Glowing Skin for Your Wedding Day: My Pre-Wedding Skincare Tips

Your wedding day is such a special, unforgettable moment, and of course, you want your skin to look amazing for all those photos! As a bridal makeup artist based in Kent, I’ve seen how a good bridal skincare routine can make a real difference in how radiant brides look on their big day. In this guide, I’m going to share my favourite pre wedding skincare tips for getting your skin glowing, plus my own personal routine that keeps my skin happy and makeup-ready.

Whether you’re looking for a pre-wedding skincare plan for glowing skin or the best products for brides-to-be, this guide will help.

Discover Pre-Wedding Skincare Tips (6–12 Months Before Your Wedding)

Honestly, the earlier you start, the better. I always tell brides to begin their pre-wedding skincare routine at least 6–12 months before the big day. This gives your skin plenty of time to adjust to products and treatments so you can achieve a smooth, radiant complexion without rushing anything.

When you’re just getting started, focus on building a simple, consistent routine first. Everything depends on your skin’s sensitivity, so introduce new products gradually. Once your skin is happy and used to these basics, you can move on to more targeted steps, like the products and techniques I’ll share in my personal routine below.

My Personal Skincare Routine (For Inspiration!)

This is just what works for me. Everyone’s skin is different, so definitely listen to your skin and adapt as needed. Following a routine like this keeps my skin clear, glowing, and ready for makeup.

I have combination/normal skin, so my routine is tailored to that. If your skin is oilier, drier, or more sensitive, you may want to tweak a few steps, see my tips below for different skin types

Morning Routine

• Gentle exfoliation three times a week to remove dead skin cells and brighten the complexion. I love using Clinique for Men face scrub. It’s got a fine grit, so it’s gentle but leaves your face feeling fresh and smooth.

• Cleanse with a mild, foaming or water-based cleanser. I really like the Espa Balancing Foam Cleanser, as it leaves my skin feeling clean and refreshed without drying it out

• Go over the skin with micellar water, like Nivea Rose Care, to remove every trace of overnight buildup. This leaves skin feeling fresh without stripping it.

• Apply BHA 2%, such as Paula’s Choice, to help keep pores clear and prevent breakouts.

• Hydrate with a gel-based moisturiser like Elizabeth Arden Hydra Gel. I prefer a gel moisturiser over a cream one because it soaks into the skin nicely without feeling heavy.

• For my under-eyes, I like to use a thicker cream. I’ve been enjoying the Lancôme Absolue cream lately, it feels super nourishing and keeps the delicate skin under my eyes hydrated and happy.

• Finish with SPF 50. This protects from UV rays, prevents pigmentation, and keeps your skin youthful. Don’t forget your neck and chest. I use the Biovène Face SPF50, it’s super affordable and doesn’t leave my skin feeling oily, which is perfect for wearing under makeup

Evening Routine

• Double cleanse: start with a balm or oil-based cleanser like Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm to dissolve makeup and sunscreen, then follow with a foaming or water-based cleanser such as Espa Balancing Foam Cleanser, for a deep clean.

• Use micellar water again to ensure every last bit of makeup, especially mascara, is removed. I like to use a cotton pad for this.

• Apply retinol or tretinoin to target fine lines, pigmentation, and boost cell turnover. Retinol & tretinoin can sometimes cause mild irritation or small breakouts when you first start using it, which is totally normal. Begin slowly, one to two nights per week, and build up as your skin adjusts. If you’re unsure, check with a dermatologist or skin professional first.

• Apply your moisturiser and oils, such as rosehip or castor oil, to lock in hydration and nourish deeply. My favourite oil is the Kanzy Rosehip Oil.

• Spend about 10 minutes on a gentle face massage each evening. This helps boost circulation, reduce puffiness, support lymphatic drainage, and gives your skin a natural glow. I always do this as my final step because the moisturiser and oils give the perfect slip for your hands to glide without tugging the skin. If you’re new to face massage, it might feel a bit strange or even silly at first, but you’ll quickly get the hang of it. Stick with it consistently, the results really are amazing!

• Optional: use a gua sha or face roller alongside your massage for extra sculpting and circulation benefits.

Optional Extras You Can Add to Your Routine

If you want to take your skincare a little further, you can add a few serums to give your skin that extra glow. Apply these after cleansing and before your moisturiser:

• Vitamin C serum in the morning helps brighten the skin, even out tone, and protect from free radicals.

