by Johanna Osborne

As many of our blushing brides get closer to their wedding date, few things are of course more important than the big day itself. Well apart from the honeymoon of course. And it’s so easy to get swept up in your dream to look glorious in your big white dress, that you might forget that you need to put – almost – as much thought into your honeymoon attire. Yes, honeymoons are for relaxing and letting go, but no one wants to look frizzy haired and pasty skinned in their holiday snaps. We’ve compiled our favourite list of honeymoon must-haves to make your holiday easy breezy and totally gorgeous. In every way!

1. Tan. Trust me, there is no way around this. Of course the actual sun is so yesterday, and it’s all about the faux. Whether you head to a glorious boutique like Salute and get sprayed by a professional, or buy a top shelf product and do it yourself, you must try and get a bit of colour on your bod before you depart. Unless you are heading to the ski slopes that is! Wish I’d taken my own advice, I’ve just been on a sunny holiday and my legs look so milky white in all my photos I am almost blinded looking at them! If only vampire legs were in fashion.

2. Sparkle. Yes glitter is very 1999 but a bit of tan enhancing shimmer works wonders. We have discovered the most amazing product – Sugar Baby Little Spray of Sunshine Tan Enhancing Shimmer Oil. It’s a lovely product you can quickly put on as you are about to head out the door to frolick with you lover. It gives a lovely shimmer and makes your legs look great.

3. Eyelashes! Yes make up should be minimal if you are going somewhere hot, but doe-eyes are never out of style. In our humble opinion, Diorshow is simply the best mascara we have ever come across, and it even comes in waterproof if you’d rather not risk panda eyes by the pool. And of course there’s also divine lash extensions. Lush Lashes can have you looking like you are made up beautifully all honeymoon long, without even so much as touching a wand at all! Wow!

4. Kaftans and cover-ups. Invest in a few gorgeous pieces. Not feeling exposed by the pool and being fashionable is worth a lot. If you feel good you will look good!

5. Water and fruit. No one should even think about dieting at a time as exciting as this, but drinking tons of water and eating lot of fruit will have you feeling light as a feather. Not a bad way to start the day, especially if you’ve had a few too many glasses of bubbles in your bure the night before. It’s all about cleansing your system, keeping hydrated and putting wonderful vitamins in your body. The more colourful your bowl of fruit the more antioxidants await!

6. Jewellery. A bit of jewellery (in addition to your brand new sparkler on your left hand) is gorgeous, even when it’s hot hot hot. Think gorgeous beachy necklaces and dangly sparkly earrings. But watch out. Some metals literally can react with your skin and cause rashes in the sun. Try to go for light, natural beads and good quality metals, just like our friend Elle here.

7. Hair. Oh my. If you are blonde and even if you don’t have a problem back home with your hair tone, take some silver shampoo with you. The sun and sea can really play havoc with your hair and no one wants to look like a yellow haired troll on the most romantic holiday of their life! Most hair types can use some protection on vacation, and you can get sunscreen for hair, just like for your skin. And of course pack a hair treatment too, you will be thankful you did!

8. And that brings us to our next point – skin! Sunscreen is critical. Your face should never see the sun without a very high SPF (we love Neutrogena Sport Face SPF 70- even if you sweat it doesn’t come off!) and a wide brimmed hat. Look after that pretty face of yours, after all no one wants a Rudolph nose at dinner.

9. Perfume. It’s not very practical to lug a giant bottle of perfume on holiday, but there’s just no substitute for smelling nice. I usually get little samples of my favourites to take with me or invest in a small perfume oil from the Body Shop.

10. Bright colours. If there is ever a time to shine it’s on your honeymoon. Be bold, be brave and wear colour! Nothing ignites your mood more than a bright gorgeous jovial dress, top or cover up.

11. Speaking of colour, it can also be injected into another all important honeymoon wardrobe staple – your chemise! This is the time for luxury, gorgeousness and elegance. For Every Minute have it covered with their divine range – there’s something for everyone. From stunning jewel-toned nightware to classic cream and black, we love it all.

12. Moisturiser. Take a great full body moisturiser like Cocoa Butter from the Body Shop to keep your skin hydrated.

13. Skin care! Don’t neglect your regime on holiday. There is nothing that you won’t find covered by the amazing, natural and effective Antipodes range.

14. Shellac baby! We recommend a Shellac mani-pedi to tide you over – you won’t have to worry for 2-3 weeks and have stunning nails on holiday. We love The Finishing Touch for exceptional service and quality.

15. Insect repellent. Always take some. No one wants a niggly naggy mozzie buzzing around while catching up on beauty sleep.

15. Camera. Take your camera, take a spare battery and snap the hell out of this holiday. Even if you hate your picture being taken, this is a once in a lifetime holiday and chance to document your happiest moments. Don’t be afraid to ask strangers to take a pic of the 2 of you. These are most likely the photos you will go back to over and over again.