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Our comprehensive guide is designed to help you achieve your most radiant, confident glow as you prepare for your wedding day. From beginning professional treatments in advance to daily care and pre-event treatments, it outlines everything you need to ensure your skin looks and feels its absolute best. Using effective skincare techniques and the right products allows both your skin and makeup to look and perform their best. This is one of the most memorable days of your life—and you’ll be taking a lot of photos—so now is the time to maximize your natural glow!
Find Your Radiance Routine: In the weeks leading up to your wedding, consistency is key. Keep your skincare routine simple and nourishing—focus on hydration, gentle exfoliation, and sun protection. Avoid trying new products too close to your big day to prevent unexpected reactions. Most importantly, get good rest, hydrate, and nourish your body from within; your skin reflects how you feel inside.
THE ART OF SKIN: SKIN CARE GUIDE
Professional Services & Regular Treatments
I suggest visiting a licensed esthetician 6-12 months before your wedding. Working with a professional helps you develop a personalized skincare plan that targets your specific needs. I recommend Tara Fykes @skindeeptara and Lindsay Kenyon @elevatewithlindsay. For treatments and timing:
If you use retinol products, please discontinue use 2 weeks before your event to prevent irritation/sensitivity.
Moxi and BBL laser treatments for mild to moderate skin evening and correcting.
HydraFacial: Can be done 3–7 days before your wedding day.
Microneedling: Best results come from a series of treatments—ideally 12 weeks, 6 weeks, and 1–2 weeks before your event. Try to complete at least two sessions.
Dermaplaning: Schedule 1–3 days prior to your wedding for smooth, radiant skin.
Facial Waxing: Should be done 5–7 days in advance to allow any redness or irritation to subside.
Exfoliate FOR a Flawless Foundation
Freshly exfoliated skin creates the perfect canvas for makeup application. Using a gentle exfoliator removes excess oil and dead skin cells, allowing for smoother foundation and promoting healthy collagen production. I recommend these exfoliators:
goop Beauty Exfoliating Pads: Use once a week to brighten and refine texture.
Paula’s Choice Exfoliant: Ideal for acne-prone skin; start with every other day use.
Cure Exfoliating Gel: Gentle enough for daily use and perfect for sensitive skin.
SERUMS & ESSENCES
After exfoliation, applying a serum or essence helps boost the absorption of subsequent products, strengthens the skin barrier, and smooths fine lines for a plump, radiant complexion. Specific serums should be chosen based on your skin type; however I always recommend incorporating a general hydrating serum or mist to keep your skin supple and glowing. Great options include:
Biodance Beauty Sleep Mask—especially the night before your wedding for a refreshed, luminous look.
Moisturizers
Use a moisturizer to create a smooth, hydrated base for makeup application. A good moisturizer enhances makeup longevity and helps minimize dryness or texture. Some of my favorite moisturizers are:
iS Clinical Reparative Moisture Emulsion: Lightweight; ideal for warmer weather or summer weddings.
Embryolisse Lait-Crème Sensitive: A gentle classic that nourishes without heaviness.
SkinMedica Ceramide Treatment Cream: Best for dry or dehydrated skin types.
Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base: A rich, priming moisturizer that leaves skin soft and balanced.
LIP EXFOLIATION & HYDRATION
Regular lip exfoliation and hydration allows balms to absorb more deeply, leaving lips softer and smoother. Keep your lips soft, hydrated, and photo-ready with these tried-and-true favorite lip exfoliators and masks:
Makeup by Mario Lip Scrub: Use 2–3 times per week to gently remove dry, flaky skin.
Mario Badescu Lip Balm: Apply nightly for lasting moisture and nourishment.
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask: Use every night to deeply hydrate and repair lips while you sleep.
Summer Fridays Lip Balm: Perfect for daily use to maintain a smooth, supple finish.
EYE CREAMS
Using a lightweight eye cream improves the adherence and longevity of concealer. My suggestions:
SUNSCREEN
Wear sunscreen! Apply at least SPF 30 liberally to all exposed skin starting at least 1 week in advance. Remember: sunburned skin prevents proper makeup adherence (and looks awful in photos!)
WEDDING WEEK: HAIR & MAKE-UP PREP GUIDE
7-10 days in advance: Dermaplaning is recommended. Also, apply sunscreen liberally (and remind your entire wedding party to do the same!)
5-7 days in advance: Complete facial waxings and follow up with a gentle facial.
3-5 days in advance: Avoid any harsh treatments or products that could irritate your skin (especially retinol), and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Day before: Double cleanse, exfoliate, and use a hydrating mask at nighttime.
If you have fine hair, apply a lightweight volumizing product (I recommend Color Wow Dream Coat followed by Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Multiplying Volume Mousse) and blow-dry smooth to create a clean, workable foundation.
Wash and fully dry your hair within 24 hours of your wedding, and avoid any heavy or leave-in products that may make it too soft. Shampoo twice and condition only the ends.
For curly hair, wash and style as usual the night before and arrive with dry hair
Consider an upstyle if the weather is humid, rainy, or windy for outdoor ceremonies/photos.
YOUR HAIR & MAKE UP TRIAL
Our detailed trials usually take about 2-2.5 hours at one of our studios in either Valrico or St. Pete. Trials are $250 per service. See below for our guidance on how to prepare for your hair and make-up trial:
Gently exfoliate your skin the night before your trial
Use a hydrating face mask (ask me about my favorite brands!)
Come with freshly washed skin and no makeup on*
Have freshly washed and blow dried hair
Wear a white shirt (or whatever color your wedding dress/outfit is)
Bring your veil or hair accessories with you
Have hair and makeup inspiration photos ready
*The importance of starting with a clean face before applying makeup cannot be overstated! Cleansing helps hydrate the skin, remove impurities, and maintain a clear, radiant complexion. Using effective skincare techniques and the right products allows both your skin and makeup to look and perform their best. See our comprehensive Skin Care Guide for tips and recommended products.
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