A pre-wedding photoshoot is tricky sometimes, especially when your partner is not into the camera and you love the camera. Yeah, I feel that situation. I am blessed with a man who doesn't really care about his look on the camera, but it also challenges me when we plan for our pre-wedding photoshoot. Did I get stressed? Obviously. This moment only happens once in a lifetime, of course, we want to make it memorable and sweet. So, since we successfully passed this phase, I am urged to share with you my pre-wedding photoshoot tips so you can make the best of it.

1. Set a budget

First things first, budget. Make sure you and your partner have discussed the budget for the photoshoot, including the photographer, videographer, studio or photoshoot location, outfits, and stylist (if you prefer to use). For my fiancé and I, we are very blessed to collaborate with Indonesian photographer and videographer based in Surabaya, MATE. They specialize in pre-wedding and wedding photoshoots and I can tell that they're really professional and friendly. By collaborating with them, of course, it cuts the budget for the photographer and the videographer, plus I am my own stylist. Super blessed!

Notes: When you do research for the photographer, make sure their portfolio aligns with your dream photoshoot.

2. Create more than one moodboard

Going with one concept is fine, but you can't expect what happens in the location. Hence, opt for more than one concept so when the first plan doesn't look satisfying, you can try with the second plan. For my fiancé and I, I made two concepts: West Meets East and Alpha and Omega. I brought those concepts because he comes from Western culture and I am from Asian culture, and also, he is the firstborn while I am the lastborn in the family. 

On the set, he initially wore a cowboy hat, but it turned out the location was not as good as we expected, the sun was also too bright, and the cowboy hat doesn't really represent a cowboy. Thank God we still have more moodboards, so we can go ahead with another one. 

Notes: I use Pinterest to collect the references, then I put them on my Google Slides.

3. Do not follow trends

Stick to what will everlasting instead of following the trends because trends will fade with time. Imagine if you hang your pre-wedding photo on the wall and you did it based on the current trends (for example: Y2K trends), 10 or maybe 20 years later, you might find it weird or silly. For us, we stick to simplicity. Plain background, homey studio, neutral color scheme, so the photos will be more focused on our moments, not the ambience. Please remember that the location is just to support your photoshoot, not to become the center of attention.

4. Communicate with your photographer team clearly

Explain your ideas, concerns, and difficulties at least a week before the photoshoot. Make sure they are aware of your insecurity, for example, I prefer my left side profile rather than my right side, and I also asked them to speak in English because my fiancé cannot speak in Bahasa Indonesia. 

5. Build mood with your partner before the photoshoot

I still remember that time in the morning, I was quite cranky because of a lack of sleep (I stayed up all night to make the bridal veil, lol). Thank God, my fiancé really knows how to win my heart. He comforted me on the way to the studio until my ice broke, so we could have a very good connection during the photoshoot. Trust me, your mood truly impacts the result (watch the video below).

I hope these tips are helpful, and if you're still waiting for the right one, don't worry. Keep praying to God to prepare you and your future husband or wife, so by the time you meet them, you know he or she is the one from God. 

Here's the result of our pre-wedding video by MATE team, enjoy :)

xoxo,

Chelshea Flo

As someone with combination skin, finding the right skincare products is a real challenge. Oily in the T-zone, dry on the cheeks, and prone to breakouts - it's a delicate balance that can be tough to maintain, especially when I live in a tropical country, Indonesia and you want to achieve Korean glow looking skin.

But recently, I've discovered a skincare gem that has transformed my routine: XTRACARE. If you haven't read my recent article about it, let me explain to you a little bit. XTRACARE is a brand that prioritizes skin health under the well-known pharmacy company in Indonesia, Interbat Aesthetic. XTRACARE aims to combine leading technology with clinically proven natural goodness with a range of skincare products that are dermatologically proven to be efficacious and safe. Science and nature are in harmony.

Based on my skin concern, I tried their Xtrabarrier series which has 5 types of skincare, but this time I am going to review 4 of them, so without any further introduction, let's get into the review!

1. IONIC GENTLE CLEANSER

What it is:

Review: 

Xtracare Ionic Gentle Cleanser is a true game-changer for those with sensitive skin. Its soft, creamy texture feels incredibly gentle on the skin, and the fresh scent is invigorating without being overpowering.

Key Features:

• Gentle Cleansing: Removes impurities without stripping the skin's natural moisture.
• Soft and Creamy Texture: Provides a luxurious cleansing experience.
• Refreshing Scent: Uplifts the senses.
• Easy Rinse-Off: Leaves skin feeling clean and refreshed.
• No Greasy Residue: Ensures a non-greasy finish.

I'm impressed with Xtracare Ionic Gentle Cleanser. It's a fantastic option for those seeking a gentle, effective, and refreshing cleanser. It leaves my skin feeling clean, soft, and hydrated, without any irritation.

Rate : 4.5 out of 5

2. IONIC REGENERATING BOOSTER

Review:

Xtracare Ionic Regenerating Booster is a lightweight, gel-watery serum that promises to hydrate and revitalize the skin. While it has a calming scent and a pleasant texture, it does take a bit longer to absorb than expected.

