The Bridal Skincare Timeline: When to Start Prepping Your Skin

Written By Bridget Barlet

Welcome to my fresh new blog! I’m Bridget—esthetician, makeup artist, and owner of Good Karma Beauty, based on Long Beach Island, NJ.

I created Good Karma Beauty to “marry” my love of beauty and yoga, attracting free-spirited brides who want to feel as calm, radiant, and aligned as they look on their wedding day. As a licensed esthetician, lash tech, makeup artist, and 500 hr yoga instructor, I walk alongside my brides from booking to glam, taking care of all their beauty needs while also offering space for meditation, mindful movement, and grounding practices. The goal? To help you feel centered and serene rather than nervous and stressed. After all, beauty shines from within - its not just a cliche saying- if we don’t feel good inside, it WILL reflect in our skin.

Now, if you ask me what the most important part of wedding planning is, I’ll tell you—skincare. I know, I know. A weird place to start.. maybe even a little biased, But hear me out….

As a woman, your skin can make or break your mood (cue that giant zit on your chin that pops up out of nowhere). If you’re not treating your face like the fragile egg baby from high school health class in the months leading up to your wedding, you’re setting yourself up for failure. Skincare isn’t a one-size-fits-all scenario—it can take up to a year to get the results you’re dreaming of. And once you do? You need to maintain it with as much care and dedication as your relationship. No one said it would be easy, but we’re not afraid of a little hard work.

“Ok, Bridget, skincare. Got it. But where the hell do I start?”

Glad you asked….

Your Bridal Skincare Timeline

💫 6 months – 1 year out:

  • Find a licensed esthetician you trust and commit to monthly or bi-monthly facials.

  • Pre-book your appointments in advance to stay accountable.

💫 3 months out:

  • Identify and address specific concerns (hyperpigmentation, fine lines, dullness, etc.).

  • Be realistic—some issues require more advanced treatments (Botox, lasers, medical-grade peels), while others can be tackled with simple product tweaks. Be grounded with your expectations.

  • Work with your esthetician to fine-tune your routine.

💫 1 month out:

  • Focus on skin-smoothing treatments like HydraFacials, dermaplaning, or light peels.

  • Avoid anything too intense—now’s not the time for deep treatments.

💫 1 week out:

  • Hydrate like it’s your job. Seriously, chug water like it’s a competition. throw a little LMNT in for extra goodness and flavor if you need some help. (not an ad.. but it should be.)

  • Wax your face, targeting areas like upper lip, sideburns and brows… sidenote: SHAPE YOUR DAMN BROWS.

    • Ok, maybe this sounds harsh now, but I PROMISE YOU it makes all the difference. Your brows frame your face, and your makeup just won’t look as polished if they’re not neat and tidy.

  • Minimize stress and prioritize sleep—trust me, it will show in your skin.

  • I know this feels like go-time, but if you’re here reading this, I know you’d rather be a calm, collected, radiant bride instead of a frazzled mess. So step into that energy, bust out the sage and palo santo, and get grounded, girl.

💫 Night before:

  • Do. Nothing. New. I mean it.

  • If a product or treatment isn’t already part of your routine, put it down slowly and back away.

  • As your esthetician, makeup artist, and friend, I promise you—the risk of a last-minute skin reaction isn’t worth it.

  • Stick to your usual routine, wash your face, hydrate, and pop your magnesium (or Ambien—whatever helps you party into dreamland).

Budget-Friendly Skincare Tips

Anyone planning a wedding knows how costly it can be, and facials may not fit into everyone’s budget. That’s okay! You can still take great care of your skin with affordable drugstore options like La Roche-Posay or my personal favorite line, Paula’s Choice.

If you can, I highly recommend at least one facial with a licensed esthetician. Let them know your budget, and ask for product and treatment recommendations that will help you glow on your wedding day without breaking the bank. Open and honest communication will help your esthetician give you the best advice, don’t hold back!

Final Thoughts

Follow this guide, and I guarantee that in 20 years, you’ll look at your wedding photos and think, “Damn, my skin was flawless.” Because here’s the truth—the best makeup artist in the world can only work with what’s underneath. Great skin = great makeup.

Curious about more ways to prep for your wedding? Be sure to follow along for all things bridal beauty, wellness, and glam!

Bridget Barlet