on the skin, Altrient can be used immediately.

3. The skin drink: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid

Acid can sound like a scary product to be using on your skin, but fear not! Hyaluronic acid is essentially a drink for the skin. It's naturally occurring in the skin and binds to water to hold moisture. It's no surprise it's a key ingredient in many sheet masks. The result? Hydrated, plump skin and reduced fine lines and redness.

4. The all-rounder: The Ordinary Retinol Serum 1% in Squalene

A powerhouse form of vitamin A, retinol encourages cell turnover, revealing healthier, softer skin while also tackling blemishes, dark spots and defying signs of ageing – including softening the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and uneven tone.

5. The quick-fix: Garnier SkinActive Plumping Shot and Glow Shot

Stock up on these in the run up to your wedding. Also ideal for the night before the big day. Sleep in it for maximum results!

6. The wonder elixir - Kiehls Midnight Recovery Concentrate

An incredibly effective elixir whose results speak for themselves. Use at night and by morning your skin will be hydrated, glowing and healthy-looking. I was so pleased with this product that I decided to go all in with the Midnight Recovery eye cream too.

7. The extra mile: PRAI Throat and Décolletage Serum

A lot of brides will have their throat and décolletage on show for their big day. It makes sense to give the area a little love. It's lovely to get into the ritual of treating yourself to a little me time every night.

It works by reversing the signs of neck and décolletage sagging and creping by fortifying structural proteins and reinforcing skins natural moisture barrier – alongside aiding collagen production, preventing degradation from free radical exposure. Also a great gift idea for mother of the bride or groom!

8. The skin cheat: MAC Strobe Cream

Some of us have lots of time to trial new creams, serums and treatments and some of us don't. Whatever your bridal beauty plan, this half skincare/half makeup cream is a lifesaver for on-the-spot glow with no prep necessary! It beautifully highlights and creates an overall radiance to the skin.

Apply on its own, or before makeup and get your glow on. Super-powered with potent botanicals, it boosts the look of dull, flat or tired-looking skin with nutritious vitamins and a mega-dose of green tea. I love to mix this with foundation for a natural glow.

Jen Connell is an Irish designer and columnist. Follow her on Instagram at @jen_connell_ or get in touch at jen.connell@rte.ie