1) Determine your skin type. Here’s how:

Dry Skin: Tends to be clear and sometimes a little stiff and “too small” for your face after washing. Your pores are small, and your skin may peel or get red when you’re out in bad weather.

Oily Skin: Usually looks shiny and has visible pores. Your makeup doesn’t usually last all day and you’re prone to breakouts/blackheads.

Combination Skin: This is the most common skin type. It usually consists of an oily T-zone (nose, forehead, and chin) and the cheeks are dry.

Normal Skin: The lucky ones have this kind of skin type. It’s smooth, soft, and perfectly balanced.

2) 6-12 Months prior to your wedding day: Begin a skincare regimen. This should consist of:

  • A proper makeup remover
  • Cleanser,
  • Toner
  • Exfoliator
  • Moisturizer

**All should be appropriate for your skin type. Keep in mind that as you age, your skin type will also change. The skincare regimen you had as a teenager, may not be appropriate for you now. Also, make sure you’re ingesting 8-12 glasses of water per day. It is so good for your skin and will help the overall look on your wedding day. **

3) 4-5 Months Prior: Get ideas on hairstyles and make-up looks you would consider for your wedding day. If possible, have pictures set aside to show the professionals you hire. This will help them provide you with just the right look.

4) 2-3 Months Prior: Book your makeup artist. Keep in mind that artists are booked far in advance so you shouldn’t wait until the last minute to book your artist. Be prepared to put a deposit down so that you can ensure your wedding day is secured. If your artist doesn’t offer a contract, be sure to ask for one. Safeguard your peace of mind by having things in writing and keeping a copy for yourself.

5) 3-4 Weeks Prior: Meet with your MUA (makeup artist) to discuss and test the make up for your day. This is an essential process. The last thing you want is to have the MUA do your make up on your wedding day only to decide that you hate what they’ve done and have all your pictures taken looking that way. If bridesmaids or mothers of the bride/groom are also having their makeup done for the big day, it’s a good idea that they also have a pre-wedding consultation.

(Hint: some brides choose to have this consultation during the day with their bridesmaids, and they wear the makeup out that night for a “night on the town”).

*some MUA’s have a discounted rate for Pre-Wedding Consultations, be sure to ask*

6) 1-2 Weeks Prior: Confirm your appointment. Be sure that time, place and # of women getting their makeup done is discussed. Also, be sure that both of you has contact information so that you can reach each other if the need arises.

Soon your big day will arrive, and you will be glowing and ready to walk down that aisle. Wishing you well as you take the next step into your new life. Congratulations!