Beauty essentials for new brides who have barely slept but still want to glow

The wedding week can leave very little time for sleep, let alone an elaborate skincare routine. Between getting ready for functions, travelling, meeting relatives, and staying up late celebrating, your skin can start looking tired just when you want it to look its best. Add layers of makeup and frequent touch-ups to the mix, and dehydration, dullness, and puffy eyes can quickly make an appearance.

With the festive season in full swing, it is a important to give your skin some attention to retain that famed "bridal glow" much beyond the big day. You do not need a complicated routine or a shelf full of products. A few simple essentials can help cleanse, hydrate, and soothe your skin while you catch up on some much-needed rest.

A gentle cleanser

After days of foundation, concealer, setting spray, and long-wear makeup, your skin deserves a proper reset. A gentle cleanser can help remove leftover makeup, sweat, and impurities without making the skin feel dry or tight. Look for a soothing formula that leaves your skin feeling clean and comfortable. This is especially useful at night when you are finally ready to take off the day's makeup and unwind.

A hydrating face mist

A face mist is an easy pick-me-up when your skin is feeling dry or looks a little flat. Keep one in your handbag and spritz it on throughout the day whenever your skin needs some hydration. It can also feel particularly refreshing after spending hours outdoors, travelling between functions, or sitting in makeup for long stretches.

An under-eye cream or cooling eye pads

Late nights tend to show up around the eyes first. An under-eye cream can help keep the delicate area moisturised, while cooling eye pads can feel soothing when your eyes look puffy and tired. Keep them in the refrigerator for a few minutes before use for an extra cooling effect.

A rich moisturiser or overnight sleeping mask

Your post-wedding skincare routine is a good time to focus on restoring moisture. A richer moisturiser can help replenish dehydrated skin, while an overnight sleeping mask gives you a more intensive dose of hydration while you rest. Apply it as the final step of your night-time routine and let your skin do the rest while you catch up on sleep.

A nourishing lip balm

Your lips have probably seen their fair share of matte lipsticks and constant touch-ups during the wedding celebrations. A nourishing lip balm can help bring back softness and prevent dryness. Look for ingredients such as shea butter, ceramides, or natural oils, and keep it beside your bed so you remember to apply it before sleeping.

Lead image: Janhvi Kapoor/Instagram

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