How to prep your skin for flawless bridal makeup – the simple, realistic way.
If you’re wondering how to get your skin ready for wedding makeup, you’re not alone. As a Bristol wedding makeup artist, I can confidently say this: beautiful bridal makeup always starts with good skin prep. Not perfect skin – just happy, hydrated, well-looked-after skin.
This 6-week plan is simple, achievable, vegan-friendly, and completely pressure-free. Let’s get into it.
6 Weeks Before Your Wedding: Build the Basics
This is the calm-before-the-storm stage. Keep things simple.
Choose a gentle cleanser
Nothing stripping, nothing fragranced. Your skin should feel soft after washing – not squeaky. A little note here that the water in Bristol is hard. My skin feels dry immediately after washing. But, face wipes also do this, so pleas,e please avoid them.
Introduce (or reintroduce) moisturiser
A good hydrating cream is enough. No need to overhaul your routine.
Start using SPF daily
Even if you’re getting married in Bristol in November. SPF protects your skin barrier and helps makeup apply smoothly.
Avoid last-minute experiments
Now is not the time for retinol, strong acids, or TikTok hacks. I’ve seen too many brides suddenly “just try something”… and regret it. Honestly, if your skin is already doing its thing and being great, I’d be cautious about changing or adding anything at all.
4 Weeks Before: Hydration, Hydration, Hydration
This is where your skin (hopefully) starts behaving beautifully.
Add a hydrating serum (like hyaluronic acid)
It plumps, smooths and gives you that natural glow.
Use a gentle exfoliant once a week
I’m talking gentle. Think lactic acid, not a gritty scrub that will sandpaper half your face off.
Support your skin from the inside
Drink water, eat colourful foods – yes, I know, it’s boring advice, but it works.
2 Weeks Before: Maintain, Don’t Experiment
Your wedding is close now. This is the stage where brides panic and panic-buy products. Don’t do it.
Stick to the routine your skin knows
Consistency > newness.
Book your brows
No last-minute waxing. Give your skin time to settle.
Avoid extractions, peels or new facials
One bad reaction = stress + redness + makeup sitting weirdly.
1 Week Before: Calm and Hydrate
This is all about nurturing your skin.
Use a hydrating mask once or twice
Not a peel. A hydrating gel or sheet mask (vegan, obviously).
Keep your SPF going strong
Sunburn or tan lines are incredibly hard to colour-match.
Get good sleep if you can
I know – easier said than done. But it really does help.
The Night Before Your Wedding
This is your wind-down moment.
Cleanse and moisturise well
No exfoliating tonight.
Avoid heavy oils
They can pill under makeup.
Drink water, but not gallons
No one wants 3am bathroom trips.
Lip balm before bed
A smooth base = the perfect wedding lip.
On the Wedding Morning
This is where I come in!
As your Bristol wedding makeup artist, I’ll handle your skin prep professionally, gently and in a way that supports your makeup lasting all day. Expect:
Hydrating prep
Vegan + cruelty-free products
Lightweight layers that make makeup melt into the skin
Your makeup will sit beautifully – not cakey, not heavy, not flat. Just healthy and radiant.
Wedding skin prep doesn’t need to be overwhelming or expensive. You don’t need 15 serums or a complicated routine. You just need consistency, hydration, and products that support your skin – not fight against it.
If you’d like help creating your bespoke bridal look (or just need someone to calm your nerves while you drink tea and get pampered), I’d love to chat. If you loved this blog, check out my article on how to create your own wedding makeup .
Evie x