We LOVE looking after our brides’ skin and being a part of their preparation in the lead-up to their big day! Focusing on the skin is the first step in achieving a beautiful bridal glow, and a healthy, well-maintained skin base can make or break your overall wedding day makeup look. There are some make-up magicians out there who may be able to cover up blemishes by adding some highlighter, creating some luminosity, and concealing dark circles; however, if your skin isn’t plump, smooth and hydrated, foundation can start to crack around the eyes, sit in those deeper creases and even begin to flake throughout the day. Plus, when your skin feels good, you just feel BETTER, and everyone deserves that on their wedding day!
Getting your skin wedding ready may feel really overwhelming on top of everything else on your wedding ‘to-do’ list, but you can rest easy knowing that we’ve got you covered with these essential tips!
1. Plan Ahead with a 6-12 month treatment plan
Skin is a little bit different to hair in that we can’t create extreme transformations in just one session. Think of your pre-wedding prep as more of an enjoyable journey, and the end goal will be all the sweeter! The sooner you get started and the more time you have, the better the result you will achieve.
Depending on your goals, six months pre-wedding would be the ideal time frame to see an improvement in your skin. In saying that, if you’ve decided a month or two before your wedding that you’d like to have some treatments, it’s not too late! There are still many things we can do to prepare your skin. However, a full consultation followed by a trial treatment for last-minute visits is always recommended first to avoid an adverse response before the big day.
2. Consult the professionals
Now, you might be thinking, "Sure, I've got my regular beauty regimen down pat. So why would I need extra help?" While it's fantastic that you're taking care of your skin, the truth is that professional skincare experts can provide guidance and treatments tailored specifically for you and your skin type. These folks live and breathe skincare, and their vast knowledge can help you understand your skin's unique needs and challenges in a way you might not have considered before.
Another fabulous perk of working with the pros is their access to cutting-edge technology and luxurious skincare products. At Clinica Lase, for example, we're always at the forefront of the latest skincare trends and bring this knowledge directly to you. This means you'll be treated with the most innovative, effective methods out there – some of which might not even be on your radar yet!
And let's not forget the beauty of a customised plan. No two skins are the same, so why should their treatments be? Skin experts understand this, so they evaluate your skin's unique characteristics and concerns when creating a tailored treatment plan.
3. Step up your nutrition
It goes without saying that good skin comes from within. Our skin flourishes when fed an abundance of nutrient-dense food full of minerals, antioxidants and good fats. Add in the Bestow Beauty Oil and the Bestow Collagen Boost Powder to take as a daily supplement for some extra love and support.
It’s also worth mentioning the effects that alcohol has on our skin – excessive consumption of your favourite wine or G&T is directly linked to an increase in dehydration, breakouts and dark circles. We’re all for letting your hair down and enjoying your hens; just try to be mindful of alcohol consumption for at least a week or two before your wedding.
4. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Never underestimate the power of water in your journey to achieve radiant skin. Hydration is like the secret ingredient in the recipe for glowing skin. Just as your body needs water to function, so does your skin. It's a vital element that helps maintain skin elasticity, reduce the appearance of fine lines and provide a healthy, radiant glow. So starting today, make water your best friend. Aim for at least eight glasses daily, but if you can get in more, that's even better!
And don't just stop at drinking water - consider hydrating skincare products too. Incorporate a quality hydrating serum or moisturiser into your daily routine, ideally after a recommendation from a skincare professional. They can suggest products that will work in harmony with your skin and boost your hydration levels.
5. Refine Your Daily Skincare Routine
The "perfect" skincare routine can look different for everyone. While cleansing, toning, moisturising and applying sunscreen are the foundation of any routine, the ingredients you use should factor in your skin type or concerns.
For example, if you're dealing with oily skin, you might opt for lighter, water-based moisturisers and oil-free sunscreens. On the other hand, those with dry skin will benefit from rich, hydrating creams. If redness is your primary concern, you'll want to look for products with soothing ingredients like chamomile or aloe vera. Finally, for those battling with signs of ageing, look for products that boast antioxidants, retinol or peptides.
6. Exfoliate and mask
The secret to a smooth, silky base is completely removing dull skin cells and cellular debris. If it’s not part of your routine already or if you’re aware of the benefits but can get slack with this step, MAKE. IT. A. PRIORITY! Enzymes and lactic acid are both exfoliating, brightening and hydrating ingredients that can be used twice a week. Something gentle like the Aspect Fruit Enzyme Mask (a clinic favourite!) can even be used on the day of your wedding for some last-minute buffing.
