The Bridal Beauty Edit: How to Prep Your Skin for Your Big Day
Every girl dreams about her perfect wedding day, with all eyes on her and skin glowing with radiance. Whether you’ve got your big day coming up or are just a planner, you’ll know there’s lots of preparation that goes into such a momentous event. From guest lists, to venues, to catering, there’s lots on the to-do list, but there’s one thing that cannot be overlooked and that is beauty. You want to look showstopping on your wedding day, so keeping on top of your beauty and skincare is a must, and I’m not just talking about your makeup look on the day. Wedding beauty prep is a process, but if you stay on top of everything before the occasion rolls around, there’s no doubt that you’ll be looking and feeling like your most beautiful self on the day. If you’re not sure where to start, not to worry! We’ve got you covered with a perfect timeline plan that will have your skin prepped and ready to turn heads on your dream day...
WEDDING DAY SKIN PREP
12 months out
It’s a year before the big day. You have a lot of time to prepare, so now is the time to experiment and figure out what works for you. If there is something that you have been wanting to try when it comes to wedding beauty, a year will give you enough time to try things and change your mind if you end up not liking them. For instance, if you’re wanting to have injectables such as Botox or filler, it is a good idea to get them now so you have time to play around with different amounts and placements, or get things dissolved if they turn out to be a no go. You can also discuss your goals with your injector so they can help you to create a plan to ensure that you have the best results possible for your wedding day.
6 months out
So you’re at the 6 month mark and it’s time to focus on your skincare. Meeting with a dermatologist to discuss any skin concerns you may be having and making a timeline plan can help you to tackle your skincare woes. It is likely that this will involve using retinoids, as these are one of the best dermatologist approved ways to treat skin issues like acne, hyperpigmentation, texture issues and skin congestion. They can also help to increase our skin’s collagen production, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It is important to give yourself ample time when introducing retinoids to your routine, as they are a slow burn... your skin will take time to adjust.
6 months out from the big day is also a great time to start seeing an aesthetician. Incorporating facials into your wedding preparation is a great way to help improve the texture of your complexion. Extractions, LED therapy and microdermabrasion’s are just a few of the many treatments that you can enjoy, so make sure you do a little research beforehand and discuss with your aesthetician or dermatologist what might be best for your skincare goals.
3 months out
There’s 3 months till your perfect day and it’s time to hit the exfoliation. Stick to AHAs and BHAs which are chemical exfoliants. They are less harsh than retinoids, but still are able to help with the same skin concerns. Because there are different strengths of chemical exfoliants, seeing your dermatologist can help you select a product that is right for your skin. Using a chemical exfoliant will aid in getting rid of dead skin cells
A month out
So you’re a month away from your wedding, and at this point after your long journey of skincare prep, hopefully your skin is now where you want it to be, healthy and radiant. It is crucial at this point that you don’t change anything. Keep it consistent and don’t introduce any new products that could cause a reaction in your skin. Focus on keeping your skin hydrated so that it is consistently glowing. Now is also the time to have your last big appointments, so get your Botox sorted now if that’s something you get done.
A week out
Eeekk, a week away! Keep up the good work! Now is the time to wind back your exfoliation. Do it once a week before, and then stop until post-wedding. This will mitigate any risk of irritation or dryness on the day... the last thing you want is your foundation clinging to any dry patches. Again, keep your focus on moisturising your skin so it is plump and hydrated, ready to be the perfect bridal base.
The day before
So the big day is tomorrow and you’re feeling nervous about lots of things, but your skin doesn’t have to be one of them! It’s time to calm down, both yourself and your skin. The wedding eve is all about preparing the perfect canvas for your show stopping bridal look the next day. The best base is smooth, hydrated and calm, so it’s important to ensure your skin isn’t experiencing any reactions or irritation.
The day of
Congratulations, you made it! The last few months to a year have required some intense focus and planning, but it’s all paid off. Now it’s time to prep your skin with some water-based skincare products the morning of and let your fabulous makeup artist work their magic. Why water based skincare? Because you want your wedding makeup to photograph well, last all day, and have a beautiful finish. Water based products can help you achieve this as they have a lightweight feel, and aren’t greasy so won’t affect the finish of your makeup, but still provide deep and long-lasting hydration. It also won’t react with your makeup like oil or silicone based products might, as these can cause pilling or separation which is a wedding makeup nightmare! So simply take a gentle water based cleanser and moisturiser to use in the morning, and let your makeup artist do the rest.
Yes, this may sound like a long process, but your wedding day is one of life’s biggest events, and you deserve to radiate confidence and beauty on the occasion. By planning and sticking to a routine, you can have the wedding you always dreamed of whilst having beautiful skin. Remember, it takes time and patience but it’s all worth it in the end!