The Ultimate Guide to Skin Prep for your Wedding Day
Let’s be honest, your wedding day is the day when you want to look absolutely stunning. You aim for flawless, airbrushed-like skin, just like Hailey Bieber. However, achieving that perfect makeup finish requires a solid foundation of beautiful skin.
I've put together a comprehensive guide to help you with your wedding day skin prep. I've tried to make it as detailed as possible, but if you ever have any questions, feel free to reach out to me at sarahparkerbeauty@gmail.com!
Get Your Skin in Optimal Condition
In order to have the skin of your dreams on wedding day, you must put in the ground work for a few months leading up to it. I recommend doing this two ways - getting regular facials and creating a consistent skincare routine.
Facials Before the Wedding
Getting a facial before your wedding is a great way to pamper yourself and achieve a radiant complexion. The best type of facial for you depends on your specific skin concerns and goals. Here are some popular facial treatments that brides often consider before their wedding:
Deep Cleansing Facial: This facial focuses on deep cleansing the skin, removing impurities, and unclogging pores. It can be beneficial for brides with oily or acne-prone skin.
Hydrating Facial: A hydrating facial is designed to replenish moisture and improve the skin's hydration levels. It can be beneficial for brides with dry or dehydrated skin, giving them a plump and glowing complexion.
Brightening Facial: A brightening facial aims to even out skin tone, diminish dark spots, and promote a radiant complexion. It can be beneficial for brides with hyperpigmentation or dull skin.
Anti-Aging Facial: An anti-aging facial targets signs of aging, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of elasticity. It often includes treatments like exfoliation, collagen stimulation, and facial massage.
Oxygen Facial: An oxygen facial involves the application of pressurized oxygen to the skin, along with a specialized serum. It can help improve circulation, boost collagen production, and give the skin a youthful glow.
Microdermabrasion: Microdermabrasion involves exfoliating the outer layer of dead skin cells using tiny crystals or a diamond-tipped wand. It can help improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of scars and fine lines, and promote a smoother complexion.
Remember to schedule your facial at least a week or two before your wedding day to allow any potential redness or irritation to subside. Additionally, consult with a professional esthetician or dermatologist to determine the best facial treatment for your specific skin type and concerns.
A Consistent Skincare Routine
A typical skincare routine before your wedding should focus on achieving a healthy, glowing complexion. Here's a suggested skincare routine that you can follow in the months leading up to your wedding:
Cleansing: Cleanse your face twice a day, morning and evening, using a gentle cleanser suitable for your skin type. This will help remove dirt, oil, and impurities.
Exfoliation: Incorporate exfoliation into your routine once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells and promote a smoother complexion. Choose a gentle exfoliator appropriate for your skin type.
Toning: After cleansing, use a toner to balance the skin's pH levels, tighten pores, and prepare the skin for better absorption of subsequent products.
Serums: Apply targeted serums to address specific skin concerns. For example, you can use a brightening serum to even out skin tone or an anti-aging serum to minimize fine lines and wrinkles.
Moisturizing: Apply a moisturizer suitable for your skin type to hydrate and nourish the skin. Look for a moisturizer that provides long-lasting hydration and addresses your specific needs.
Sun Protection: Always apply sunscreen with a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher before going outdoors.
Eye Care: Use an eye cream or gel to address any concerns around the eye area, such as dark circles or puffiness.
Weekly Treatments: Consider incorporating weekly treatments like face masks or sheet masks to provide additional hydration, brightening, or detoxification benefits.
Healthy Lifestyle: Remember that skincare goes hand in hand with a healthy lifestyle. Stay hydrated, eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, get enough sleep, and manage stress levels. These factors can significantly impact your skin's appearance.
It's important to note that everyone's skin is unique, so consider consulting with a dermatologist or skincare professional to tailor a routine specifically for your skin type and concerns. Start your skincare routine early, ideally several months before your wedding, to allow ample time to see improvements and address any unexpected reactions or issues.
How to Prep your Skin the Night Before Your Wedding
I can't stress this enough.... make sure you take off your makeup the night before the wedding!!! I can't tell you how many brides I've seen have a pimple or infection pop up the day of their wedding because they didn't prep their skin the night before. Of course this happens and we can fix this with makeup, but it's always easier to start with a clear canvas. Now if you want to go the extra mile to prep your skin the night before your wedding for flawless makeup, here are some extra steps you can take:
Double Cleanse: Start by thoroughly removing makeup and impurities with an oil-based cleanser, followed by a gentle water-based cleanser to ensure a clean canvas for your skincare products.
Exfoliation: Gently exfoliate your skin using a mild exfoliator suitable for your skin type. This will help remove dead skin cells, refine the texture, and allow for better product absorption. Be careful not to over-exfoliate, as it can cause irritation.
Dermaplaning: Dermaplaning is basically shaving your face for women. You can pick up a tool at any drugstore, but this will remove any peach fuzz and dead skin cells and will make makeup look that much smoother.
Facial Massage: Take a few minutes to perform a relaxing facial massage using your favorite facial oil or serum. Use upward and outward motions to stimulate circulation, relax facial muscles, and promote a radiant glow. This step also aids in product absorption.
Spot Treatments: Apply targeted spot treatments to any blemishes, acne spots, or areas of inflammation. Choose products with ingredients like salicylic acid or tea tree oil to reduce redness and promote healing. Allow them to fully absorb before proceeding.
