To glow is one thing; to glisten and shine is quite another. Such is the challenge of oily-skin care — especially during the summer months. Here are three products that have become permanent members of my hot-weather beauty arsenal. If you have oily skin, you’ll thank me.

Step 1: Cleanse

Keeping pores clear is the key to a smoother complexion. The trick is to find a way to exfoliate regularly without irritation — if you have clogged, oil-prone skin, scrubs meant to be used only once or twice a week aren’t going to do much good.

A better idea: daily gentle sloughing. G.M Collin Active Exfoliant refines and exfoliates with rice powder granules, plus fruit-based enzymes derived from papain and bromelain (papaya and pineapple).

$39, available at spas and skin1.com

Step 2: Mattify

Finally, a mattifyer that really and truly works (take it from me: I’ve tried them all). Avène Eau Thermale Mattifying Fluid does precisely what it says, sans oily-feeling silicones. The star ingredient here is patent-pending Glutamic acid, which works to inhibit sebum production. The formula itself is a gel-fluid, with just enough hydration for people like me, who feel that regular moisturizers just exacerbate the oil-slick syndrome. Skin is left with a naturally fresh, matte finish.

This past week, I unfortunately did not lose any weight (on the plus side, I also didn’t gain any!). After my disappointing weigh-in on Saturday, my trainer Bonne Marcus took my measurements, and that cheered me up — I am down another six inches from the last time she measured me five weeks ago! I lost one and a half inches from my chest, two inches from my waist and two and a half inches from my abs! I had a good week last week eating and exercise-wise, and it definitely bothered me that no pounds came off, but the inches are important, too.

Bonne points out, “The scale is a poor indicator of whether or not you are overweight. Your body composition is not simply determined by how much you weigh, but by how much of your body weight comes from fat. Appropriate amounts of both fat and lean tissue are necessary for optimal health.” A better way to measure yourself is to through a body fat test with a skin caliper. Using the tool, “a trainer will pinch certain sites on your body to get a measurement. It is not completely accurate, but it does give you a good picture.”

Photo Credit: Jennifer Roper Photography on Oh Lovely Day via Lover.ly

Q: My maid of honor is planning my bridal shower and we both agree that children shouldn’t be included. Are we wrong? And how do we let people know?

A: No, you’re not wrong. Bridal showers are traditionally for grown ups. Little ones can become bored quite easily, especially if all those pretty packages don’t hold toys for them! Have your maid of honor and bridesmaids address the envelopes to invited guests only and spread the word that the gathering will be just for adults. 

—Diane Forden

Guest Blogger: Jessica Hochstadt, MS, Nutritionist and owner of “I Do” Nutrition
Jessica was a Nutritionist and Health Educator in a Boston-based hospital before deciding to focus her practice on brides with “I Do” Nutrition—a global weight-loss service that caters to brides and their bridal parties, on their schedule. She understands that everyone has a different relationship with food, and enjoys guiding bridal parties to appreciate the importance behind meal planning, understanding nutrition, and building a healthy lifestyle. In a time where our world and kitchen cupboards have become overly saturated with misinformation about nutrition, Jessica brings the simplicity back to a field that has sustained us through life.

Your wedding day is a lifetime milestone and will be one of your happiest memories. And while there will be plenty of unforeseen surprises on this day, there certain things you can plan for — like what you'll eat as you're getting ready.