Great makeup doesn't start on the morning of your wedding; it starts weeks before. As an artist who specializes in skin-first makeup, I cannot overstate how important your pre-wedding skincare routine transforms your final look. Here are my top 5 tips for prepping your bridal canvas.
The Routine
1. Hydrate Relentlessly
Dehydrated skin is the enemy of smooth makeup. When skin lacks water, it overcompensates by producing more oil, or it cracks and flakes, causing foundation to look textured. Start drinking at least 3 liters of water a day and incorporate a Hyaluronic Acid serum into your nighttime routine.
2. Avoid New Products Before the Wedding
Do not experiment with an entirely new chemical peel or active serum (like strong Retinol) within 4 weeks of your wedding date. If you suffer a breakout or allergic reaction, it is incredibly difficult to calm the skin down in time. Stick to what your skin already knows and loves.
3. Invest in Monthly Dermaplaning
Peach fuzz on the face can catch the light and make powder products look heavy. Gentle dermaplaning smoothly removes the top layer of dead skin and vellus hair, giving makeup a beautifully smooth, glass-like finish. Just be sure to do your final session about 3-5 days before the wedding.
4. Treat Your Lips
Bridal lipsticks are designed to last for hours, meaning they tend to be matte and slightly drying. Smooth out your lips every night with a mild scrub and coat them in a thick overnight lip mask. You want them to be as plump and smooth as possible by the wedding morning.
5. Ice Rollers for Inflammation
Stress causes inflammation and puffiness. Keep an ice roller in your freezer and use it religiously in the final two weeks, especially around your jawline and under-eyes. It restricts blood flow temporarily and drains lymphatic fluid, leaving your face sculpted and taut.