Skin, explained
The Wedding-Ready Skincare Guide
Wedding-day-worthy skin doesn’t happen by crossing your fingers. It’s achieved through targeted skincare and, above all, consistency. Ideally, I’d recommend starting a tailored skincare routine at least six months before the big day for…
Wedding-day-worthy skin doesn’t happen by crossing your fingers. It’s achieved through targeted skincare and, above all, consistency. Ideally, I’d recommend starting a tailored skincare routine at least six months before the big day for truly transformative results. But with wedding season fast approaching, and after countless requests from you guys, I’m sharing the most targeted and impactful ways to elevate your skin on a shorter timeline. The key? Staying consistent with purposeful ingredients and practices.
Whether you’re the bride, groom, bridesmaid, or a guest simply wanting to look their best, this guide will break down the five essential areas you should focus on, along with the formulas and small actions that will noticeably improve your complexion in a short amount of time.
*Important: Although mentioned in this article, I wouldn’t recommend starting use of any of the following ingredients if your wedding is less than 6 months away (as they can cause reactions and/or require a significant amount of time for the skin to adjust): - AHAs (glycolic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid) - BHAs (salicylic acid) - Retinoids/vitamin A (retinol/retinal/tretinoin) - Azelaic acid
If you use any of these ingredients already, then continue to do so consistently. If you choose to try a new product containing an ingredient that you already use, I would strongly suggest a patch test before use to be safe.
Now, let’s get to it…
Texture
Your skin’s overall texture significantly affects how well your makeup goes on and how well it sits throughout the day. Avoiding uneven and dry patches of skin that your makeup can cling to plays a huge part in ensuring your base makeup doesn’t look ‘cakey’. A super smooth complexion, that allows the skin to reflect light evenly, is also want we need to achieve that effortless bridal glow.
Actions / ingredients to focus on: Daily sunscreen application, , , , AHAs*, retinoids*, bakuchiol (plant-based alternative to retinol)
My top recommendations: Kiehls Better Screen™ UV Serum Sunscreen, The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum 30ml, Dr Jart+ Ceramidin™ Moisturising Cream, Byoma Hydrating Serum, Kiehls Daily Refining Milk-Peel Toner*, Skin Rocks 1*
Tone
Uneven skin tone (dark spots, hyperpigmentation, melasma) is a common issue, but one that can pose a dilemma when it comes to achieving a flawless and uniform makeup look. Successfully correcting discolouration often requires heavier makeup coverage, which can then look ‘cakey’ or patchy later on in the day. But, the alternative of lighter coverage can leave uneven skin tone visible in close-up, high-definition photos. Prioritise ingredients that support an even complexion and therefore allow you a greater choice of products and coverage levels on your big day.
Actions / ingredients to focus on: , (vitamin B3), daily sunscreen application, *, retinoids*, bakuchiol (plant-based alternative to retinol), azelaic acid*
My top recommendations: La Roche-Posay Vitamin C12 Serum, Glow Recipe Guava Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum, Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Correcting Serum, Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum Propolis + Niacinamide*, The Ordinary 7% Toner*
Clarity & Balance
No bride wants pesky imperfections on her wedding day. Although one or two blemishes can be easily concealed, the likes of enlarged pores, excess oil and angry spots can impact the application, longevity, and overall look of your makeup. So, however long you have left until the big day, ensure a thorough cleansing routine (that includes a daily double cleanse), use targeted clarifying ingredients, and prioritise balancing your skin’s delicate microbiome to prevent breakouts.
