Bridal Skincare 101: A Guide to Achieving a Stunning Wedding Day Glow
We might be biased, but we believe there’s nothing more important on your wedding day than your skin. Those pictures are going to be everywhere, babe, and we want you to feel your absolute best the whole day.
As professional MUAs, we’ve got the bridal skincare routine down to a science. Keep reading to discover our fave tips and products that’ll have you glowing when you walk down the aisle!
How to achieve a beautiful bridal glow on wedding day
Getting that drop-dead-gorgeous glow on your wedding day starts right after you say “yes.” With these 4 steps, you’ll be prepped in no time!
1. Learn more about your skin
First thing’s first: you gotta get super comfortable in your own skin. And that starts by figuring out everything there is to know about it. Here’s what you need to know:
What's your skin type?
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, there are 5 major skin types: oily, dry, normal, combination, and sensitive.
Here are the descriptions of each skin type, right from their website.
Sensitive skin may sting or burn after product use
Normal skin is clear and not sensitive
Dry skin is flaky, itchy, or rough
Oily skin is shiny and greasy
Combination skin is dry in some areas and oily in others
Source: American Academy of Dermatology
Knowing your skin type is super important because it will affect what products you should and shouldn’t use in your bridal skincare routine.
Do you have any skin concerns?
Common skin concerns include acne and scarring, sun damage, wrinkles and fine lines, dark spots, and pigmentation. Similar to your skin type, skin concerns may impact your skin routine.
Are you sensitive to any products?
Allergies play a big role in the brands and products you’ll use leading up to wedding day. If you have known allergies to specific ingredients, be sure to avoid products that may irritate your skin. Share any allergies with your MUA well before your wedding day.
If you're unsure about your skin type, problem areas, or allergies, it’s always a good idea to see a dermatologist!
2. Get your skin treated regularly by professionals
There are two appointments we suggest you make in the months leading up to your wedding: facials and dermaplaning.
Monthly Facials
Monthly facials prior to the big day are crucial for healthy skin. Estheticians can provide the best glow to help your skin and makeup look their best. When you don’t properly take care of your skin (especially exfoliating!), makeup doesn't go on as smoothly.
Dermaplaning
A few weeks prior to your wedding, get dermaplaned. This is a form of manual exfoliation that will help your makeup lay perfectly on your skin - plus, it gets rid of pesky peach fuzz!
3. Adopt healthy habits
Drink more water
We know - everybody is telling you to drink more water. But it truly makes a difference. Being hydrated is the holy grail of skincare!
Eat healthy
Some things that may negatively affect your skin are dairy, caffeine, and alcohol. If you’re doing everything suggested by your dermatologist and esthetician and are still having issues with your skin, diet may be to blame.
If you suffer from breakouts, cut the dairy out immediately! When it comes to alcohol, we know you may want a celebratory drink the night before your wedding, but if your concern is looking and feeling your best, get a mocktail or immediately follow your beverage with a big glass of water.
If you need more help, our go-to guru for all things nutrition, Holistic Nutritionist Corinne Angelica, gives amazing tips for getting a bridal glow!
Get enough sleep
We know planning a wedding is super stressful, but seriously, let yourself rest! You’ll want your beauty rest and a fully cleansed face the night before your wedding to ensure a perfect canvas when you wake.
4. Create a skincare routine and stick to it
Your skincare routine will make or break your morning-of experience. Do some research, pick reliable products, and create a routine that is manageable for your schedule. Consistency is key! And PLEASE - do not ever go to bed with your makeup on!
Daily bridal skincare routine: our go-to products
There are 7 major players you should consider when planning your daily bridal skincare routine. If you’re new to the skincare game, start with a gentle cleanser and exfoliate once a week. A toner will help balance your skin, and applying a hyaluronic acid serum will bring hydration for a glowing complexion. Eye cream and moisturizer are essential for a youthful look. And don’t forget about your lips!
For more specific skin concerns such as discoloration, or fine lines, speak with a reputable dermatologist or esthetician to create a treatment plan.
Cleanser
How to use it: cleansing can be done morning and night, with extra focus on the evening.
Our fave products:
Kiehls Ultra Face Cleanser - one of our fave gentle cleansers that is great for daily use. It also removes makeup easily!
Naturopathic Manuka Honey Cleansing Balm - this cleanser is applied to dry skin and is great to use at night if you are wearing makeup. The balm helps to break down oil, dirt, and makeup and can be followed up with a gentle cleanser.
Tatcha The Rice Wash: Soft Cream Cleanser - we love this cleanser because it washes and softens the skin without stripping it.
Exfoliator
How to use it: If you’re new to exfoliating, start off once a week and build up from there as needed.
