Looking after your skin is the best way to ensure you look radiant on your wedding day, and that begins with good skincare. Today we have invited our fabulous makeup artists to share their top tips and secrets to a flawless complexion…
Catherine McKeown Makeup
Beautiful makeup always starts with beautiful skin. As a bridal makeup artist, I see first-hand how thoughtful skin preparation can completely elevate the final makeup look. Consistent, well-planned skincare in the lead-up to your wedding day is one of the most valuable investments you can make.
Tip 1: Master the basics — face and body
Focus on the fundamentals for both your face and body: double cleansing, a good hydrating moisturiser, and daily SPF — this is non-negotiable. Many bridal gowns reveal areas such as the chest, shoulders, arms, and back, so body skincare is just as important as facial prep. Well-hydrated, smooth skin not only enhances the overall look on the day but also ensures a more even, flawless tan result.
Tip 2: Avoid trends and seek professional advice
While TikTok skincare trends and viral product recommendations can be tempting, the months before your wedding are not the time to experiment. Book an appointment with a qualified skincare consultant, be honest about your budget, and follow a routine tailored specifically to your skin’s needs.
Tip 3: Start early and protect your skin barrier
Begin your skincare routine well in advance of your wedding day to allow time for real results, I would advise 8 – 12 months in advance. As your big day draws closer anvoid over-exfoliating or introducing too many active ingredients, as this can compromise the skin barrier and affect how makeup sits on the skin.
View Profile here: Catherine McKeown Makeup
Catherina Gleeson Makeup Artist
The Beauty Consultant – Makeup
Helpful Trial Day Reminders
SKIN PREP — VERY IMPORTANT
Avoid within 2–3 weeks of your trial:
Lasers, peels, microneedling, retinoids, retinols, intense acids, microblading, or any intensive treatments. If your skin is flaking from these procedures, makeup cannot adhere smoothly and may appear cakey.
Maintain an Excellent Skincare Routine
• AM + PM
Double cleanse → serum → moisturizer. Consistency improves makeup longevity and smoothness.
• Dermaplaning (1–4 days before makeup)
Helps makeup lay smoother, look natural, and photograph beautifully.
• Monthly Professional Facials
Consider:
– HydroFacials
– Diamond Facials
– Microneedling w/ growth factors or exosomes
– Or consult with an experienced esthetician
Worried About Fine Lines + Makeup?
Totally normal! Makeup can settle into fine lines, which is why great skincare is key. Many brides also choose Dysport or Botox to soften expression lines so makeup applies smoother and lasts longer. Completely optional.
Other Skin Notes
If you are (or recently were) on oral acne medication, please ensure you’ve been off it for at least 4 weeks before your trial (Please consult your physician first in regards to any changes to medication).
View Profile here: The Beauty Consultant – Makeup
Evs Artistry
Hi, I’m Evelyn, a bridal hair & makeup artist based in Wexford(travel all over Ireland & Europe) and a qualified nutritionist. I see skin up close every weekend, so I look at bridal skin prep from both angles. What you do in the weeks leading up to the wedding, and how we prep your skin on the morning.
3 top tips for looking after your skin leading up to your wedding
1) Feed your skin (nutrition matters)
As a nutritionist, this is where I start. Glowy skin is not just about what you apply. It is also about what you are consistently giving your body.
Add these in regularly:
- Omega-3 fats such as salmon, sardines, walnuts and chia seeds
- Vitamin C rich foods like berries, kiwi, citrus and capsicum
- Zinc and selenium from eggs, seafood and pumpkin seeds
- Protein at every meal including eggs, Greek yoghurt, chicken or tofu
- Hydration support with water plus electrolytes
When breakouts, dullness or dehydration persist, it can be helpful to look beyond skincare alone.
2) Calm the skin before you try to perfect it
One of the biggest mistakes I see is doing too much too close to the wedding.
Instead:
- Keep things gentle 10 to 14 days out
- Prioritise barrier repair and hydration
- Choose soothing facials over corrective ones
- Avoid introducing new treatments close to the day
Calm, supported skin always photographs better.
3) The morning of skin prep makes a huge difference
On the wedding morning, I will be using professional skin prep products to hydrate, smooth and create the best possible base for makeup.
You can also support your skin at home:
- Use a hydrating face mask either the night before or the morning of, depending on what your skin tolerates best
- Apply your usual moisturiser that your skin already knows and loves
- Avoid anything new, overly active or irritating on the day
These steps help the skin look plump and comfortable so makeup sits seamlessly.
