without overcomplicating it
HOW TO PREP YOUR SKIN FOR YOUR WEDDING DAY
If you’ve found yourself spiralling down a 12-step skincare rabbit hole on TikTok or wondering if you need to start spending a fortune on facials to get a bridal glow, don’t worry. You’re not alone, and the truth is: your pre-wedding skincare routine doesn’t have to be extreme to be effective.
Great wedding makeup starts with great skin prep. So if you’re a bride-to-be looking for a calm, clear plan that actually works, here’s everything you need to know.
When To Start A Skincare Routine For Your Wedding?
The sooner, the better - but don’t panic. If you’ve got 12+ months, brilliant. If it’s 3–6 months away, that’s still plenty of time to build a simple, effective routine. The key is consistency.
My Makeup-Artist-Approved Skincare Basics
You don’t need 27 serums or a mini fridge. Here’s what I actually recommend:
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Gentle cleanser (morning and night)
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A toner (for after cleansing)
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Hydrating serum (look for hyaluronic acid)
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Moisturiser (for your skin type)
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SPF 50 (every morning, no excuses)
But the most important thing? Water. Keeping hydrated is the absolute key.
And please, I’m begging you - don’t rely on makeup wipes. They don’t actually cleanse your skin properly, and your face deserves better.
What To Avoid Close To The Big Day?
Now is not the time to experiment. In the final 4–6 weeks, steer clear of:
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New products (especially actives like retinol or acids)
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Harsh treatments (such as chemical peels)
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Squeezing spots (I know it’s tempting, but please don’t)
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Forgetting to drink water
The Week Before
Keep it simple. Focus on hydration, sleep, and staying calm. You can do a gentle exfoliation and a hydrating mask 4-5 days before, but avoid anything that could trigger irritation.
The Night Before
Don’t overdo it. Just cleanse, hydrate, and moisturise well. Avoid alcohol and fatty foods if you’re worried about puffiness or breakouts, and get to bed at a reasonable time (easier said than done, I know!).
On The Morning Of Your Wedding
Please don’t apply thick SPF or rich moisturiser just before your makeup. I’ll take care of all your skin prep using the best products for your skin, so you can just cleanse and leave your face fresh. If you're dry, a light moisturiser is fine, but less is more here.
In Summary
You don’t need to spend hundreds on facials or overhaul your routine overnight. A few simple, consistent habits will do far more for your skin than any panic purchases - and you’ll feel so much calmer, too.
Want even more skincare tips and timelines? Every bride I work with gets exclusive access to my Bridal Lounge, packed with skincare guides, helpful checklists and planning tools.
If you’re looking for a makeup artist who’ll take the stress out of everything, even your skincare then I’d love to chat.