Let’s be real: no matter how much everyone goes on about the dress being the most important part of the wedding day, how your skin looks is going to be a pretty big deal… Whether you’re planning a small ceremony, a wild party, or a traditional affair, every bride wants to look like the most radiant version of herself on her wedding day.
The thing is, the skincare routine you do on the morning of your wedding isn’t going to make that much impact. It’s the hard work you put in in the lead up to the wedding that makes all the difference – and it’s worth it.
We spoke with the skincare experts at Mario Badescu to compile the ultimate bridal skincare countdown – from how to kickstart your regime six months in advance to what to use the night before the big day.
6 Months To Go
Now’s the time to commit to good skin habits. If you can invest in regular facials, do. And if you can’t? Recreate one at home – here’s how. Setting aside half an hour a week to give yourself (and your skin) some TLC will reap the benefits in the long run. If you want to see the results by your wedding day, the most important thing is to stay consistent.
What do the pros say?
“In general, we recommend coming in every 4-6 weeks for a classic European facial (which consists of steaming, extractions, and a customized treatment for your skin type). Add-ons—like Glycolic Acid or Vitamin C treatments—can target specific concerns or help combat any issues. Do what your aestheticians suggests and try not to stray: The last thing you want is to stress out your skin… and stress out about it.”
3 Months To Go
It takes around 2-3 months to see long-term changes in skin as a result of product use, so there’s still time to make an impact. Consider what you most want to change in your skin and streamline your treatments to directly tackle it. For example, if you want to tackle skin texture, consider incorporating glycolic acid into your routine. Use more vitamin C products if you want to brighten your skin or add some hydrating serums and oils if you want to target dryness and dehydration.
What do the pros say?
“Re-consult with your aesthetician to discuss the frequency of your visits and treatment type. At the juncture, it may be necessary to change up your routine to ensure your most picture-perfect glow.”
1 Month To Go
Keeping up with your daily AM and PM routine will help to minimise the chance of any breakouts or bad reactions during this time. Stick to what you know works and listen to your skin. If it’s feeling a bit too dry or too oily then adapt your routine to restore balance but use products that you already know your skin likes.
What do the pros say?
“New beauty products might seem tempting—especially if they promise a glow like no one has ever seen before—but now is not the time to try something new. Stick to what you know, and more importantly, what has been working. This is key in maintaining a clear, balanced complexion until your wedding day.”
2 Weeks To Go
Now’s the time to target any deep-rooted congestion and ensure that your pores are clear of buildup, because buildup that occurs now will result in breakouts in a few weeks’ time. By now you’ll have discovered which masks work well for your skin, so stick to your favourite clay-based formula and use it consistently.
What do the pros say?
“At home is where the hard work happens. Consistency is paramount, which means the best things you can do for your complexion are exfoliate regularly and mask a few times a week. However, it’s important not to overdo it. More does not equate to better: exfoliating too much or leaving your clay-based mask far longer than advised can dismantle all the hard work you’ve put thus far into maintaining a clear, balanced complexion. Make simple, gentle, and effective your mantra!”
The Night Before
It’s the night before your wedding – press pause on everything else and kick off a DIY pamper session. Stock up beforehand on your favourite sheet mask, night cream, and face mask, because once you’ve done all your cleansing and clarifying treatments, hydration is the real to key to glowing wedding day skin. If you have any unexpected breakouts, cover them with a spot patch to draw out congestion, and massage face oil onto any dry patches.
What do the pros say?
“Gently exfoliate with Botanical Exfoliating Scrub or Glycolic Foaming Cleanser to refine your skin and maximize the benefits of any skin care applied afterwards. Pop on your favorite face mask, then follow your regular routine—clean, tone, mist, treat, moisturize—and sleep. You’ve done everything and more at this point. Relax. Rest. Enjoy every moment of it.”
