Although you've probably had your makeup artist booked well in advance for your big day, the stresses of wedding planning, bridal brunches and hen parties can cause unwanted strain on your skin. There's nothing worse than pesky spot ruining the day you've been waiting for. Here are my top tips for brides, bridesmaids and mothers of the bride on how to prep your skin long before your wedding day to create the perfect blank canvas for your makeup artist to work with.
Those of our Glossies who have a wedding coming up, start testing out your new skincare regime 3-6 months in advance to see the best results and of course not every skincare product suits every skin type so you need time to trial and error products to understand what's best for your skin.
Find a cleanser that's right for you!
Everyone's skin varies from dry, oily, combination, sensitive or acne prone so not all cleansers work for everyone. I use the Epionce Lytic Gel Cleanser as it's perfect for normal to oily skin but if you have dry skin you're better off using a cream formula. When using any cleanser, use circular motions to rub into your skin and use a cotton pad first to remove the cleanser and then wash face with a clean flannel soaked in luke warm water. Make sure you're doing this every morning and evening!
Always pre-cleanse!
If you aren't skincare savvy you may think pre-cleansing before cleansing is an unnecessary step. But pre-cleansing removes the surface impurities before you deep cleanse your skin.
My favourite is the Dermalogica Pre Cleanse Balm that easily melts your makeup away. The balm-to-oil formula draws the dirt and pollutants out of your skin whilst refreshing and reviving your complexion without over-drying it. Also, unlike most cleansers you can use this on your eye makeup! Plus, the cleanser comes with an easy-to-use, double-sided textured cleansing mitt with to assist a gentle yet effective cleansing experience.
Cleanser & Toner go hand in hand
Pollutants, dirt and stress majorly affect our natural acids and our natural pH balance (very scientific and complex I know), which is why toning after cleansing is so important.
Applying a toner after a cleanser tightens and preps the skin for moisturising, removes any residual product left over from cleansing and promotes even skin tone. Plus, toners help to seal our pores from further impurities and environmental pollutants and to balance an ideal pH levels for healthy and radiant skin.
I love using The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution that specialises in maintaining a natural pH. Pour a small amount of the solution onto 2 cotton pads and work in circular motions around your face, then rinse off with luke warm water.
Change your routine dependent on your time of the month...
During your time of the month your skin is prone to hormonal breakouts and stresses so you need to take extra precaution to defend your skin. At hormonal times, I use The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion because it gives my skin an extra boost on top of my usual skincare routine.
Retinoid is an active fighter against acne and because it's so strong you only need to apply this product in the evening or once or twice a week to begin with. However, it does strip your skin and make it hypersensitive so make sure to use SPF everyday to avoid sun damage! Only use this in the lead up to your wedding day and not on the actual day as you don't want your skin to be overly sensitive when applying a full face of makeup.
My Personal Favourites
When my skin is having a good run, the Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate is a great addition to my skincare routine. Apply a few drops to your finger tips and massage into your skin before you go to bed and this restores and repairs your skin whilst you sleep, ready for the next day. You could go the extra mile and pair this with the Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Eye Treatment that you apply under your eyes for younger-looking eyes by morning! Definitely apply this the night before your big day for a radiant complexion.
General Tips:
Always remember to drink plenty of water through the day to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out. Also be mindful of your diet, try eating things that are really high in antioxidants like berries, dark chocolate, pecans, artichoke and kidney beans.
Remember, everyone's skin is different so you need to tailor a skincare routine to you. These are some of the tips that I have found work for myself and my clients over the years so try them out and see if they work for you!
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