Bridal Skin Prep: Start here for Glowing Makeup
Wedding day glow by me! This gorgeous Okanagan bride started her skin prep months before, and it shows + gave her long lasting makeup for her wedding day.
Photo by: Candid Apple Collective
Ok Brides, this is where you need to start because when it comes to flawless and long wearing bridal makeup, glowing skin doesn’t start on your wedding day…it starts months before.
As a Kelowna-based bridal makeup artist specializing in naturally refined, glowing beauty, I’ve seen firsthand, time and time again, how the right skin prep (BEFORE your big day) can completely elevate and overall enhance your wedding day look. If you’re wondering where to start with bridal skin prep, this quick 4 step guide will walk you through the top essentials to take note of for skin prep, giving you a starting off point ahead of the big day.
1) Start Early (But Don’t Panic)
Ideally, bridal skin prep should begin about 6–12 months before your wedding. This gives your skin time to adjust, shift and glow naturally right from the get go.
If your wedding date is sooner, please don’t stress! Even 4–6 weeks of consistent daily routine can make a huge difference in the overall texture and tone of your skin.
Pro Tip: Brides- Please Avoid trying brand-new treatments right before your wedding! A calm, balanced, hydrated skin always photographs way better than skin that’s dealing with a potential reaction.
2) Create a Simple, Consistent Daily Routine
Although I am a product junkie at heart, and love to feel luxurious in my skincare, the truth is great skin doesn’t require a 12 step program. A solid daily routine should include the following:
Gentle cleanser (AM + PM)
Hydrating serum (look for hyaluronic acid (HA) or glycerin for deep hydration)
Moisturizer - key here is that it’s suited to your skin type (combination, normal, dry or sensitive)
SPF every morning (sorry girl, this one is a non-negotiable for that bridal glow)
Consistency matters most here and is more important than aiming to use only luxury products. Healthy and hydrated skin is our goal here, and there are tons of great products for this across varying price points.
Pro Tip: If you’re feeling a little lost on what to use in your routine or what’s best for you- Reach out to me! I am the queen at curating perfect at home skincare plans for my clients through Personal Shopping Experiences (another fun service I offer)
My PRO Makeup Artist Kit, featuring top skincare must haves- especially that Vichy Sunscreen
3) Book a Professional Facial (Timing is Key for this one)
Regular facials can be incredibly beneficial leading up to your wedding and are something I always encourage my clients to look into. Especially if you’re dealing with dryness, congestion (breakouts), lots of texture or dullness/hyperpigmentation.
Start facials at least 3–6 months out. Meet with an esthetician and work with them to create the best timeline for you, but I always suggest starting earlier. This allows you lots of time to fine tune the right treatment path for you.
Schedule your last facial 2–3 weeks before the wedding if you’re doing something a little more intensive (like a pee). If you’re planning to do a hydrafacial (these are great pre-wedding treatments) than you can do this 7-10 days before the wedding as they are not invasive.
Skip aggressive treatments close to the big day- might be tempting to get one last treatment in, but keeping it light and focused on hydration right before, will be the best plan for your skin (and for your bridal makeup look!)
This ensures your skin is smooth, calm, and ready for makeup application.
4) Hydration Is Your Secret Weapon (seriously though!)
Glowing bridal skin starts from within. Yes of course, factors we apply externally are SUPER important too, but that true bridal glow we’re all after comes from being hydrated from the inside out.
Drink plenty of water daily
Limit excess alcohol and salt, especially the week leading up to your wedding
Prioritize sleep- Yes, sorry honey it shows in your skin, and a more rested body maintains better hydration levels
Follow these tips and the Dior Backstage Highlighter I will use on your wedding day, will be extra radiant, thanks to your glowing skin.
Final Thoughts >>
All in all, the best kept secret to amazing bridal makeup for your wedding day, begins with healthy, well loved skin. Keep your routine simple, start early, trust the process and when in doubt, reach out to me- I’m right here to help you navigate it all. When your skin feels calm, hydrated, and balanced, your wedding day makeup will look effortless, timeless, and beautifully you.
So, If you’re planning a wedding in the Okanagan and looking for naturally refined, fresh and radiant makeup look, with a cool Kelowna Bridal makeup artist who will truly guide you every step of the way- then let’s chat girl, I’d love to be part of your day!
After glam hug with this gorgeous Kelowna June Bride! Her wedding was held at the beautiful Red Star Ranch. I seriously LOVE my brides!