Your wedding day skincare prep should start well before the final few weeks. Focus on building a consistent routine that supports healthy, hydrated skin and gives you time to understand which products work best for you.
6 to 12 Months Before: Build a Consistent Skincare Routine
Start Your Skincare Routine Early: Build a consistent routine focused on healthy, hydrated skin. Your makeup will only look as good as the skin underneath, so give yourself plenty of time to learn what products work best for you.
Exfoliate and Protect Your Skin: Use a gentle chemical exfoliant one to three times per week, depending on your skin and the product. Examples include AHAs, such as glycolic or lactic acid, BHAs, such as salicylic acid, or gentler exfoliating enzymes. Always follow the product instructions and avoid over-exfoliating, which can leave your skin dry or irritated. Moisturize regularly and wear sunscreen daily, especially on your face, chest, and shoulders.
4 to 6 Months Before: Plan Treatments and Protect Your Skin
If you’re considering treatments such as dermaplaning or a Hydrafacial, schedule your first appointment several months before the wedding. This gives your skin time to respond and helps you understand how far in advance you should schedule your final treatment.
Schedule Professional Skin Treatments: If you’re considering treatments such as dermaplaning or a Hydrafacial, start several months before the wedding. This gives you time to see how your skin responds and determine the best timing for your final appointment.
Stick With What Works: Once you find a routine that works well for your skin, stay consistent. Avoid constantly switching products or adding multiple new treatments at once. The goal is healthy, balanced skin, not a complete skincare overhaul right before the wedding.
14 Days Before: Keep Your Skin Calm
Keep Your Skin Calm: As the wedding gets closer, stop experimenting with new skincare products. Avoid introducing retinol, tretinoin, or other strong active ingredients if they are likely to irritate your skin.
Focus on Hydration: Continue using the products your skin already knows and tolerates well. Prioritize gentle cleansing, moisturizing, and keeping your skin hydrated instead of trying to achieve last-minute changes.
2 to 3 Days Before
Schedule Your Spray Tan: If you’re getting a spray tan, plan it two to three days before your wedding. This gives the color time to develop and allows you to see how it looks with your planned bridal hair and makeup.
Avoid Last-Minute Skin Treatments: Skip aggressive facials, peels, or new treatments during these final days. You want to avoid unexpected redness, dryness, breakouts, or irritation before your wedding.
On the Day of Your Trial and Wedding
Arrive With Skin Ready for Makeup: Come to your appointment with a clean, moisturized face and groomed brows. Follow your makeup artist’s instructions regarding skincare and SPF before your appointment.
Avoid Picking or Removing Facial Hair: Don’t pick at blackheads or remove peach fuzz immediately before your appointment, as this can irritate the skin and affect makeup application. Calm, hydrated, well-prepped skin creates the best base for a smooth and polished bridal makeup look.
Plan Your Bridal Skincare and Makeup Timeline
Healthy-looking skin does not happen overnight, which is why giving yourself enough time can make the entire process feel less stressful. Start early, stay consistent, and avoid making major changes right before the wedding.
If you’re planning your bridal hair and makeup in Chicago, check our availability for your wedding date and contact us to learn more about our bridal hair and makeup services.
