With so many products available to choose from on line, in Boots or even at the supermarket the beauty counters can be a little confusing. Do you know your BB's from your AHA's? Which comes first the chicken - sorry I mean the serum or the moisturiser.....Carey Hawkins Make Up is here to explain the best bridal beauty products available.

BB, CC, DD creams and tinted moisturiser

A new generation of creams - hugely popular in Asia. BB stands for 'blemish balm' and they perform the task of a foundation, sunblock, moisturiser and help with problem skins all in one. Suited to younger, blemish prone skins. CC or 'colour correcting' creams are better for most skin types/ages. Specifically designed to deal with discolouration and pigmentation but I feel a foundation does a better job.

Good if you are short of time and need skin to look more even. DD are aimed at more mature skins providing anti-ageing ingredients too. Will there be an EE - who knows? My favourite still is a tinted moisturiser. Less ingredients, better coverage, hydrating and gives the skin a great glow. Try NYX Tinted Moisturiser - great and purse friendly!

Serums

The one thing that every woman should have in her beauty cupboard (apart from cleanser!) is a serum. Light in texture and available for all specific skin care problems from acne to anti-ageing. When do you apply a serum? After cleansing (and if you use a toner) then moisturiser on top.

You do not need to use products from the same company/brand just use what is good for your skin and works! I love and recommend to lots of my clients Medik8 Hydr8 B5 serum. Good for dry, sensitive and even as just a moisturiser for acne prone skins.

Facial Oils

Have been around for many years but have recently had a resurgence in the market due to the big companies like L'Oreal adding to their lines. Facial oils are great for all skin types (including greasy) - but the purer the oils and the least ingredients the better.

Can be used under a moisturiser during the day but better to be used at night, so they can work whilst you are sleeping. Again available for different skin types/conditions. A good general purpose oil is by Trilogy - Organic Rosehip Oil. Easily absorbed and non-greasy.

AHA's/BHA's and Glycolic acids**

All sounds very scary.....but give incredible results. All are normally liquids but can be ingredients in other products. Better choice than a scrub and used instead of. These help remove dead skin cells, clear breakouts and minimize pores. Glycolic are better suited to more mature skin.

Use three times a week swept over face on a cotton pad after cleansing and before bed. Can cause tingling in skin (normal) but some people may be sensitive to these ingredients so do patch test first. I like Facial Radiance Pads by First Aid for Beauty.

Shopping List:

1. BB, CC, DD creams and tinted moisturiser - NYX Tinted Moisturiser
2. Serum -Medik8 Hydr8 B5 serum
3. Facial Oil - Trilogy - Organic Rosehip Oi
4. AHA's/BHA's and Glycolic acids** - Facial Radiance Pads from First Aid Beauty

Carey xx

And what better day to pamper yourself on your wedding day. Carey Hawkins is a freelance hairstylist and make up artist based in France, to find out more visit www.careyhawkinsmakeup.com

**Do not use if you are pregnant or trying to conceive