Actions / ingredients to focus on: Double cleanse your skin daily, *, niacinamide (vitamin B3), prebiotics/probiotics, pH-balanced cleansers, retinoids*, (plant-based alternative to ), zinc, ceramides
My top recommendations: Dr Sam’s Flawless Cleanser, The Ordinary Balancing & Clarifying Serum, Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Exfoliating Toner*, Byoma Balancing Face Mist, Alpha-H Balancing Cleanser, Paula’s Choice Pro Retinaldehyde Dual-Retinoid Treatment*, Sunday Riley Detox Darling Microbiome Balancing Toner + Essence
Elasticity
Lack of skin elasticity (how firm and bouncy your skin is) is another factor that can impact how your makeup sits throughout the day. If your skin isn’t fed the right plumping ingredients, your concealer and foundation can quickly settle into fine lines – especially around the eyes and lips. But, boosting your skin with the right ingredients and incorporating daily facial massage can notably improve your skin’s suppleness in a short amount of time.
Actions / ingredients to focus on: Use daily facial massage when applying skincare, , retinoids*, bakuchiol (plant-based alternative to retinol), daily sunscreen application, peptides, vitamin C,
My top recommendations: Naturium Quadruple Hyaluronic Acid Serum 5%, Facetheory Bakuchiol Firming Daily Moisturiser, La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Aquagel UV Serum 30, Trinny London Plump Up, Paula’s Choice Pro-Collagen Peptide Plumping Moisturizer, CeraVe Skin Renewing Peptide Cream
Hydration
Maintaining optimal skin hydration both in the lead up to your wedding day and on the morning itself is imperative for ensuring your makeup goes on evenly and stays in place all day. Dehydrated skin not only causes makeup to cling to dry patches and settle more quickly into fine lines (making them more visible), but lack of moisture will cause your skin to compensate by producing excess oil - resulting in unwanted shine. Remember, skincare isn’t your only secret weapon for hydrated skin; don’t forget to drink plenty of water on your wedding morning alongside those bubbles!
Actions / ingredients to focus on: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, squalane, (vitamin B5), peptides,
My top recommendations: Anua Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum, Laneige Water Bank Cream Moisturizer, The Inkey List Bio-Active Ceramide Moisturiser, Rhode Peptide Glazing Fluid, Tatcha Dewy Milk Moisturiser, Biossance Squalane and Ectoin Overnight Rescue
Top Tips for the Big Day
· Drink plenty of water in the morning.
· Before makeup, use a gentle and familiar cleanser, then a hydrating serum.
· Follow with a lightweight sunscreen (sunburnt face in wedding photos? No thanks)!
· Use facial massage techniques before makeup to de-puff and sculpt.
· Use de-puffing eye patches at least 20 minutes before makeup application.
· Apply a lip balm an hour before makeup for smooth lipstick application.
· Have blotting paper to hand throughout the day to remove any unwanted shine.
· Keep your concealer, lipstick and a face mist on hand for touch-ups / a refresh.
Professional Treatments
If you have plenty of time before your wedding day, ideally 6-9 months, there are a number of professional treatment options which can significantly boost your at-home skincare results and/or tackle more stubborn concerns. Some you may want to explore (always taking professional advice) are:
· Microneedling: Great for improving the look of uneven tone and texture, fine lines, enlarged pores, and scarring.
· Microdermabrasion: Improves uneven skin tone and texture, boosts skin radiance, reduces fine lines and congested pores.
· Chemical peels: Improve the appearance of pigmentation and dark spots, smooth fine lines and uneven texture, reduce congestion and acne scarring.
· HydraFacials: Improve skin clarity and deliver deep skin hydration.
· Laser (ablative / non-ablative): Improve uneven skin tone and texture, reduce fine lines, enhance skin firmness and elasticity, reduce acne scarring.
DISCLAIMERS:
While I’m not a doctor or dermatologist, I’ve spent much of my career immersed in the beauty industry, particularly skincare. As a former beauty trends editor, I scoured the global market to identify and test some of the most innovative skincare formulas and treatments out there. I later worked on the brand team at one of the UK’s fastest-growing skincare companies, helping bring to market some of today’s most advanced technologies.
My personal recommendations shared above may not suit your own skin type. I always recommend conducting a patch test first.
