Say ‘I Do’ to Glowing Skin With This Makeup Artist-Approved Beauty Routine
I am the Content Manager here at Adore Beauty. I have been a makeup artist for over 6 years now and love all things beauty.
There are a few important days in your life when you REALLY want your skin to behave.
It could be a first date, the day you’re getting new headshots done for work OR, of course, your wedding day.
As a makeup artist, I’ve had a lot of different faces in my chair and I have to say that one of the most common themes amongst my bridal clients is that skin prep is usually top of the priority list.
Whilst I always knew that skin prep was important, the months in the lead-up to my wedding really got away from me and I found myself three months out realising that I hadn’t really taken any steps towards getting the once-in-a-lifetime glow that I had envisioned.
Spoiler alert: everything worked out just fine! BUT if you’re not sure where to start with your skin prep I’m here to share my lazy-girl guide to how I got my skin glowing!
In-Clinic Skin Treatments.
To be completely transparent, I didn’t have any MAJOR skin concerns, however after a few hot summer months, my skin started to resemble a dull, dried-up prune, with chimples becoming a regular occurrence. It needed some TLC, stat.
My first point of call was making an appointment with a trusted Dermal Therapist, Holly from The Beauty Room so I could get some guidance on what treatments might be suitable for me and the types of ingredients my skin might be needing.
After meeting with Holly and discussing my skin goals, we decided that the best course of action would be to engage with treatments that would deliver healthy, glowing, hydrated skin that would enhance my at-home skincare routine.
Here’s a list of the treatments I had...
Gentle AHA/BHA Mask.
This mask offered a gentle chemical exfoliation that targeted dullness and textural irregularities.
Pomegranate Enzyme Peel.
This was an ideal entry-level peel that worked to hydrate, moisturise and repair the skin whilst reducing inflammation.
Extractions.
Holly performed some light extractions to assist with clearing clogged pores and reducing the level of skin congestion (comedones, pimples, whiteheads and blackheads).
Extractions can assist with congestion and promote better product absorption and efficacy, helping contribute to fewer breakouts in the future.
Laser Genesis.
Laser Genesis can be a bit costly BUT when you hear the number of benefits this treatment delivers, the cost starts to feel a bit sweeter.
Laser Genesis feels like warm little raindrops falling onto your skin which I personally found quite relaxing. Along with delivering a lit-from-within glow, here are some other benefits of Laser Genesis:
- Helps reduce the appearance of uneven pigmentation.
- Reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Reduce the appearance of acne scars.
- Reduces the appearance of pore size.
- Helps improve overall complexion.
- Helps restore moisture to the skin.
- Boosts skin firmness.
At-Home Skin Routine.
After my facial, my skin was feeling hydrated, plump and happy - a feeling that I wanted to keep up with my at-home routine.
Cue: the glowiest at-home routine of all time, for my normal-dry skin.
AM Routine.
1. asap Gentle Cleansing Gel.
Suitable for all skin types, this cleansing gel is great at removing SPF and makeup from the day without leaving my skin feeling tight or dry.
Containing aloe vera and glycerin to lock in hydration along with white tea for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, this cleanser was a go-to for me!
2. SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum.
Now I know, I KNOW this is a bougie serum but unfortunately for our bank accounts, it is in my opinion totally worth it.
It took 3.5 years of my working at Adore Beauty before I finally caved and tried this serum and although it has a higher price point, the glow this vitamin C provides is second to none.
Combining 15% vit C and 1% vit E with ferulic acid, this vit C serum works to optimise protection against damaging UVA/UVB rays, whilst helping prevent premature signs of ageing and stimulating collagen production.
Basically, everything I wanted in the lead-up to the big day!
3. IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Lines Hyaluronic Acid Serum.
Having normal to dry skin and getting married closer to the winter months, I knew my skin would need a steady stream of hydration. Enter, IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Lines Hyaluronic Acid Serum.
Containing a cocktail of 1.5% hyaluronic acid, peptides and vitamin B5, this serum works to reduce the look of fine lines caused by dehydration whilst leaving the skin feeling soft and supple.
I loved how easily this layered within my routine and that it is suitable for all skin types.
4. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid Facial Sunscreen.
An AM skincare routine really wouldn’t be complete without SPF.
The La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+ is a fragrance-free, lightweight SPF that is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Its Invisible finish makes it suitable to wear under makeup and feels light on the skin.
PM Routine.
After cleansing with the previously mentioned asap Gentle Cleansing Gel, I liked to keep things simple yet effective with a few powerhouse serums and hydrators.
1. Alpha-H Liquid Gold.
When it comes to getting that real GLOW, you really can’t go past a chemical exfoliant.
I have been using Alpha-H Liquid Gold for a few years now and have become quietly addicted to how well it works for improving the appearance of my skin tone and texture.
Containing the AHA glycolic acid, Liquid Gold works to remove dead skin cells and debris, revealing brighter, smoother skin.
I like to apply this straight after cleansing as it comes in quite a light liquid texture, (similar to a toner) but has the same efficacy as a strong serum.
Due to the strength of the Alpha-H Liquid Gold, it’s recommended you only use it every second night, (2-3 times a week) and if trying it for the first time, it’s probably worth starting off once a week while you allow your skin to build up a tolerance to its powerful properties.
2. La Roche-Posay Redermic Retinol B3 Serum.
When it comes to age management, my skin can be VERY fussy, especially when entering the retinol zone.
I am very excited to share that after kissing a few frogs, I finally found my prince charming in retinol form and I happened to find it just in time for the big day!
I was very apprehensive about introducing a new retinol into my routine, as I had previously had a bit of a bumpy road. However, 3 months out from the wedding I decided to give this serum a go and I haven’t looked back!
Formulated with sensitive skin in mind, this serum combines instant release and gradual release of active ingredients, so results are continued, yet the formulation remains perfect for sensitive skin tolerances.
I introduced this into my routine about 12 weeks out from the wedding and really started to see the results at around week 8. If you’re someone that has been burnt by the retinol train before but is open to giving it a second chance, I would say this serum should be on your hit list.
Be sure to introduce new products/ingredients at least 3 months out from your big day to ensure you give your skin enough time to welcome the new ingredient and avoid any reactions taking place in the lead-up to your wedding day.
To ensure that I didn’t aggravate my skin, I used this serum twice a week, on nights when I wasn’t applying Liquid Gold (glycolic acid) to ensure my skin wasn’t overloaded with actives.
3. Avene Hyaluron Activ B3 Multi-Intensive Night Cream.
Formulated with retinal, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, this moisturiser is a hard-working hydrating hero that will leave your skin GLOWING.
It has a slightly silky smooth yet lightweight texture and leaves the skin feeling deeply hydrated whilst offering age management benefits.
4. Murad Professional Multi-Vitamin Infusion Oil.
I have tried a lot of facial oils in my time but when I tell you this has to be my holy-grail facial oil I am NOT lying.
This multi-vitamin fluid face oil is infused with vitamins A through to F, leaving skin feeling instantly hydrated and glowing.
An absolute all-rounder, this facial oil works to target signs of ageing, boost hydration, brighten the complexion, defend against free radical damage AND is suitable for all skin types.
I know a facial oil can be a little daunting for anyone with oily-combo skin so I will pop a little application guide down below:
- Dry Skin: 8 Drops.
- Normal Skin: 7 Drops.
- Combination Skin: 5 Drops.
- Oily skin: 5 Drops.
This is on the pricier side, but it has lasted me over 3 months and my skin has never felt more nourished.
Final Thoughts.
That is a wrap on the products and treatments that helped me reach my GLOW goals leading up to the wedding!
I would recommend always speaking to a dermal therapist or skin clinician who can put together a guide on what might be right for your individual skin concerns/preferences.
We also talk all things wedding skin prep in our latest limited-edition podcast Series, Bride To Be (which I've linked below!).
Whilst we are all aiming for glowing skin on a special day like a wedding, it is always good to remember that skin is skin and no matter how it is behaving, or what hormonal/stress pimple decides to show up on the day, you are still going to have an amazing time celebrating your love!
After more wedding tips and advice? Here are some other Beauty IQ articles we think you'll love:
