The invitations have been sent, you’ve booked the band and the caterer, and you’ve said YES to the dress of your dreams; but maybe you’ve neglected your beauty routine? Don’t worry there is still time! Today I’m going to share the ultimate wedding beauty timeline to get you ready for the big day.

6-5 Months Out: Getting Organized

When you’re six months out from your wedding date, this is the time to get organized and get serious about your beauty regime. First things first, make a list of beauty/wellness goals that you want to achieve by the wedding. This doesn’t have to be strictly skin care but can also be in diet, exercise, mindfulness, etc. Remember to keep these goals realistic and obtainable.
After you’ve made a list of specific wellness goals, you then have to understand what you need to do in order to achieve said goals. When it comes to skin care, the first step in reaching your goal is easy; GO SEE A PROFESSIONAL. Find an esthetician in your area specializing in skin care.
As a professional, I often see clients coming in trying to prepare for their wedding day. I’ll analyze their skin and discuss options and together we’ll figure out a game plan that works best for them. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and tell your esthetician exactly what you want to get out of treatments.

This first month will be the hardest if you’re not already used to a healthy routine. This month is all about making changes and forming good habits.

4 Months Out: Shedding Your Skin

Your esthetician has most likely recommended they see you every 4-6 weeks and suggested you keep up with home-care. Figure out what major targeted issues you’re trying to combat and ask for product recommendations.

The main idea four months out is to use a more intense approach and targeted treatments to deal with some of the larger issues of the skin. For example severe acne or acne scarring.

Your skin may go through a purging phase during this time where it will cleanse itself of any toxins or bacteria. This is completely normal. Think of yourself as a snake, shedding to prepare for a clean slate.

Remember it takes 30 days for new products to fully take affect. Trust your esthetician.

2-3 Months Out: Maintenance

You have a steady routine and products that will cater to your needs. Now is the time to turn your newfound knowledge into a solid routine.

Clarisonics are a great tool to use for manual exfoliation. Be careful not to use too much exfoliation! You don’t want to damage your skin.

This involves washing your face twice a day with your recommended products and also adding a treatment mask or serum once a week. This targeted treatment should alternate between a deep cleaning or exfoliaiting product and an intense hydration or brightening product.

Drunk Elephant’s TLC Sakuri Babyfacial is one my favorite masks to use for heavy exfoliation. It is quite intense so if you have sensitive skin, steer clear of it. (Always ask your esthetician before you use a product to make sure it doesn’t interfere with your current treatment.)

You esthetician will take care of keeping up with extractions and maintaining your skins health in a professional setting.

1 Month Out: Get Glowing

I recommend using Glow Recipe’s Avacado Melt Sleeping Mask and Pink Juice Moisturizer for a great boost of hydration plus an added glow.

As you get closer to the wedding day you want to focus less on removing impurities from the skin and more on building up nourishment. Switch the focus of your targeted treatments to more hydration and brightening and less exfoliation. Use products that contain green tea, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin c.
There is a lot of stress that comes with planning a wedding and as the date gets closer its understandable to become more and more stressed. Use this as an opportunity to turn your nightly skin care routine into a time of self-care and relaxation.
If you weren’t doing it already, it’s time to up your water intake and start getting a good nights’ sleep every night! Dehydrated and tired skin is no one’s friend.

1-2 Weeks Out: Relax and Rejuvenate

Your skin is radiant and nourished and now it’s time to focus on relaxing and nourishing your body and spirit. Although the stress and nerves are inevitable, be sure you’re taking a few moments every day to take deep breaths and be in the moment.
Make sure you’re getting your full eight hours of sleep, drinking plenty of water, and even take a bubble bath or two. Stress is not kind to the skin. This is YOUR week, so allow yourself to be pampered.

The Final 24 Hours

The day you’ve been looking forward to is here. Everything is ready all you have to do is rest up and enjoy. Be gentle on your skin. For the night before, a hydration mask and a good nights’ sleep is all you need. Day of, stick to the basics; cleanse, tone, a gentle serum, and moisturize. Take some deep breaths, relax, and enjoy every minute.

here comes the bride