Your perfect wedding skincare plan – Tips from makeup artist Amanda White
Are you looking for a perfect wedding skincare plan? Then look no further…
Don’t worry, it’s not me sharing tips today! I am definitely not the best person to give skincare advice. While I have always made sure to clean makeup off before bed I have a lot to learn about taking care of my skin. Which is why I thought it would be amazing to ask Amanda White, makeup artist & skincare expert, to share some top tips and her perfect wedding skincare plan. Over to Amanda…
Everyone wants to look great on camera, and for many brides, one of their biggest worries is having their photos taken.
In my 10 years as a hair and makeup artist, I am always blown away with how we often have something negative to say about ourselves. Clients sit in my chair and I am frequently faced with them wanting to “cover” this or “hide” that. All I see is how amazing their cheekbones are, how glossy their hair is and how incredible their eyes are.
Now, what if I told you that makeup and hairstyling is just a tool. A tool that is at your disposal to have some fun with. Of course, we can hide this and hide that, but what if I said that actually all that hiding isn’t what makeup is all about. It’s about accentuating. Have you ever considered looking in the mirror and saying what you DO like? It’s amazing how great that can feel. Let’s work on the things you do like and let’s make that pop with makeup instead.
Installing confidence in women is a huge passion of mine. I love that in a few flicks of a brush I can make a woman FEEL amazing. I am not one for heavy-duty makeup or piling it on. I love a natural approach to makeup which is why my flair has always been within bridal.
I think the first approach to feeling confident, which is going to reduce that fear of having your photo taken, is in making your skin look and feel great. You don’t want panics that your skin will flare up, that you will look oily, or dehydrated. Don’t get me started on how many clients say they have dark circles and what if they don’t sleep the night before the wedding?… The list goes on.
So here is my WEDDING SKINCARE PLAN to get your skin looking it’s absolute best, so you can start feeling confident and reduce those photography fears!
Step by Step wedding skincare plan
Step 1 -CLEANSING
Probably the most important step in your skincare routine. If you are not removing and lifting those dead skin cells and old makeup, then this has no benefit to your skin. I have so many clients who still use makeup wipes (you are not alone with this – sooo many people do). But it’s time to ditch those makeup wipes as they are no good to your skin or the environment. Even when it comes to removing eye makeup, invest in a good quality cleanser instead.
I always suggest opting for cleansers that are milky, gel-like or balm like that you have to use a cloth and water to remove. The cloth will help gently exfoliate and the texture of these cleansers will mean they are fully nurturing your skin and removing impurities.
Double Cleansing is something I have recently started doing and I am going to add this in here as a must! You cleanse your skin twice effectively. The first time is to remove makeup or your SPF and the second is to cleanse and nourish the skin. My skin looks brighter and more even and it also means the products I use afterwards fully soak in and do their job correctly. You do not need to double cleanse in the morning, just once is enough.
This alone will make a difference to your skin and I promise that paying a touch more for a good cleanser will see visible differences. You won’t look back.
Fab Cleansers
Liz Earle cleanse and polish Hot Cloth Cleanser
Step 2 – WATER INTAKE
I am sure you are fully aware of the benefits of drinking more water, but if you really do want to get the most out of your skin, you need to be really aware of how much water you are drinking. Hydration is so important to the normal functioning of your skin.
Try also to lower your alcohol intake (sorry to be the bearer of bad news). It is seriously dehydrating. As soon as I drink, I get pimples on my chin. So, a few weeks before your wedding try lay off the booze and that should limit the “breakout fear”.
Step 3 -EXFOLIATE
Acids will be your best friend. These are the modern version of facial scrubs, which in my opinion are too abrasive and can leave your skin very red and sore. Acids, however, work in harmony with your skin as skin is naturally acidic. They help peel away the surface of your skin so that new, more evenly pigmented skin cells may generate. To quote Caroline Hirons in her book “Skincare – The no-nonsense guide”
“Using acid toners is like taking your face to the gym”
There are two AHA acids that I particularly like which I have noted below. These can be found in toner form or pads. You must wear SPF if you are using AHA’s as it makes you more sensitive to the sun
Glycolic Acid – Most common AHA great for evening out the skin and giving it more plumpness.
Lactic Acid – Slightly milder than Glycolic so better for more sensitive or dehydrated skins. Great for hyperpigmentation and making the skin more radiant.
