Great makeup starts with good skin. My skills and the makeup in my kit can work magic, but I’d always recommend giving your skin some extra TLC in the run-up to your wedding. A fresh, radiant complexion improves your confidence and helps makeup appear flawless and effortless. So, where do you start? Read on to discover my skincare tips for brides-to-be…
What’s Our Goal?
Happy skin is what we’re aiming for on your wedding day. If your skin is already happy, just keep doing what you’re doing. If not, now’s the time to address your concerns.
You don’t necessarily need to overhaul your entire skincare routine. A few small tweaks might do the trick. For example, if your skin is dry, add hydration. If it’s dull, add a liquid exfoliator/acid into your routine. If you have fine lines around your eyes, start using an eye cream (often, these are caused by dehydration – fix this and the area will look more plumped).
Bride-to-be Skincare Dos and Don’ts
As I said, if you’re happy with the condition of your skin, then it’s all about maintenance. Just keep doing what you’re doing!
If you don’t already have a reliable skincare routine or there are specific concerns you’d like to address, start making changes at least six months before your wedding day. However, if you’ve only got a month or so to go, don’t worry! You can still make a big difference to the overall appearance of your skin by focussing on your AM + PM skincare routine. Consistency is key, so stick with it if you want to see results. Read How to Build a Skincare Routine for more advice.
Personally, I wouldn’t recommend introducing any new products or treatments in the final month before your wedding. If you do, be sure to carry out a patch test first, especially if you have sensitive skin.
A calm mind = calmer skin. Inflammatory conditions such as eczema and other issues like congestion can flare when stress levels increase, so it’s important to remain as relaxed and chilled as possible.
Sleep plays a huge role in the health of your skin, so make sure you’re getting enough. While you’re in bed, your skin repairs and replenishes itself, building new cells and reducing signs of premature aging.
Diet is also important. Personally, I always know when I’ve had too much sugar or alcohol as it affects the condition of my skin, causing blotchiness, puffiness and congestion. For some people, it’s dairy or white bread. Whatever your triggers, consider avoiding them in the final few weeks before your wedding.
Drink lots of water. To avoid a dull complexion, you need to hydrate your skin from the inside as well as the outside.
If you do discover a spot during the week of your wedding, don’t panic and don’t pick it! You’ll only make it worse. Spot patches are a great way to take down any redness and stop the spot in its tracks. COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patches are my go-to. I also can add more coverage or additional products if necessary and photographers can work magic when editing your final images.
Pre-Wedding Treatments & Facials
If you have skin concerns or would like to change or improve something specific, consider booking a consultation at a clinic to see what products/treatments they recommend. This is also a good idea if you have a skin condition such as acne, psoriasis or eczema and you’re concerned it might flare up on your wedding day.
Personally, I always recommend going to a skincare/aesthetic clinic rather than a salon or spa. Although the latter is great for a bit of pampering, a clinic will be able to offer a more comprehensive range of treatments/solutions. Your facial might not be as relaxing, but you’ll get far better results. Before booking, don’t forget to check reviews and look at their Instagram account for photos of their own work and the results they achieve.
Skin+Me
If you want something more affordable or less time consuming than a course of treatments/regular facials, Skin+Me could be perfect. They provide personalised daily skincare delivered to your door every month. It’s quick and easy to set up – you simply complete a questionnaire and take some photos of your skin for the dermatology team to review. They’ll then create your bespoke prescription featuring the combination of skincare ingredients that are right for you.
You’ll receive your daily doser in the post to apply every evening. You cleanse before and moisturise after and can add other skincare steps if you want to. The doser distributes the exact amount of product needed so you’ll never waste product or use more than you need. You can update or amend your daily doser ingredients as and when you need to and it’s easy to pause or cancel subscription.
If you’re keen to give it a try, the code LAURENW8TTD will give you the first and fifth month daily dosers for just £3.50. Visit Skin+Me for more information*.
Don’t Overlook Your Lips
Lip products apply better and last longer on smooth, hydrated lips. Consider using a lip scrub before applying a rich, moisturising balm. If Vaseline is your usual go-to for dry lips, it might be time to try something different. Vaseline is an occlusive which means it can help trap moisture, but it cannot create or add moisture that isn’t already there. In other words, it’s a good protective barrier, but it won’t address the underlying cause of your dry lips.
Lauren Loves…
Made with brown sugar crystals suspended in a blend of shea butter and jojoba oil, Fresh Sugar Lip Polish gently buffs away dead skin cells, giving you visibly soft, moisture-kissed lips.
My other favourite product for dry lips is Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask. It’s incredibly hydrating – more like a treatment than a lip balm. Make sure you go for the one in a pot, not the squeezy tubes which are glossier and not as intensely hydrating.
Neck, Back & Body Care
Don’t forget about your neck! It’s often the first place to show signs of aging, so take your skincare all the way to your chest. Rather than dragging the skin down, remember to massage products in an upward motion.
If you’re planning to wear a low back wedding dress and you’re concerned about the condition of your skin, consider asking your facialist or aesthetician to address this area too.
Another way to get the skin on your body in tip-top condition is dry body brushing – also called skin brushing. The practice is said to energize the body, increase circulation and blood flow, and stimulate drainage from the lymphatic system. It can help smooth and exfoliate the surface of the skin, sweeping away flakes and dry patches. Dry body brushing is best practised first thing in the morning for two or three minutes before you shower. Remember to always brush toward your heart.
Find Out More
You’ll find more skincare and makeup advice from me on Instagram. If you’re getting married, you can learn more about my skin first approach to bridal makeup here.