Key Features:

• Lightweight Texture: Feels refreshing on the skin.
• Calming Scent: Provides a soothing sensory experience.
• Hydrating Formula: Delivers essential moisture to the skin.

The serum has a unique, gel-watery texture that feels refreshing upon application. However, it takes a bit of time to fully absorb into the skin. Once it does, it leaves the skin feeling hydrated and supple.

While the product is effective in hydrating the skin, the longer absorption time might be a drawback for some.

Rate: 3.5 out of 5

3. IONIC NOURISHING CREAM

What it is:

• Nourishing face cream for dry, delicate and stressed skin
• Formulated with patented XTRABARRIER™ technology
• Combines Ion Balancing Minerals, Vegan Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid and Hydrolized Collagen
• Provides weightless hydration & redness relief for sensitive skin

Review:

Xtracare Ionic Nourishing Cream is a delightful skincare product that offers a luxurious and hydrating experience. The sleek, elegant tube packaging adds to its appeal.

Key Features:

• Lightweight Texture: Easily absorbs into the skin without feeling greasy.
• Hydrating Formula: Provides deep hydration to the skin.
• Calming Effect: Soothes and calms irritated skin.
• Elegant Packaging: Adds a touch of luxury to your skincare routine.

The cream has a lightweight texture that glides smoothly onto the skin. It absorbs quickly, leaving the skin feeling soft, supple, and well-hydrated. The calming scent is subtle and pleasant, making it a relaxing addition to my skincare routine.

Xtracare Ionic Nourishing Cream is a fantastic choice for those seeking a lightweight, hydrating moisturizer. Its elegant packaging and effective formula make it a luxurious treat for the skin.

Rate: 5 out of 5 (highly recommend)

4. IONIC HYDRATING LOTION

What it is:

• Non-greasy hydrating lotion for dry, delicate and stressed skin
• Formulated with patented XTRABARRIER™ technology
• Combines Ion Balancing Minerals, Vegan Ceramides, Jeju Centella Asiatica Extract and Madecassoside
• Absorbs quickly to provide lasting hydration, skin barrier protection and redness relief

Review:

Xtracare Ionic Hydrating Lotion is a lightweight, refreshing lotion that provides an extra boost of hydration to the skin.

Key Features:

• Lightweight Texture: Easily absorbs into the skin without feeling greasy.
• Hydrating Formula: Provides essential moisture to the skin.
• Pleasant Scent: Offers a subtle, refreshing fragrance.

The lotion has a pleasant, light scent and a thin, watery texture that absorbs quickly into the skin. It leaves the skin feeling hydrated and refreshed without any sticky residue. While it does provide additional hydration, it might not be enough for those with extremely dry skin.

A small addition of SPF would make this lotion even more versatile and protective.

Rate: 4.75 out of 5

Overall, I am happy with the result of Xtrabarrier series, it keeps my skin glowing, healthier, and plumpy. If you're more into whitening series, they also have another series, Xtrawhite.

Did you know that this brand is the only brand that uses calcium and magnesium in the world? 

So, if you're interested, you can check out their product soon at:

Venus Glow Clinic by dr. Dinda Yuliasari, M. Biomed (AAM)

Instagram: @venusglowclinic @dr.dindayuliasari Google Maps: https://g.co/kgs/aVV32nb

Or you can also checkout their website at: xtracare.id

Also read: Natural, Tech Skincare is The Most Sophisticated Beauty Trend of 2024

If you never try, you'll never know.

Most of us have known that personal color analysis is trending right now, not only in fashion or beauty industry, but worldwide. Why? Because everyone is actually have their own color palette based on their undertones and they need to know their own personal color - which color suits them the most, which color gives them harmony or which color gives them disharmony. 

Have you ever experienced some outfits or makeup makes you look washed out but some makes you look glowing? That's what color analysis used for. It can be applied to find the right clothing, makeup, jewelry, contact lens, nail colors, so on.

As a person who works in fashion-beauty industry for more than 9 years, of course I would love to know my personal color too. I've done color analysis two times, one was done by a beautician and the other one through color analysis website. The beautician said I have COOL UNDERTONE while from the website it said my season is AUTUMN. 

So random. 

I can't believe them because when I tried the palette, I can clearly confirm those are not my colors. That's why, instead of going to another color analyst, I decided to learn it by myself. I learned it almost everyday from some websites and personal color experts, I learned how to define personal color, including 4 seasons and 12 sub seasons. It was so difficult to define the use of hue, chroma, and value! However after practicing a lot and doing trials and errors - I become more sensitive with colors and familiar with those terms. 

I used to be the client and I got wrong analysis, TWICE. But finally with the knowledge I got from learning color analysis, not just understanding my own personal color palette, but I also got some privileges to be a speaker and share my knowledge to others, TWICE. I can't describe my gratitude with words because I feel it's a gift from God. 

I love how to see them finally figuring out their best colors and their worst colors. Not just to be the best version of themselves, but we can also cut expenses buying the wrong colors and just focusing on colors that flatter us.

Have you done personal color analysis before?

If you wanted to get a private color analysis consultation, you can reach me out through email : chelsheaflo@gmail.com or just comment down your email and I will reach out to you.