So, you just got engaged. Congratulations! With all the planning that will surely ensue in the coming months, we’ve created a foolproof guide to achieving perfect skin at the altar. You should feel like the most confident version of yourself on wedding day – don’t let your skin stand in the way!
This timeline will help you prep for a flawless day – from retinol six months prior to a quick mist minutes before walking down the aisle.
Six months before: Retinol
Retinol, the over-the-counter version of retinoid, is an important first step in curating a wedding routine. Retinol is responsible for making your skin appear “plump” and helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, acne scarring, and uneven skin texture. It can take your skin some time to get used to the strength of retinol, so it’s best to start slowly – try it every three nights then every two, then every other to see how your skin responds.
Here are some of our favorite retinols:
For those looking for the next level of retinol: COSRX The Retinol 0.5 Oil – This intermediate-level retinol, ideal for those with previous experience using retinol, is the next step to achieving hydrated, youthful skin by reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Free from fragrance, parabens, sulfates and silicone, it’s safe for all skin types.
For skincare experts: IOPE Retinol Expert 0.1% – A best-seller in Korea, not only improves wrinkles, firmness, and skin density in two weeks but also includes hyaluronic acid to keep skin moisturized.
For beginners: Naturium Retinol Complex Cream – Ingredients like bio-retinol, bakuchiol and squalane provide the benefits of retinol without the irritation, perfect for those with sensitive skin that hasn’t yet been exposed to retinol.
Three months before: Serum
Acne? Dryness? Dark spots? There’s a serum for that! When targeting specific skin concerns, serums are your powerhouse solutions due to their higher concentration of active ingredients. They are effective at treating issues that lie deep within the skin, but that also means it can take anywhere between three weeks and two months to see significant results. However, some serums are more lightweight than others, making it easy to layer and incorporate into your routine.
Here are some of our favorite serums:
If you’re struggling with acne scars and breakouts: Benton Snail Bee Ultimate Serum+ – A cult-favorite serum containing snail mucin to clear acne scars and hyperpigmentation. Bee venom calms and targets breakouts while simultaneously soothing damaged skin.
If you have sensitive skin: Cocokind Chlorophyll Discoloration Serum – Chlorophyll, licorice root, alpha arbutin, and panthenol target discoloration, post-blemish marks, UV damage, and redness.
If you’re looking to rewind the clock: Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin C Drop – Antioxidant Vitamin C is a key ingredient for anti-aging and brightening skin. This serum addresses hyperpigmentation, firms skin and reduces fine lines.
One month before: Moisturizer
Having hydrated, glowing skin is the foundation of flawless wedding makeup application. Moisturizers have an immediate, relieving, effect on your skin but it’s best to start applying sooner rather than later to get the most out of your moisturizer. However, the type of moisturizer you’ll want to use depends on the season of your wedding. During the winter months when the air is colder and drier, your skin can become more sensitive, inflamed and lose its moisture content. A heavier moisturizer will give your skin the extra layer of hydration it needs.
For the summer, a lightweight moisturizer is the way to go. With heat comes sweat and a heavier winter moisturizer may feel too thick and suffocating. To avoid that feeling while still reaping the benefits of hydrated, glowy skin, switch to something lighter. Bonus points if it has SPF too!
Here are some of our favorite moisturizers for each season:
For the winter: Then I Met You Renewing Rich Beauty Cream – Made with Ginseng to smooth and brighten fine lines and deep wrinkles. Unlike other thick moisturizers that can feel greasy, this cream absorbs quickly into the skin for long-lasting moisture.
For the summer: The Klog Sebum Balancing Gel Moisturizer – Heat and sweat can lead skin to become inflamed, this lightweight gel moisturizer contains anti-inflammatory properties to help calm, restore and balance your skin.
One week before: Face Masks
The week leading up to the wedding is all about relaxation – both you and your skin need a break. In this time, it’s best to put a pause on exfoliating or any other treatments that could cause any irritation. Instead, take this time to really focus on hydration and soothing. A face mask is a great way to not only address this, but to kick up your feet and relax for a few minutes. Face masks work to trap ingredients within your skin by creating a film that hydrates and moisturizes.
Here are some of our favorite face masks:
If you’re suffering from dull skin: Nacific Niacinamide Brightening Mask – Niacinamide and Hyaluronic acid balance oil and moisture levels while providing long-lasting hydration that leaves skin soft and bright.
If you’re looking for an overnight fix: Saturday Skin Yuzu Vitamin C Sleep Mask – Yuzu extract helps repair damage to the skin barrier while retinol revives skin overnight allowing you to wake up looking radiant. A little goes a long way!
Can’t forget the lips on wedding day: Then I Met You Honey Dew Lip Mask – Lactic acid both hydrates and delicately exfoliates to remove dead skin cells on your lips leaving them smooth and polished. Can be used as a night treatment or daily lip balm.
Day of: SPF
Indoor or outdoor, your wedding routine isn’t complete without sunscreen. Apply SPF as the last step in your look before hitting the aisle to help prevent long term wrinkles, sagging, sunspots, aging, and skin cancers. You’ll want perfect skin on your wedding day and on your 30th anniversary! These two options can be seamlessly integrated into your makeup routine.
Here are some of our favorite SPFs:
If you’re looking for a 3-in-1 fix: Live Tinted Hueguard Mineral SPF – SPF, moisturizer and primer all in one! This weightless formula will leave you glowing with no white cast.
If you’re looking for a powder: IOPE Air Cushion SPF 50 – A foundation and SPF that helps to cover blemishes and redness with the power of Bio Water and Coloring Technology making your skin appear clear.
Even if you follow this timeline to a T, last minute skin emergencies come up. If the wedding stress catches up to you and you don’t wake up with the perfect skin, be sure to have these products on hand to help battle any last-minute obstacles.
Quick fix for a breakout: The Klog Soft Shield Pimple Patch
For a last minute glow: Wander Beauty On-the-Glow Brush and Illuminator
Soothe skin and reduce redness: Hanyul Pure Artemisia Calming Water Pad
We wish you the glowiest skin on your big day!