Our Societe Rejuvenating Peptide Gel Masks are the ultimate pre-ceremony mask, and they are also fun to share with the rest of your bridal party too! These masks are jam-packed full of hyaluronic acid and calming peptides. So if you’re feeling a little tired from a lack of sleep and nerves, you can put these masks in the fridge, and they will significantly reduce any puffiness on the day. They really are a true skin saver and an ideal way to ace your base before make-up application!
7. Switch to Mineral Makeup
Mineral makeup and traditional makeup differ mainly in their ingredients and effects on the skin. For example, traditional makeup often includes synthetic ingredients that can potentially irritate the skin or clog pores. It might also need frequent touch-ups throughout the day and usually requires separate sunscreen for sun protection. In contrast, mineral makeup consists of naturally occurring minerals, such as zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and mica. These are ground into a powder, resulting in a non-comedogenic formulation that allows your skin to breathe, making it an excellent choice for sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Another advantage of mineral makeup is its longevity. It stays put longer than traditional formulas, providing a natural, resilient finish. Plus, a significant advantage of mineral makeup is that many products contain built-in sun protection due to minerals like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide that naturally provide a physical barrier against harmful UV rays.
8. Get an Oxygen Facial
Oxygen facials are SO popular amongst not only our brides, but this treatment is also the go-to treatment for celebrity clients attending ‘red carpet events’ as well as the number one recommendation from many make-up artists. A relaxing Oxygen Facial is the best way to deliver hyaluronic acid and antioxidants deep into the skin via high-pressure oxygen, and it is also a fully customisable treatment with different ampules of serum to choose from to suit each individual’s skin. It gives a beautiful, glowy finish, and your skin will be beaming with its instant results. As always, we recommend trialling our treatments well before the big day, so many of our bride clients test this one a day or two before their hen’s party. This is the ultimate pre-wedding treatment where relaxation meets glow-up, making it the perfect bridal choice after lots of planning and organising.
9. Smooth Your Neck & Decolletage
While having perfect facial skin on your big day is crucial, don’t forget that skincare goes beyond just your face. Your neck and décolletage are significant areas that often reveal signs of ageing like lines, wrinkles, or pigmentation. Regular moisturising and exfoliating can go a long way to keep these areas smooth and youthful.
But if you have deep-set wrinkles or pronounced pigmentation, consider specialised treatments. Options such as micro needling, medi facials, Laser Genesis, and Pico Genesis can provide transformative results. Microneedling stimulates collagen production, aiding in the reduction of lines and improving skin texture. Medi facials can be customised to target your specific concerns, offering deep cleansing, exfoliation, and nourishment. Laser Genesis stimulates the skin’s natural processes to promote vibrant and healthy-looking skin, and Pico Genesis employs laser technology to treat both pigmentation and signs of ageing.
10. Don’t Forget Your Lips
Our lips can be the first place on our face to show dehydration, and nobody likes the feeling of dry, cracked lips! If you’ve already remembered the golden rule to drink, drink, and drink (water, of course!), and your lips still appear less than desirable, try cosmeceutical-grade lip treatments. We suggest conditioning your pout with our DermaQuest Stem Cell 3D Lip Enhancer to get pucker-up ready and prevent cracked lipstick.
For lip exfoliation, try to gently bring some of your Aspect Fruit Enzyme Mask over your lips in your exfoliating routine, or even try an at-home recipe by mixing equal parts of honey and sugar and massaging with small circular motions. This will give your lips a beautiful rosy colour and leave them feeling plump and hydrated for the big day!
11. Please Don’t Squeeze
Trust us, we get that it might get tempting to give those pesky blackheads or imperfections a little squeeze, but a hands-off approach is best. Squeezing a zit or picking at your skin can inflame it, causing it to become red and take even longer to heal. What seems like a quick fix can actually give your makeup artist a real challenge. So, put down those magnifying mirrors, continue giving your skin the TLC it deserves, and if you’re worried, give us a call for advice.
Book Your First Consultation Today
Ready to embark on your journey to stunning, wedding-ready skin? Book a consultation with us today. Whether it's fine lines, pigmentation or simply a desire to pamper your skin before the big day, our professional team is eager to assist.