Face Mask: Apply a hydrating or brightening face mask suitable for your skin's needs. Opt for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, or botanical extracts to nourish and enhance your complexion. Leave the mask on for the recommended time, then gently remove it.
Lip Mask: Apply a lip mask or a nourishing lip treatment to ensure your lips are soft, smooth, and moisturized. This will create a perfect base for lipstick or lip gloss application on your wedding day.
Good Night's Sleep: Prioritize getting a restful night's sleep to allow your skin to repair and rejuvenate. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep to minimize the appearance of dark circles and puffiness.
Remember, consistency and familiarity with the products you use are important, especially when incorporating new steps into your routine. It's also crucial to test any new products well in advance to ensure they don't cause any adverse reactions. By following this comprehensive skincare routine, you'll be on your way to having a well-prepped and radiant complexion for your wedding day makeup.
How to Prep Your Skin on Your Wedding Day for Flawless Makeup
Skin prep differs based on your skin type and the products that you've been using consistently with your skincare routine, but my first recommendation is to do your skin prep (cleanse face, serum, moisturizer) right before you do your makeup. If you do your skin prep early in the morning hours before applying makeup, there will already be a build up of oil on your skin and things won't be as fresh. Additionally, stay away from an harsh ingredients like acids or retinal on the big day.
Wedding Day Skin Prep for Extra Dry Skin
These products will help hydrate and nourish your skin while creating a smooth canvas for your makeup:
Cleanser: Averr Aglow No.1 and No.2 Cleansing System - this cleansing system has been a game changer for me. It's a rinseless system so you don't even need a sink to wash your face (also news flash... tap water isn't great for your skin). I found this system gently exfoliates but leaves your skin feeling clean and hydrated. The natural ingredients in it balance your skin's oils making it perfect for all skin types.
Exfoliator: Opt for a gentle exfoliator that won't further dry out your skin. One option is the Tatcha The Rice Polish: Gentle. It's a non-abrasive powder exfoliant that gently buffs away dead skin cells, revealing a brighter complexion without causing irritation or dryness.
Hydrating Serum: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 or Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum. These serums contain hyaluronic acid, a powerful humectant that attracts and retains moisture in the skin, helping to plump and hydrate it. Make sure you test the serum with your foundation beforehand - some serums will peel under foundation.
Moisturizer: Look for a rich, nourishing moisturizer that provides deep hydration. Some excellent options include First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream or Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Cream. These moisturizers are specifically formulated to deeply hydrate and nourish dry skin.
Face Oil: Consider incorporating a face oil into your skincare routine for added hydration and glow. The Herbivore Botanicals Phoenix Facial Oil or Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil are great options. These oils help to seal in moisture and improve the skin's texture and radiance.
Eye Cream: Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado: This hydrating eye cream is rich in avocado oil and nourishing ingredients, helping to moisturize the delicate skin around the eyes and reduce the appearance of fine lines.
Lip Balm: Keep your lips moisturized and smooth with a hydrating lip balm. I highly recommend the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask or Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment. Ensure to remove before adding lipstick!
Wedding Day Skin Prep for Normal to Combo Skin
These products are suitable for normal to combination skin, providing the necessary hydration without excessive oiliness. They create a smooth and well-prepped canvas for your makeup, ensuring long-lasting wear and a flawless finish.
Cleanser: Averr Aglow No.1 and No.2 Cleansing System - this cleansing system has been a game changer for me. It's a rinseless system so you don't even need a sink to wash your face (also news flash... tap water isn't great for your skin). I found this system gently exfoliates but leaves your skin feeling clean and hydrated. The natural ingredients in it balance your skin's oils making it perfect for all skin types.
Toner: Thayers Witch Hazel Alcohol-Free Toner - This toner helps balance the skin's pH level, tighten pores, and provide a refreshed feeling without drying out the skin.
Moisturizer: Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré - A multi-purpose moisturizer that hydrates, nourishes, and primes the skin for makeup application. This is a staple in any makeup artist's kit.
Eye Cream: Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado - This hydrating eye cream is rich in avocado oil and nourishing ingredients, helping to moisturize the delicate skin around the eyes and reduce the appearance of fine lines.
Lip Balm: Keep your lips moisturized and smooth with a hydrating lip balm. I highly recommend the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask or Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment. Ensure to remove before adding lipstick!
Wedding Day Skin Prep for Oily Skin
These products are suitable for oily skin as they help control excess oil, minimize the appearance of pores, and provide lightweight hydration. By using these products, you can ensure that your skin is properly prepped for makeup application, while also addressing any specific concerns such as oiliness and eye puffiness.
Cleanser: Averr Aglow No.1 and No.2 Cleansing System - this cleansing system has been a game changer for me. It's a rinseless system so you don't even need a sink to wash your face (also news flash... tap water isn't great for your skin). I found this system gently exfoliates but leaves your skin feeling clean and hydrated. The natural ingredients in it balance your skin's oils making it perfect for all skin types.
Toner: Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner - This toner helps to minimize the appearance of pores and control excess oil production, leaving the skin balanced and ready for makeup.
Moisturizer: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel - A lightweight, oil-free gel moisturizer that provides hydration without clogging pores or adding extra shine. It absorbs quickly, leaving the skin refreshed and smooth.
Eye Cream: Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream - This eye cream is specifically formulated to target puffiness and dark circles. It has a lightweight texture that won't feel heavy or greasy on the skin.
There you have it, you're ultimate guide to skin prep for your wedding day.
Let me know if you try any of these products or have any questions. Thanks so much for reading
XOXO
Parker
