I might not be a bride any longer (now I’m just somebody’s wife!), but I only got married two months ago, so I still have some wisdom to share.
One of my biggest priorities was skin prep. How could I make sure I had the perfect base for the very expensive makeup artist I’d paid to glam me up like I’d never been glammed before?
I remember looking at my skincare lineup and immediately identifying what needed to go, what needed to be added and, of course, which of my absolute staples simply needed to be restocked.
Here’s everything I’d recommend to prep your skin so you’re glowing and flawless on your wedding day, all for under $100.
How to prep your skin for your wedding day
Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum
$35.17 at iHerb
Best for: hydrating the skin
Keeping your skin plump and hydrated is absolutely vital to achieving the gorgeous bridal glow you hear everyone rave about. This is one serum I reach for daily, even after the wedding, whenever my skin feels particularly tight and needs a hydration boost. It has a watery finish, so it feels incredibly lightweight on the skin. I apply it after a milky toner and before my other serums and moisturiser.
Key features:
- Infused with PDRN, hyaluronic acid and collagen
- Can be used daily, both AM and PM
Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Foam
$38.67 at Amazon
Best for: a gentle cleanser
You don’t need to be a beauty buff to know that K-beauty lives up to the hype. This cleanser from cult-favourite brand Sulwhasoo has become one of my go-tos. The 250g bottle has lasted me an entire year, and I’ve only just run out!
Key features:
- Nonionic cleansing components
- Made with botanical ingredients including duckweed
Caudalie Vinopure Blemish Control Salicylic Serum
$76 at Sephora
Best for: a blemish-control serum
A little on the pricier side, yes, but this serum came in handy on more than a few occasions when I spotted a rogue breakout that I absolutely couldn’t risk having. It’s also something I gave to my now-husband, because the groom’s skincare is just as important!
Key features:
- Helps to reduce all types of blemishes
- Unclogs and tightens pores while refining skin texture
Embryolisse Multi-Function Moisturiser
$29.85 at iHerb
Best for: a moisturiser to go under makeup
My holy grail, if ever there was one! This moisturiser is absolute gold to me. I use it every single day and refuse to have my makeup professionally done unless I’ve applied it first. I don’t know what it is about this formula, but it helps my makeup glide on so smoothly and leaves my skin with the most gorgeous glow afterwards.
Key features:
- Formulated by a dermatologist
- A short list of ingredients that goes straight to the essentials: shea butter, aloe vera, beeswax
Byoma Hydrating Milky Toner
$25 at Sephora
Best for: a milky toner
The first step in my skincare routine starts here: my beloved milky toner. Another product I originally intended for my husband, I quickly claimed this one for myself after applying it to my skin and feeling just how plump and hydrated it left me. I use it before my serums, and now I genuinely can’t live without it.
Key features:
- Dermatologist-tested and approved
- Non-comedogenic, alcohol- and fragrance-free, vegan and cruelty-free
SKIN CONTROL Glass Skin Facial Mask Collagen
$10.49 $13.99 at Priceline
Best for: a soothing face mask
You’ve likely seen these face masks on a plane, on your bestie’s Close Friends story or just about every wellness TikTok video. But this mask isn’t just about skincare; it also encourages you to stop what you’re doing and relax, which can feel impossible when you’re planning a wedding. I loved how soothing it felt on my skin and that it stayed put even when I couldn’t sit still. Plus, it left my skin feeling amazing afterwards.
Key features:
- Transforms white to clear as the serum absorbs into the skin
- Infused with 34mL of highly concentrated serum
- Cruelty-free, vegan-friendly, and suitable for all skin types
The most important thing to remember when prepping your skin for your wedding is not to make any major changes to your routine in the days leading up to the big day. If you have a year or even a few months, you have more time to slowly introduce new products without risking irritation or an unexpected breakout. I’m no dermatologist, of course, so always check with one if you have any concerns about your skin.
For me, sticking to my holy grails and introducing just one or two new products worked well. The more time you have to prep, the better, so don’t leave it until the last minute or risk changing your entire routine right before the wedding.
Look for hydrating skincare with ingredients that suit your skin and are unlikely to clog your pores, particularly if you’re prone to breakouts. Ultimately, the best skincare routine is one that works for you, so stick to what you know and love!
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