white wedding sandals on a bed
All photos: Jonathan Borba

Being able to light up the room with your vibrant, glowing look becomes even more important as your wedding day approaches. There’s a lot to think about before your wedding – wedding flowers, wedding cakes, wedding speeches – so here’s your go-to guide to getting glowing skin and luscious hair ensuring you look your absolute best before the big day arrives.

When to Start Your Glow-Up Routine?

 
While there isn’t an exact right time to begin your glowing skin and hair care routine, there are some guidelines that you should follow. First, if you’re planning to do any intense or aggressive treatments, begin these about three months before your wedding. Resurfacing peels, laser treatments, or acid can be hugely beneficial for the skin, but it can also produce post-treatment reactions. 

Do these types of glow-up treatments well before the wedding to ensure you don’t deal with any downtime or adverse reactions closer to the day.

bride prepares for the wedding
  • Prepare your skin...

About six weeks before the wedding, it’s time to take a look at your skincare routine. While you don’t want to completely overhaul your regimen, you do want to make sure you’re using products that will help give you radiance. Even more important than the products is how well you use them. No product can do its job if you’re only using it once a week. Really commit to your morning and night routine to see the best results on your big day.

  • Prepare your hair...

Don’t forget about your hair as well. Whether you need to repair the damage, add moisture, and shine, or just nourish your hair, now’s the time to get started. Be sure to use a natural, organic shampoo and conditioner to leave your hair feeling soft and supple. While more regular use of shampoo and conditioner is required, hair and scalp oils alongside leave-in-treatments can be used at intervals to help restore your hair’s strength from the inside out.

Once it’s two to four weeks before the wedding, put your skincare routine into overdrive with a daily mask whilst maintaining the hair care routine. A caring facial mask will help your skin to stay hydrated, reviving the dull complexion and will make your skin smoother and brighter. It will be so much easier to apply your wedding makeup look on well-cared, healthy skin.

a pair of white bridal sandals

5-Step Bridal Glow-Up: Simple Pre-wedding Routine 

Step #1. Nourish Your Skin:


The foundation of any bridal glow-up is healthy, radiant skin. Start your pre-wedding routine by establishing a skincare regimen that suits your skin type. Cleansing, toning, and moisturizing are the basic steps that can work wonders for your skin. Consider adding a gentle exfoliator to your routine to slough off dead skin cells and reveal a fresh, luminous complexion. If you have specific skin concerns, such as acne or pigmentation, consult with a dermatologist to incorporate targeted treatments into your routine well in advance.

Step #2. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate:


Proper hydration is key to achieving that coveted bridal glow. Water helps reduce acne and promotes a clear complexion. Additionally, consider incorporating hydrating masks or serums into your skincare routine. These products can provide an extra boost of moisture, leaving your skin looking plump and radiant.

Step #3. Prioritize Self-Care:


Wedding planning can be stressful, and stress can take a toll on your skin and overall well-being. Make self-care a priority in the months leading up to your wedding. Incorporate activities that help you relax and unwind, such as yoga, meditation, or a soothing bath. Adequate sleep is also crucial for a fresh and rested appearance, so aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night. Taking care of your mental and emotional well-being is an integral part of the bridal glow-up.

Step #4. Healthy Hair, Happy Bride:


Your hair is as important as your skin when it comes to achieving a bridal glow. Start by getting regular trims to keep your hair healthy and free of split ends. If you plan on changing your hair color or style for the wedding, do so well in advance to allow time for adjustments. 

Step #5. Rest Well Before the Big Day:


During wedding preparations, don't overlook the importance of getting enough rest. Beneficial beauty sleep is a game-changer for your overall well-being and appearance. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep in the nights leading up to the wedding. Quality sleep not only rejuvenates your skin but also reduces stress levels, contributing to a calm and glowing bride on the big day.

makeup brushes and products on a table

What Products to Use on a Wedding Day...


Your skincare routine should, at a minimum, contain a cleanser, exfoliator, and moisturizer. For your wedding, perhaps the most important of these is moisturizer. Moisturizers give your skin the surge of hydration it needs to look radiant, plump, and smooth. Make sure you’re using a hydrating moisturizer each morning and night, and a lighter formula during the day if you feel your skin becoming tight or dry.

  • Serums for brighter skin...

Beyond moisturizers, serums can work wonders to create glowing skin. Serums penetrate deeply into the skin to provide benefits like lifting, firming, hydration, and regeneration. Add a serum into your routine following your moisturizer and toner to see your skin become brighter and more luminous.

  • Nourishing masks for tired skin...

As you start your daily mask treatments about two to four weeks ahead of your wedding, the daily nourishment will help your skin create its own radiance, making you look you're most beautiful. Masks that contain essence are ideal for weddings because they deeply restore and hydrate. They help the skin look dewy and healthy, which will allow your bridal makeup to glide on smoothly.

  • Don't forget the eyecare 

Don’t forget to also turn your attention to your eyes. Our eyes say so much about us, and on your wedding day, you want them to say it all. Eyecare is essential to begin up to three months before your wedding to repair the skin, diminish imperfections, and make you look more awake and alive.

bride applies perfume on her skin

On The Big Day...


The most important part of your routine on your wedding day is your comfort. Ensure you have a plan that makes you feel the best in your skin, whether it’s applying one more mask, some dry shampoo, or spritzing a touch of face mist. By taking care of your hair and skin, you not only feel your best but also pave the way for the illuminating look you’re going for on the day.

With all this preparation leading up to the special event, get ready to walk down the aisle with a classic makeup look. Wear your favorite lipstick, sculpt your brows, rock a minimal look, or add a hint of glitter along with some statement lashes for a more chic look. Last but not least, put on your gorgeous wedding dress, your signature scent, and your happy smile, and become the most beautiful bride.

Wrapping up...


So, there you have it! Your 5-step bridal glow-up routine for radiant skin and hair that radiates on your big day. Remember, beauty is more than just flawless skin and sleek strands. It's the confidence that blooms from within, fueled by self-care and the joy of approaching this next chapter in your life.

Lots of love,
Liz