Try The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5%
Sunday Riley Good Genes All in One Lactic Acid Treatment
There is also a BHA acid which is Salicylic acid which is brilliant at lifting dead skin cells and treating breakouts and acne.
I love Beauty Pie’s – Plantastic Micro peeling Super drops
Step 4 -SERUMS
Serums are usually placed just before your moisturiser. They are a high concentrate of active ingredients and this is the product that is going to cost most out of your whole skincare routine. There is a reason for it, and that is because it penetrates deeper than a moisturiser and works on the under layer of the skin. Serums usually contain a varied number of peptide’s (active ingredients), which is your anti-ageing busting, collagen-boosting beauties.
You can also find ingredients like Retinol (Vitamin A) and Vitamin C (Supports production of collagen) in serums as well which also have huge anti-ageing benefits.
Hyaluronic Acid is great for hydration and this too can be found in serum form.
Fave Serums
Beauty Pie – Super Healthy Skin Serum
I have heard great things about Dr Sam’s flawless Nightly serum which I am eager to try when I have finished the ones I am using.
Step 5-MOISTURISE
A step that you should include, but you don’t need to fork out huge amounts for. As long as you are moisturising at night-time which is when your skin regenerates then this is all you need to do.
More tips for your perfect wedding skincare plan…
EYE CREAMS
Eye creams are often something clients either love or don’t use/ don’t see how it can benefit them if they are using their moisturiser on their eyes. There is a reason that eye creams exist and that is because the eye area is super delicate and needs a much more lightweight formula than the rest of the face. If you suffer from dryness or dullness around the eyes, then an eye cream is essential in your routine. If only for makeup to go on better.
When applying eye cream – only use around the socket bone and use your ring finger. It’s delicate and the cream will naturally soak towards the eye by itself.
Great Eye Creams
Algenist Genius Ultimate Anti- Ageing Eye Cream
FACIALS
Facials are brilliant for making your skin glow and getting the most out of your skin. Start having them 4- 6 months before your wedding. Your skin will get used to them and will stop any reactions or breakouts. Plus, it’s a lovely pamper before the big day.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU SEE YOUR SKIN FLARING UP?
If you notice your skin getting problematic in the lead up to your wedding. Try to not wear makeup for the week, and make sure you are double-cleansing. Cut out sugary food and alcohol and try to limit touching the face keeping it as clean as possible. Treat it with acids and maybe don’t over cake in moisturisers.
MY LIPS ARE DRY?
Another common concern that brides come to me with is having dry or cracked lips. The brand Lush do an amazing lip scrub which I adore.
But if you don’t have this. Apply a lip balm and rub with the edge of a towel/flannel – works like a treat at lifting the dead skin. Reapply the lip balm and let soak in. I love Dr Paw Paw’s lip balm
DARK CIRCLES
A massive concern to so many of my clients. Unfortunately, this is often genetic. I always express to my clients that we have a skull under our faces and it naturally sits inwards towards our eyes which will create darker circles, it’s human! We somehow have this obsession with them, when in reality they are not so bad. And a wicked concealer can work wonders! I find the trick to this is sleep, which is the hard part if you are not a great sleeper like me. I find the Liz Earle eyebright soothing eye lotion brilliant at livening up tired eyes, and always pop this on any brides that have not slept. Eye cream will hydrate the area making it less dry and easier to apply makeup. It also stops any product from dragging and clinging. So, the combination of good skincare, drinking water, sleeping well and makeup will be your best bet for dark circles.
I guarantee that by upping your skincare game you will super impressed with the results, giving you that extra touch of confidence before your big day.
If you have enjoyed this piece, I will be doing another in the series all about my top tips on how to create a natural, glowing and eye-opening makeup. Perfect for being photographed, or in front of the camera on Zoom calls. It’s not to be missed.
Do get in touch if you have any further questions about your skincare routine – I am more than happy to discuss – I can chat skincare for hours!
Amanda x
Thanks so much to Amanda for sharing those amazing tips and her perfect wedding skincare plan. You can find more details about Amanda and the services she offers by checking out her website AmandaWhite.co.uk
Keep an eye out for more in the series. If you want to get lots more top tips for planning your wedding day, check out my PLANNING GUIDE.
Thanks for popping by
Fiona x
