Wedding-Ready Skin Doesn’t Happen Overnight
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MONROphotography
While you’ve been busy with dresses, inspo boards and timelines, there’s one thing many nearlyweds forget to plan for: the beauty routine leading up to the big day. Even the most talented makeup artist needs a great canvas to work with.
To help you glow your brightest as you walk down the aisle, we gathered expert-approved tips. Including insights from our friends at Legendary Spa, these tips will have you feeling absolutely radiant.
NAILS
From the moment you got engaged, your hands have been in the spotlight — mostly showing off that ring, but also busy planning all the things. Show them some love with regular manicures in the months leading up to the wedding. A good manicure not only keeps your nails healthy and strong, but also offers a welcome moment of relaxation (hello, hand massage!).
Beyond upkeep, think ahead to how you want your nails to look on the big day. Long and glam with intricate art? Or clean and timeless in ballet-slipper pink? Don’t forget to book a nail trial just like you would for hair or makeup, especially if you’re going for a bold or custom look. Just as any good hair and makeup team, nail appointments also book fast, so don’t delay. We’ve all had that one disappointing mani, and wedding week is not the time to risk it.
Legendary Spa’s Post-Manicure Tips:
- Keep cuticle oil handy and apply it daily for hydrated, healthy nail beds.
- Your nails are not tools! Avoid prying, scraping or opening packages with them.
- Wear gloves while doing dishes or cleaning to prevent chips, breaks and chemical exposure.
FACE
Your face (and the joy it radiates!) will be front and center on your wedding day. Visiting an esthetician for professional skincare treatments and product recommendations is a great way to prep. Plus, pampering yourself with facials throughout the planning process can help you feel relaxed and photo-ready.
Just be sure to book treatments early and consistently so your skin has time to adjust and reap the benefits. Starting early allows your skin time to adjust and it can help you avoid unexpected reactions.
Chat with your esthetician about personalized skincare advice and add-ons to boost results. Some top treatments include:
- Dermaplaning: Gently exfoliates by removing fine hairs and dead skin buildup for smooth, makeup-ready skin.
- LED Light Therapy: Reduces inflammation and acne-causing bacteria.
- High Frequency Wand: Improves texture, tone and radiance.
- Lymphatic Drainage: Promotes detoxification and circulation for a healthy glow.
- Laser Genesis: The “lunchtime laser facial” that tackles fine lines, sun damage, enlarged pores and uneven skin tone.
Note: For serious skin concerns, consult a dermatologist at least six months before your wedding for a personalized treatment plan.
Legendary Spa’s Post-Facial Tips:
- Change your pillowcase to avoid reintroducing oil or bacteria to your freshly treated skin.
- Stay hydrated to help flush toxins and maintain that facial glow.
- Skip makeup for 24 hours to let your skin breathe and fully absorb the benefits of your treatment.
- Avoid sweating or intense work-outs, as sweat can irritate freshly treated skin.
- Always apply SPF daily. Your skin may be more sensitive post-treatment.
BODY
We love a golden glow, but sunburns, peeling and patchy skin? Not so much. And don’t even get us started on long-term damage. Daily SPF is a must, even on cloudy days. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, and make sure it’s water-resistant.
Want a bronzed look without the risk? Opt for a custom airbrush spray tan over tanning beds. Test your tan a few months out to perfect the shade and avoid surprises close to the big day.
Legendary Spa’s Post-Spray Tan Tips:
- Rinse with lukewarm water at your artist’s recommended time.
- Skip exfoliants (like loofahs or scrubs) for at least 7 days.
- Apply a tan-safe moisturizer 1-2 times a day.
- Avoid waxing, pedicures or massages post-tan.
- When out of the shower, don’t rub, but pat dry with a towel instead.
- Avoid sweating or intense workouts for 48 hours.
INSIDE
It’s a cliché because it’s true: beauty starts from within. Glowing skin, strong hair and lasting energy all benefit from what you do for your body. To really shine, prioritize the following:
- Hydration: One of the easiest ways to boost your skin’s appearance and overall wellness. Aim for at least eight glasses of a water a day.
- Exercise: Whether it’s yoga, walking or dancing in your living room, movement reduces stress and boosts your mood. To quote Elle Woods in “Legally Blonde,” “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy.”
- Sleep: There’s no serum that can replace a good night’s rest. Make bedtime an elevated ritual with luxuries like a silk eye mask, aromatherapy or a cozy weighted blanket to help you unwind.
Taking time to care for yourself before your wedding is about more than just looking good, it’s about feeling your best, too. With thoughtful prep, expert-backed habits and a little pampering from pros, you’ll walk into your wedding day radiant, relaxed and 100% ready.
Prep School
Your wedding-day radiance starts long before the walk down the aisle. From skin soothers to glow-enhancers, consider this your crash course in day-of beauty. These picks are perfect for pampering, prepping and calming any pre-aisle jitters, all while helping you glow with confidence from the inside out.
- GRO Hair Serum, Vegamour
- Pure Silk Pillowcase, Slip
- Classic Whip Glow SPF 30, Vacation | Every. Single. Face. Watery Lotion SPF 50, supergoop
- Lala Retro™ Whipped Cream, Drunk Elephant
- Filtered Showerhead, Jolie Skin Co
- Kissu Overnight Lip Mask, Tatcha
- Jade Facial Roller and Gua Sha Stone Duo, EcoTools
- Gradual Tan, Bali Body
- Plant-Based Body Brush, OSEA
- Cuticle Oil Treatment, Deborah Lippmann
