SKIN CARE GUIDE

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.

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 and Lindsay Kenyon (@skindeeptara and @elevatewithlindsay on Instagram). 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.

Exfoliation 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:

  • SkinMedica Even & Correct Pads: Use 2–3 times per 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, & Moisturizers

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:

  • Caudalie Grape Water

  • Laneige Hydrating Sleep Mask

  • Biodance Beauty Sleep Mask—especially the night before your wedding for a refreshed, luminous look.

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.

Lips

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.

Using a lightweight eye cream improves the adherence and longevity of concealer. My suggestions:

  • Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Eye Crème

  • Caudalie Brightening Eye Cream

  • Mario Badescu Brightening Eye Serum

Eye Creams

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!)

Sunscreen