Self-Gifting for Brides

Go on, pamper yourself…

I’m a major fan of the selfie. Lest you refuse to read on because of that last statement, rest assured I’m not talking about pursing my lips and furiously clicking my camera phone until I get the angle just right. I’m talking about the art of self-gifting. Some claim it’s self-indulgent, selfish even, but I beg to differ. It’s a way to reward yourself with something you actually want. You know, sometimes it’s better to give and to receive. Planning a wedding can be stressful and momentous, so why not kill two birds with one stone and indulge yourself with a little treat that will make you feel as fabulous as you really are and mark this very special time in your life? Anything that makes you feel or look great is a smart investment in your future. Besides, this really is the last time in your life that you can be a little me-centric. So go on, and don’t feel guilty. Just remember not to empty out the wedding kitty, okay?

Giorgio Armani Belladonna Shimmer palette, €65
If you like champagne, ace highlighters and a touch of Hollywood glam, then you need to own this palette. STAT. Thanks to a new hybrid technology, this offers a soft, gel-to-powder texture, which leaves a remarkably fine finish. The product is buildable too, so you can enhance the natural colour of the cheek, while a light dusting on the eyelids can add a subtle golden glow.

Cr’me de la Mer Lip Balm, €58
It’s a little pricier than your average chapstick, but a bride-to-be needs to be pucker-perfect at all times, right? This rich, indulgent little pot is worth its weight in gold, plus, a little goes a long way, so rest assured you get plenty of bang for your buck. The defence rests, your honour.

Chanel No 5 Intense Bath Oil, €75
If you like bubbles, you’ll love this truly decadent bath oil. It’s deepy hydrating and takes on a delicately milky appearance as it emulsifies in your bath water. As the frangrance unfurls, get ready to melt. However it should come with a warning: once you’ve tried Chanel bubbles, all other bubble bath will be ruined for you for life. Fact.

La Prairie White Caviar Luxe Cream, €390 for 50ml
Happy skin equals happy bride, so it makes sense to invest in some serious skincare. While it’s not advisable to experiment with new products too close to W-day, I would strongly encourage splashing out on a premium skincare brand at least once in your life. And La Prairie’s White Caviar is certainly one to try before you die. The name alone makes you want to dive right in.

YSL La Laque Couture Colour Collection, €472
Need a reason to purchase a new polish? The good people at YSL have provided not one, but 24 bloomin? great reasons, with this truly lust-worthy beauty box. It’s like a nail polish wardrobe. Ridiculous? Not a bit. Your fingers are on show every single day, so certainly deserve to be dressed as well as any other body part. Well, that’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it.

Lulu Guinness?leather Verity bag, €377?at asos.com
A girl’s gotta put her make-up somewhere, so why not skip the?grimey makeup pouch altogether?and go straight for the travel- 6 light option. This Lulu Guinness?patent leather cross-body sports?a tardis-like boxy shape, for lots?of lippies. It even boasts a cuter-than-cute lipstick charm …?just so you know it’s your easy?access companion.

Lanc’me Absolue L?Extrait, €298
Imagine extracting the heart of a rare and resilient rose to produce a state-of-the-art elixir that enhances the skin’s appearance, making you look half your age (or something to that effect). Oh wait, you don’t have to … some clever clogs at Lanc’me did just that … and it’s up to two million rose cells, preserved fresh, intact and in their unaltered state, that are making this magic happen. They’ve even put it in sleek black packaging, so you can worship at your own beauty altar, daily.

Halston Woman eau de parfum, approx €84
Okay, so the bottle looks like something one of the Three Wise Men might have brought to the manger but, if you can put that superficial prejudice aside, you’ll be duly rewarded. The contents offer a bold, modernisation of the classic Halston fragrance … a blend of citrus, florals, woods and ambers that gradually unveils a sensual core and carries on to flirt with a modern bouquet of precious roses, orris and jasmine petals. Oh yes, please.

Tom Ford Eye Color Quad in Seductive Rose, €70
When it comes to luxurious make-up, no one does it better than Mr T. If you buy one thing from his extensive and alluring range, make it an eye palette. Each colour quad is designed with four complementary shades and finishes, offering the range you’ll need to achieve multiple eye-popping looks. Listen to the man, ladies. You will never look back.

Jo Malone Just Like Sunday collection, €50 each
When you’re in love, weekends are never long enough are they? Make every day feel like a lazy, romantic Sunday with Jo Malone’s new Just Like Sunday Candle collection, created by the brand’s lifestyle editor Charlotte Stockdale. From Lavender & Lovage to Incense & Embers and everything in between, you’ll instantly relax with one of these flickering gently nearby.

Rosaleen McMeel @rosiemcmeel

This article is taken from BASH Volume 2. Volume 4 is on shelves now.