Like and share the article here:

Skin + Me Stories: Wedding Skincare with Ellen and Tom

Ellen and Tom had been a couple for just over a decade when Tom got down on one knee during a sunny walk through East London in 2020.

Ellen recalls, “It was lockdown and I remember it vividly. We’d actually just passed the Olympic park and Tom was walking really slowly and wearing a massive coat – even though it was boiling – so he could hide the ring in his pocket! I laughed and said yes straight away. I think he was relieved that I accepted but also relieved that he could take his coat off! We’re both really excited about having a big party with everyone we love this summer.”

Today, with their wedding just four months away (having been delayed by Covid-19) the real work begins. Ellen and Tom are prioritising a commitment to make the wedding their best day ever – with their healthiest, happiest skin yet.

Just in time for Valentine’s day, we chat with them as new Skin + Me subscribers to learn more about their skin goals, their new routine details and their wedding inspirations ahead of the ceremony.

We’re incredibly grateful to Ellen and Tom for sharing their special journey with us. We’ll be checking in on them monthly – here, and on Instagram – for news on their #positivepersonalprogress, as the countdown to their London wedding begins. Hats (and tissues) at the ready.

Wedding skincare goals

Ellen’s on her skincare before Skin + Me:

“I have dry sensitive skin and I’m prone to monthly hormonal fluctuation breakouts. My skincare routine previously was a double cleanse with micellar water, face wash and then Steam Cream moisturiser in the evenings. I’m always rushing between work and the gym so the quicker the better when it comes to getting ready and back to my desk after a workout.

Ellen’s on her skincare after Skin + Me:

I cleanse, use my Daily Doser and moisturise every night. It contains tretinion, niacinamide and azelaic acid. I’m being more vigilant than ever with SPF every day because I know tretinoin can make skin more sensitive to the sun. My wraparound routine is simple. Clinical Cleansing complex, Avene Tolerance Extreme Cleansing lotion and La Roche-Posay Effaclar H Moisturiser are my products of choice.

Ellen on her wedding skin goals:

 “I’m planning to wear minimal, natural-looking makeup on my big day and let my skin do the talking. Makeup looks better on hydrated, healthy skin so that’s what I’m hoping for.”

“I’m planning to wear minimal, natural-looking makeup on my big day and let my skin do the talking.”

Tom on his skincare before Skin + Me:

“I have combination skin and in the evenings use Simple Face Wash and moisturiser. Everything I do has to be convenience-first. It’s also important to both of us that Skin + Me creates sustainable, vegan and cruelty-free products. I don’t wear SPF every day but that’s something I’m stepping up.”

Everything I do has to be convenience-first.”

Tom on his skincare after Skin + Me:

“I’m committed to using my Daily Doser every night. I’m actively making the time to stick to wraparound care with moisturiser and SPF all day, every day. The products in my routine now are SkinCeuticals Simply Clean Gel and NeoStrata Bio-Hydrating Cream.”

Tom on his wedding skin goals:

“I want to look back at pictures of us being happy, with healthy skin and confidence on our wedding day.”

A skincare love story. Ellen and Tom’s wedding inspiration

Wedding makeup

Ellen will be doing her own makeup. She explains, “I’ve had professionals do it in the past and I’ve always thought that I didn’t look like ‘me’. I’ll try not to wear makeup in the few weeks leading up to the big day. 

“On the wedding day I know I’ll use Mac Prep and Prime and MAC Pro Longwear Nourishing Waterproof Foundation as a base. I’ll also have my eyelashes and brows tinted beforehand so my look stays fresh day to night.”

Hair

“My regular hairdresser will be coming to my house in the morning to wash and blow dry my hair. I like the glossy but natural look. Should I have it ‘half up’? That’s something we’re in conversation about. I’ll also be using masks and conditioning treatments in the weeks leading up to the day and having regular trims.”

Nails

“I’ll have acrylic tips applied a few days before with a classic french manicure finish. They won’t be too long though, I’m still hoping for the natural – but polished – nail look.”

Venue 

“We’re getting married in a beautiful Grade II listed Chapel overlooking Epping forest in East London. It’s very traditional and I’ll have a long aisle to walk down!”

Flowers, decor and invites

“I’m lucky that one of my best friends is a great graphic designer and is designing all our invites, table plans and our order of service. It’s very rustic and natural with lots of greenery and florals. Another friend is a florist, and has kindly offered to do our flowers. I’ve requested seasonal blooms with a lot of blush pink flowers and eucalyptus.”

Food 

“We’re having a three-course meal including all our favourite foods, including Tuna Tartare and a trio of desserts – I couldn’t pick just one! Having vegan and vegetarian options is important to us as is lots of nice wine and of course, champagne!”

Music

“Tom is a musician. He plays piano, guitar and steel drums. Having the right music to set the mood for the day means a lot to us. Tom’s father is from Trinidad so we’ll have steel drums playing during the canape reception. Pan music always makes everyone happy. A big wedding band is booked to arrive for the party later and will play requests for our guests.”

Theme

“We don’t have a specific theme. The venue is beautiful and classic. It speaks for itself. We’re just trying to include all the things we love.

“Although aesthetics are a key part of the wedding, it’s all about feeling happy and our guests enjoying themselves while sharing our special day. Putting in the work now to get glowing skin for the wedding is a great way to help us face the day with confidence.”

N.B Watch this space. We’ll be checking in on Ellen and Tom in the lead up to – and on their big day. 

New to Skin + Me? Click here to start your healthier, happier skin consultation.

On your Skin + Me journey? Learn more about our Invite a Friend Charity initiative here