Our fave products:
Tatcha The Rice Polish Non-Abrasive Exfoliator (Powder Form) - there are several formulas based on skin type, so they have an option for all!
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant - this is a gentle, daily-use exfoliating powder for smooth bright skin. The powder is activated with water (like the Tatcha Rice Polish) and is great for all skin conditions.
Toner
How to use it: Apply with a cotton pad (We love Shiseido 100% Natural Facial Cotton) to clean skin.
Our fave products:
Pixi Beauty Glow Tonic - This gentle toner refines the look of pores and gives your skin radiance. It has been a cult favorite for our brides and is budget-friendly.
Biologique Recherche P50 - This is Cherise Loren’s personal favorite! It comes in a few forms based on your skin type. This product regulates excess sebum secretion, moisturizes, and helps maintain a balanced acid pH to reveal smooth, clearer skin.
Honest Beauty Pollution Solution Purifying Toner - A clean beauty option that wipes away impurities and defends against pollution.
Hyaluronic Acid
How to use it: Apply to slightly damp skin after you have used cleanser and toner.
Our fave products:
The Ordinary HA - this provides surface hydration to dehydrated skin.
Honest Beauty Stay Hydrated Hyaluronic Acid - This EWG Certified product leaves your skin plump with hydration
Eye Cream
How to use it: Gently apply eye cream with your ring finger. Use the least amount of pressure possible as this is the most delicate skin area.
Our fave products:
Sunday Riley Auto Correct Brightening and Depuffing Eye Contour Cream - refresh and revitalize tired eyes with this product! It has caffeine, Brazilian ginseng root, shea butter, and cocoa butter that hydrate and heal tired skin.
Le Mieux Eye Wrinkle Corrector -This eye cream has multiple peptides that visibly reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and dark circles.
Moisturizer
How to use it: Apply moisturizer to your face using upward strokes that help lift the skin.
Our fave products (by skin type):
Dry Skin
Biossance Squalane + Omega Repair Cream - a deep hydrating cream full of lipids and ceramides to plump and smooth your complexion.
Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream - a hydrating cream that helps to protect the skin against stress and pollution and takes away redness!
Oily Skin
Tatcha The Water Cream - a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer for smooth, balanced skin.
BeautyBio ZenBubble Oil-Free Calming Gel Cream - this cream does it all. It moisturizes, tightens pores, balances oil production, and reduces redness for a smooth application.
Sensitive Skin
Honest Beauty Daily Calm Lightweight Moisturizer - a gentle moisturizer that supports the skin barrier and helps reduce redness.
Normal/Combination Skin
Kiehl’s Ultra Face Cream - a straightforward face moisturizer for 24-hour skin hydration.
Lip Care
How to use it: Apply a generous amount of lip care products as needed. There’s nothing better than hydrated lips, which will help your lipstick go on smoothly! Usually, a sleeping mask for lips can actually be applied all day, no need to wash it off!
Our fave products:
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask - Don’t let the name fool you. This “sleeping mask” can be applied overnight or as an all-day balm. Its rich texture leaves your lips smooth and plump.
Honest Beauty Magic Balm - A blend of organic fruit + botanical oils that deliver intense hydration to the lips.
Tatcha The Kissu Lip Mask - This non-sticky lip mask (again, can be used as an all-day balm) helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and provides all-day or night hydration to your lips.
Other things to keep in mind
You should apply sunscreen every day, regardless of the weather. The sun can damage your skin even on a cold or cloudy day!
Ensure you clean your makeup brushes and replace beauty blenders regularly. The frequency you do this depends on how much you wear makeup. If you’re putting on a full face most days, you’ll need to do this more often than if you just wear makeup occasionally.
At your makeup trial, your beauty team can access your skin and give you suggestions for a skincare routine. But don’t wait for this to start taking care of your skin!
Bridal Skincare Do’s and Don’ts
A daily skincare routine is key to having beautiful, hydrated skin for wedding day. But what about the morning of? Check out this list of do’s and don’ts.
Do:
Wash your face - make sure all makeup is removed so your MUA has a clean canvas to work from!
Moisturize
Drink plenty of water
Apply a hydrating, firming face mask or eye mask to prep your skin
Don’t:
Exfoliate - this is best done the night before to avoid irritation
Try new products - even if your BFF says a product is her fave product, stay clear!
Get a spray tan - instead, do this 2-3 days prior to your wedding.
The key to flawless bridal skincare
Even with a professionally-back skincare routine, the key to getting that stunning bridal glow is in the hands of your beauty team. At Elite, we use the best products, ensuring you look and feel flawless on your special day.
If you’d like to learn more about booking us for your wedding, contact us! We’d love to chat with you about your bridal skincare goals.