• Hyaluronic acid in the morning and/or evening is super hydrating, making your skin feel plump and dewy.

• Niacinamide in the morning or evening is great if your skin gets red, oily, or uneven. It calms and strengthens your skin over time.

Tip: Don’t feel like you need to add all of these at once. Start with one, see how your skin reacts, and then build up gradually. Vitamin C and retinol are both powerful ingredients, so it’s best to stick to Vitamin C in the morning and retinol at night to avoid irritation.

Skincare for Different Skin Types

• Oily Skin -

  
  

  Hydration is still key! Use a lightweight gel moisturiser during the day to keep skin refreshed without feeling greasy. In the evening, a light oil like rosehip, squalane, or jojoba can help balance oil production and nourish the skin.

  
  

• Dry Skin -

  
  

  Go for rich, creamy moisturisers and hydrating serums with hyaluronic acid. Add a nourishing oil at night to lock in moisture while you sleep.

  
  

• Combination Skin -

  
  

  Focus on balance. A gel moisturiser works well all over during the day, with richer products added to any dry patches as needed.

  
  

• Sensitive Skin -

  
  

  Keep your routine simple and gentle. Avoid strong fragrances, and don’t try new products too close to the wedding. Stick to soothing formulas your skin already loves.

Professional Treatments to Boost Your Pre-Wedding Skincare |Routine

Depending on your skin goals, professional treatments can give a real boost. Facials can brighten and even skin tone, while microdermabrasion or chemical peels can be booked well in advance. Always check with your aesthetician about what suits your skin type and timing before the wedding. A dermatologist or aesthetician can also give personalised advice tailored to your skin.

Lifestyle Tips for Glowing Skin

Skincare isn’t just about what you put on your face. Everyday habits make a huge difference too.

• Eat well: what you eat really shows up in your skin. Try adding skin-friendly foods like salmon and other oily fish for healthy fats, walnuts or almonds packed with antioxidants, and lots of colourful fruit and veggies. Even small swaps make a difference over time.

• Sleep: aim for around 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night. Your skin does most of its repairing while you’re asleep, so giving it enough time really helps your complexion look fresh and glowing.

• Stress less: wedding planning can be a lot, so keeping stress down really helps your skin. I always recommend something simple like a daily 30-minute walk. It clears your head, gets your circulation going, and improves skin glow.

Final Weeks Before the Wedding

In the last 2 to 4 weeks before your big day, stick to familiar, gentle products that you know your skin loves. Avoid trying anything new that could cause irritation. Focus on hydration, glow-boosting masks, and your evening face massage. Drink plenty of water too.

If Your Skin Is Being Difficult

Some skin just doesn’t play nice. If you’re dealing with stubborn breakouts, pigmentation, or very sensitive skin, it’s worth getting a little extra help. I usually suggest seeing a dermatologist or trying an online service like Dermatica or Skin & Me.

I’ve personally been using Dermatica for a few years now for my fine lines, and they’re amazing. They’ve really helped keep my skin smooth and looking fresh.

They can help you get products and treatments that actually work for your skin, such as prescription-strength creams or treatments, tips on how to use products without irritating your skin, and guidance for tricky issues like acne, dark spots, or early signs of fine lines.

Flawless Makeup, Whatever Happens

Even if your skin decides to throw a curveball on your wedding day, whether it’s a stress breakout, dryness, or anything else, don’t worry. I’ll use my experience and techniques to make sure your makeup looks flawless and you feel confident. My goal is for you to look and feel amazing, no matter what your skin is doing that day.

The Takeaway

A thoughtful pre-wedding skincare routine makes a massive difference, not just for your makeup, but for how confident and radiant you feel on your wedding day. By starting early, keeping your routine consistent, and introducing treatments like retinol gradually, you’ll give your skin the best chance to look its absolute best. Consistency really is the key.

As a bridal makeup artist based in Kent, I cover weddings across the South East and beyond and love helping brides create a full bridal beauty plan. If you’re a bride-to-be and want makeup that enhances your natural glow, I’d love to chat about your wedding day look. A little preparation goes a long way, and your skin will thank you for it.

Want your bridal makeup to look flawless and enhance your natural glow on your wedding day? Take a look at my Bridal Makeup Services and lets create your perfect wedding look!

If you have any questions about products or your routine, I’m always happy to help!

Becky x