Six Months to Radiance: A Bride’s Guide to Glowing Wedding Day Skin
Wedding prep goes beyond the dress. It’s also about feeling confident in your own skin. We spoke with Amelia Kendric, senior beauty buyer at M&S, and here, Amelia has shared her six-month routine for achieving a radiant bridal glow.
From skin plumping retinol to night-before hydration, she outlines seven targeted skincare essentials:
“When it comes to wedding prep, skincare is the unsung hero behind a bride’s radiant glow. While makeup can enhance your features, healthy, well-nourished skin allows your confidence to shine through.” Amelia says.
“But with conflicting advice, skincare can seem confusing. These seven simple steps are designed to work in combination to boost your natural complexion and help you feel your best on your big day.”
Introduce new products gradually
Importantly, Amelia warns against changing all your skincare products at once: “Overhauling your entire skincare routine can overwhelm your skin and make it harder to identify any irritants. Instead, aim to introduce one product each month to allow your skin time to adjust.” She says.
6 months before wedding day: Prep and protect
- Cleanser
Amelia says, “Make a deep cleanse part of your daily routine. Thoroughly cleansing will help to remove impurities and ensure your skin is ready to absorb serums and creams.”
- Retinol
“I’d recommend introducing a retinol at least six months before your wedding day to allow time for your skin to adjust. To start with, only use retinol twice a week in the evenings and protect your skin properly during the day with SPF.” Amelia says. “Retinols are incredibly effective at boosting skin cell turnover which smooths fine lines and improves skin texture. However, when you first start using one, you might experience dry, flaky skin.”
- SPF
“SPF is essential all year round to prevent sun damage, reduce the risk of premature ageing, and keep your skin looking healthy. But it’s even more important when using retinol which can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.”
3 months before wedding day: Brighten and smooth
- Exfoliator
“Around the three months before your big day, begin gently exfoliating once or twice a week to encourage cell renewal and a natural glow.” Amelia recommends.
1 week before wedding day: Hydration time
- Moisturiser
“Hydration is the key to radiant skin. Apply moisturiser to damp skin, not forgetting your décolletage. In the week before your wedding day, don’t neglect your general health. Getting enough sleep and drinking plenty of water gives your skin the chance to repair itself, prevents dullness and promotes a clear complexion.”
- Eye cream
Amelia says, “The skin around your eyes is thinner so shows signs of fatigue first. Revive tired eyes by applying a targeted eye cream each night. Using an eye cream can help reduce puffiness, smooth fine lines and brighten dark circles in the lead-up to your wedding.”
The night before your wedding: Relax and recharge
- Hydrating face mask
“On the night before your wedding, it’s important to take a moment for yourself. Spend ten minutes with a hydrating mask to lock in moisture and calm the skin.” Amelia concludes.