As a bridal makeup artist with over 10 years of experience, I’ve seen firsthand how much of a difference good skincare makes under makeup, especially on your wedding day.
The truth is, even the best foundation can’t fully hide dry patches, breakouts, or texture.
But when your skin is well-cared-for? Your makeup looks smoother, lasts longer, and photographs beautifully.
If you’re a bride-to-be wondering how to prep your skin before the big day, this post will walk you through exactly what to do—starting six months out—all the way up to the morning of your wedding.
Plus, I’m sharing some of my go-to skincare products I use myself and recommend to my clients.
Let’s build your wedding skin prep plan.
6 Months Before: Focus on Consistency
Now’s the time to get into a solid routine with gentle, nourishing basics. Avoid adding 10 new products all at once—your skin needs time to adjust.
Morning Routine:
- Gentle Cleanser
- Snail Mucin (hydrates, soothes, and supports skin repair)
- Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream (a classic for a reason—non-greasy and deeply hydrating)
- Daily Sunscreen (SPF 30+ that works for your skin type—just make sure it’s non-comedogenic)
Evening Routine:
- Cleanse
- Snail Mucin again or a lightweight hydrating serum
- Retinol (start slow—2–3 nights a week if you’re new, and build up)
- Moisturizer to seal it in
💡 Adrianna’s tip: Start retinol slowly and always buffer it with moisturizer to avoid irritation. The results are worth it: smoother texture, fewer breakouts, and a radiant glow over time.
3 Months Before: Exfoliate + Hydrate Strategically
At this point, your skin should be used to your routine. Now’s a great time to gently exfoliate 1–2 times a week to improve texture and prep your skin for flawless makeup application.
Add-Ons to Consider:
- Chemical exfoliants like lactic acid or mandelic acid (skip harsh scrubs!)
- Hydrating masks for weekly use—especially before dress fittings and engagement photos
⚠️ Skip anything new or intense right before events. If you react badly, you want time to recover.
6 Weeks Before: Finalize Products, No Big Changes
Lock in your routine. Don’t introduce new treatments, facials, or active ingredients you’ve never tried before. If you’re going to get a facial, this is the time—just make sure it’s from a trusted esthetician who knows your wedding date.
💡 Adrianna’s tip: Ask your esthetician for something hydrating and calming—avoid extractions or peels this close to the big day unless your skin handles them well.
2 Weeks Before: Tweak for Your Skin’s Needs
Now’s the time to pay attention. Are you dry? Breakout-prone? Feeling dull? Adjust gently. You can do a few hydrating sheet masks, stay consistent with snail mucin and moisturizer, and avoid any last-minute product swaps.
Make sure you’re:
- Drinking enough water
- Getting enough sleep
- Staying on top of your SPF during the day (yes, even if it’s cloudy)
3 Days Before: Hydrate, Don’t Overdo It
You’re so close. Stick with the basics: cleanse, hydrate, moisturize. Don’t exfoliate the day before your wedding—it can make skin look red or sensitive under makeup. Focus on calming, not correcting.
✅ Keep using: Snail mucin, Cetaphil cream, and sunscreen
❌ Avoid: Strong acids, peels, or pore strips
Wedding Morning: Less Is More
The morning of your wedding, your makeup artist will take care of your glow, but prepping your skin well makes all the difference.
Here’s what I tell all my brides:
Do:
- Wash your face with lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser
- Apply snail mucin or a hydrating serum
- Use Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream or your usual, non-greasy moisturizer
- If you normally wear sunscreen, only apply it if you know for sure it doesn’t cause flashback in flash photography
Don’t:
- Try anything new
- Layer on too many products (especially oils or heavy creams that could interfere with makeup application)
- Use sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide unless it’s been tested under flash
💡 Adrianna’s tip: Flashback in photos can ruin even the best makeup. Stick to what your makeup artist recommends, and if in doubt—go without SPF for the ceremony and apply later if your reception is outdoors.
Final Thoughts
Glowing wedding skin isn’t about perfection—it’s about preparation. The right products, used consistently, will help you feel confident, radiant, and comfortable in your skin on your big day.
If you’re unsure where to start, here are my most recommended bridal skincare staples:
Adrianna’s Go-To Skincare Products:
- Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream
- Snail Mucin (look for COSRX Advanced Snail 96)
- A gentle Retinol (like The Ordinary or CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum)
- Daily Sunscreen (La Roche-Posay Anthelios or Supergoop!—non-greasy and no flashback for most skin tones)
Take your time, stay consistent, and remember—your skin is unique, so your routine should be too.
This blog post is all about how to prep your skin for your wedding day.
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