<![CDATA[Amy Kenny Bridal Makeup

Skin preparation in the lead up to your wedding

We all want flawless, glowing skin on our wedding day. The makeup chosen by your makeup artist will help you achieve this, but well maintained skin will ensure it. Being a Melbourne makeup artist, I've seen a lot of dehydrated skin from our generally dry climate. So I've put together some tips to help you get great skin for your wedding day. The following is a blog post I wrote a few years ago, that I have recently updated.

Skincare
If you don't already do much for your skin, consider starting a skincare regime at least 2 months before the wedding. Skin cell renewal occurs approximately every 28 days. But it can sometimes take a couple of months to make sure that the products you are using are the best for your skin. You then want to make sure they have enough time to work.
I find that most people get great results by using a full skincare regime. This may include different things for different people, but generally speaking, this includes cleansing at night to remove all traces of makeup and pollution, moisturising twice a day, and exfoliating sometimes.

Melbourne wedding makeup artist skin tips

Photo: Jess Horewood | Skincare & Makeup: Amy Kenny | Model: Maddi

We generally don't recommend cleansing in the morning (unless you are extremely oily). For most people, a warm wet washcloth or splash of water is perfect for the morning. People with oily/combination skin usually prefer to use a wash off cleanser, but be careful not to over cleanse and strip the skin of all of its natural oils, this can make your skin produce more oil to get it try to get back into balance. If you have dehydrated, dry or sensitive skin, a cream cleanser will be much more gentle, and will leave your skin feeling comfortable after cleansing. After cleansing at night, you might choose to use a "toner". For dry skins a gentle hydrating lotion, or mist in place of a toner would be best. Whereas for oilier skins, this could be a gentle exfoliating product. Moisturising twice a day, and using an eye cream will keep the skin supple and glowing. Exfoliators and masks can be used once a week, depending on skin type. I also think that layering a serum or oil before your moisturiser gives much more comfort to dry skin. Choose a moisturiser that is best for your skin type with a texture that you like. An oil free, fluid texture is usually preferred by oily skins, a light cream for normal skin and a rich cream will nourish dry skin that is lacking in oils.

Smooth skin and a glowing complexion are made easier with the use of a gentle exfoliator. Those with combination and oily skin types can exfoliate once or twice a week. Dry skin, although flaky, does not react well to too much exfoliating. Often we feel like exfoliating a lot to rid our skin of the flakes, but once a fortnight is better for dry skin. For very dry and delicate skin, once a month may be enough. Manual exfoliators should be gentle massaged over damp skin, there is no need to be aggressive with your application. Exfoliating too often can damage the epidermis leaving it rough in texture and raw looking. Makeup does not adhere well, or last long on over exfoliated skin. The other option is chemical exfoliators that usually contain glycolic acid or Alpha Hydroxy Acids. They can be a very low percentage for delicate skin and exfoliate gently. I recommend not to exfoliate your face the day of your wedding. Do it a day or two before.
If you feel your skin needs a little extra help, you can also use a facial mask. There are many different types of masks, but generally speaking, a clay mask is good for combination/oily skin types as they are good for absorbing excess oil. Hydrating masks are good for dry or dehydrated skin, which may be a gel formula or a creamy more nourishing formula. If you have a true combination skin, don't be afraid to use a clay mask on your T-zone, and a hydrating mask on your cheeks. There are also masks to boost radiance for dull complexions. Masks work well after you have removed the dead skin cells. So exfoliate the same day or the day before applying a mask.
If you get the occasional pimple, try a pimple spot treatment with salicylic acid in it. This encourages cell renewal which increases the healing rate.

Sun & Water
If possible, stay out of the sun the two weeks before your wedding. Nobody wants to get sunburnt right before their wedding! The sun is also quite dehydrating for the skin. Don't depend on a moisturiser with SPF in it to cover your sunscreen needs. A high protection sunscreen should be worn and applied liberally every day. Be sure to reapply every two hours if you are outdoors for long periods, and wear a hat and sit in the shade where possible.
Drinking lots of water will help to hydrate and look after your skin from within.

Waxing
Many women get some facial waxing done before their wedding, but did you know you shouldn't get it done the day before your wedding? Waxing removes every tiny hair from your skin, and foundation will not adhere to skin straight after waxing. So get your waxing done about 4-5 days before your wedding. If you have any stray hairs, I will tweeze them for you! Also do a trial run with waxing months before your wedding, as it's not uncommon for people to have a mild reaction that may need time to calm down.

Fake Tan
If you are getting a spray tan, I highly recommend that you have a trial to check the colour. Be sure that you are using an experienced professional and that the colour is desirable, so that I can match your foundation correctly. It can be a good idea to get a spray tan before your makeup trial, so that I can balance and adjust your makeup to suit the tanned colour. The depth of makeup on fair skin will look very different on your spray tanned skin. If you are going quite dark with your spray tan, I prefer that people get a light application on their face. If you are doing your own fake tan application, exfoliate your body first to ensure a smooth and even application. Be really careful with your application on your knees, ankles, elbows and around your heels. Remove any build up from these areas and wash your palms well!

What to wear
It is preferable that you wear a strapless top, singlet, or lightweight robe during makeup and hair application so that it is easier to match your foundation colour and to avoid messing up your hairstyle when you go to get dressed

Here's to smooth, glowing skin ready for makeup application (and your wedding photos!)

*This advice is general in nature and aimed at those who aren't sure how to look after their skin. It should not replace the advice given to you by your dermatologist or regular beauty therapist.