Aisha's tips on how to prepare your skin before your big day, tips and what not to do.

Published by Aisha @ Aster & Veil

Your wedding day is one of the most photographed days of your life, so it’s only natural to want your makeup looking flawless from “I do” to the last dance.

Here’s the secret though… flawless makeup doesn’t start with foundation. It starts with your skin.

As much as I’d love to wave a magic makeup brush and erase every dry patch, breakout and sleepless night, even the best makeup artist works best on a healthy, well prepared canvas.

So, let’s get your skin wedding ready.

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Start Preparing Early

If possible, begin looking after your skin at least six to eight weeks before your wedding. Even better? If you’re planning on introducing new skincare products or treatments, I’d recommend doing so three to six months beforehand, not just a few weeks before the big day.

This gives your skin plenty of time to adjust and means you’ll know exactly what works for you, without any unwanted surprises.

Your wedding week is not the time to discover your skin suddenly dislikes a viral skincare product.

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Stay Hydrated

Hydrated skin is happy skin.

Drinking enough water, moisturising daily and looking after your skin barrier will help your makeup sit beautifully and stay looking fresh throughout the day.

Think of your skin as the canvas, the smoother the canvas, the more flawless the masterpiece.

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Resist the Urge to Try Every TikTok Trend

We’ve all been there…

One minute you’re scrolling through TikTok, the next you’ve convinced yourself you absolutely need a chemical peel, snail mucin, salmon sperm facial or seventeen new serums.

Please don’t.

Stick to products you already know your skin loves.

Wedding countdown = consistency, not experimentation.

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SPF Is Your Best Friend

Wear SPF every single day.

Sunburn, uneven tanning or peeling skin can completely change how foundation looks and photographs.

Beautiful bridal makeup begins with beautiful skin, and protecting it is one of the easiest things you can do.

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Exfoliate… Gently!

A gentle exfoliation once or twice a week can help remove dead skin cells and allow your makeup to glide on more smoothly.

The key word is gentle.

Avoid harsh scrubs, aggressive acids or strong treatments during the final week before your wedding.

Your skin should be glowing, not recovering.

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Beauty Sleep Really Is a Thing

No, sleep won’t magically remove dark circles…

…but it will help reduce puffiness and leave your complexion looking fresher.

I also love using cooling eye masks in the days leading up to the wedding. They’re perfect for helping tired eyes feel refreshed, especially if wedding planning has taken over your life.

On the morning of your wedding, lubricating eye drops (if suitable for you) can also help brighten your eyes for photographs, particularly if you’ve had an emotional morning already.

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Never Skip Your Bridal Trial

If there’s one piece of advice I could give every bride, it’s this…

Please don’t skip your bridal trial.

Your wedding morning should be exciting, not stressful.

A bridal trial gives us the chance to perfect your dream look, make any adjustments and ensure you’re completely confident before the big day arrives.

Turning up on your wedding morning having never met your makeup artist or seen your makeup before?

Let’s not make your wedding day the pilot episode.

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Trust Your Makeup Artist

By the time your wedding morning arrives…

Relax.

Sip the beverage of your choice. 

Listen to your favourite playlist.

Take a deep breath.

And let your makeup artist do what they’ve trained to do.

This is definitely not the day to suddenly decide you’ve watched three makeup tutorials and know better.

(Type A brides… I’m looking at you. 😂)

You’ve chosen your artist for a reason.

Trust the process.

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My Favourite Bridal Skin Prep Products

These are products I genuinely love and regularly recommend. I have no affiliation with any of the brands mentioned below and receive no commission if you purchase them. These are simply products I’ve found to work well over the years.

Cleanser

CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo-Cleanser

Moisturiser

Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Sensitive Cream

SPF

La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+

Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun SPF50+

Eye Masks

Pixi DetoxifEYE Depuffing Eye Patches

Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Hydra-Gel Eye Patches

Lip Prep

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

LANEIGE Lip Glowy Balm

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Book Your Bridal Makeup

At Aster & Veil Makeup Artistry, every bridal appointment is completely tailored to you.

My goal is simple: to create timeless, elegant makeup that enhances your natural beauty, photographs beautifully and makes you feel like the very best version of yourself.

From your bridal trial to the moment you walk down the aisle, I’ll be there to help you feel confident, relaxed and radiant.

If you’re planning your wedding and are looking for luxury bridal makeup, I’d love to be part of your special day.

Love, Aisha @ Aster&Veil. xo