There is a saying about makeup, and it’s that makeup is only as good as the canvas it’s applied to. While bridal makeup artists like myself have the skill to transform women with elegant and beautiful looks, if the skin underneath hasn’t been taken care of, it can make things a little more difficult!

When my brides book in with me, I always make sure to advise that they should do a little bit of homework on their own skin and be aware of the things they are doing that can affect the overall look on the big day. It can be a daunting thought, especially if you’ve previously just let your skin ‘do its thing’, but if there was ever a time to take up a good skincare routine, it’s in the lead up to your wedding. 

Here, you can follow my top five wedding skincare tips on how to get your skin clear and luminous for the big day.

#1 Form a routine as soon as possible
When it comes to wedding beauty prep, there’s no such thing as starting too soon. Don’t leave it until the last minute to think about your skin – I would say that the last six months before your wedding is a good marker of time to begin a new, dedicated routine. The longer, the better! Don’t forget that every skin type is different, so it’s best to go to a skincare professional to get advice on a new routine, rather than choosing at random what you think you may need and risking making things worse.

#2 Avoid new products
Please don’t try any new products up to three weeks before your wedding – this includes not just skincare, but hair products and even washing powder can make your skin a little grizzly if it’s something it’s not used to. Use the time I recommended in the tip above to experiment with what works for you.

#3 Take care of your body inside out
It’s not just about what you’re putting on your body, it’s about what’s going in. Getting a good diet of fresh fruits and liquids such as green tea can do wonders for the skin, as their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are thought to help brighten the skin! As well as this, it’s taking care of your body by making sure you’re getting enough sleep that’s important. You can also carry out some self-care treatments, such as a long bath or going for a walk – even having a lovely massage.

#4 Have big treatments in advance
Some women like to take advantage of bridal pampering packages and some of these may include a facial. It is my advice that you don’t carry out a chemical facial too close to the wedding in case of any reactions. However, I do strongly recommend an exfoliating and hydrating facial even for skin that’s already in good condition. Taking off the layer of dead skin cells will result in more flawless and youthful-looking makeup. Don’t forget, after some treatments, it could take a couple of weeks for your skin to calm down, and red angry skin is the last thing you need just before your big day!

#5 Moisture, moisture, moisture!
We all know how important water is to take care of our bodies, and it can really show in our skin. Up your water intake as much as possible in the months before your wedding, and double up on the hydration with a good moisturiser that works with your skin type. Apply throughout the day to tackle any dry spots to ensure a smooth base.

I hope this is all helpful, but I wanted to share a final word of advice. Please remember that ‘flawless’ skin doesn’t exist. In fact, your marriage partner and your guests will only be in awe of how great you look, and will certainly not be pointing out a cheeky spot that decides to rear its head. All that really matters is that you feel your absolute best on your wedding day and being happy with the skin you’re in can play a big part in that, so a little prep now could go a long way.

I just love hearing about the bridal looks you’d like to achieve for your big day. If you’d like to hear more about my services, please get in touch to speak to me about booking in for a trial – can’t wait to hear from you!