Think of my skin prep as the finishing touch. The work you do beforehand makes the biggest difference to how your skin looks and feels on the day.
View Profile here: Evs Artistry
Katie Rabette Makeup
Increase your water intake:
- The first thing I say to all my brides to be when taking on their bridal skin care routine is to increase their water intake and then see what you have to do. We underestimate the power of being properly hydrated.
- By increasing your water intake to ensure you are getting at least 2litres a day will have your skin clear, radiant and healthy. It’s then very easy to see where the problem areas lie and start to treat them accordingly.
Focus on healthy skin rather than quick fixes:
- it can become overwhelming very quickly when you start a bridal skincare routine but the best way to do it is to keep it simple and focus on key areas, for example, take off your makeup properly by cleanse twice, toning and moisturising as if you leave it on/sleep in it your pores will become clogged and this can lead to acne and dull looking skin.
- Set out a timeline for your skin care ensuring that no facial or peels are done within a month of your big day.
- If you are starting products such as retinol, discuss a course of action with an aesthetician or dermatologist so you are getting the right products and dosage according to your skin needs.
SPF is a non negotiable:
- If you don’t do so already, it is crucial you wear spf daily whether the sun in out or not. Sun damage is one of the biggest causes of dry, dehydrated skin and aging and by incorporating an spf in your routine you will notice a visible different within a few weeks.
- While some moisturisers and foundations small amounts of spf, I recommend purchasing a separate one to apply after moisturiser, you need to finger lengths of spf on your face to be properly be protected from the sun.
View Profile here: Katie Rabette Makeup
The Powder Room Girls
Image: Agape Studios
View Profile here: The Powder Room Girls
Laura O’Hare Makeup
Gary Barrett Photography, Venue Boyne Hill House
Consistency Now = Effortless Glow on Your Wedding Day
When it comes to bridal beauty, glowing skin isn’t about last-minute fixes or viral products — it’s about consistency, calm routines, and planning ahead. The better your base, the better your makeup will look, which is why what you do months before your wedding matters just as much as your makeup on the day.
Keep Your Skincare Routine Consistent
Now is not the time to experiment or chase trends. A simple, consistent routine will always outperform an overcrowded one.
Your non-negotiables:
• Cleanser
• Moisturiser
• SPF (daily!)
Once your basics are solid, you can slowly introduce targeted actives:
• Vitamin C (AM) for brightness
• Retinoid (PM) for texture and clarity
Start slowly — twice a week on alternating days — and build tolerance over time.
Think calm, healthy skin over viral products. Remember, the better your base, the better your makeup will look — hydrated, balanced skin allows makeup to sit seamlessly and last longer.
Important: Stop all active ingredients 3 weeks before your wedding and focus solely on hydration and barrier repair.
Start Professional Treatments Early
If your planning facials, peels, microneedling, or laser treatments; Timing is everything.
• Start early so your skin has time to respond, heal, and glow
• Stick with treatments your skin already knows and loves
• No new treatments in the last 4–6 weeks
When your skin is healthy and settled, makeup applies more evenly and photographs beautifully.
Support Your Skin From the Inside
Healthy skin starts from within. In the months leading up to your wedding:
• Stay well-hydrated
• Prioritise consistent sleep
• Manage stress where possible
• Eat balanced, nourishing meals
Omega-3 supplements and plenty of water help support hydration and elasticity from the inside out.
Limiting sugar and alcohol can noticeably improve clarity, texture, and glow.
Don’t Overlook Your Brows
Brows don’t just frame your eyes — they frame your entire face.
Finding a skilled brow artist and starting a brow routine is a must for brides-to-be. Whether you love a soft, natural brow or a more defined laminated look, well-groomed brows instantly elevate your face — and enhance your overall makeup look.
• A simple wax and tint can be transformative
• If you dislike brow makeup, a tint alone may be all you need
• Consistency helps brows grow fuller and more balanced
Start at least 6 months out to allow sparse areas to grow in and to get used to your shape. Work closely with your brow artist to create brows that complement your features — and photograph beautifully on the day.
Bridal beauty isn’t about perfection — it’s about preparation. A calm, consistent skincare routine and well-planned treatments create the ultimate base, and the better your base, the better your makeup will look on your wedding day.
View Profile here: Laura O’Hare Makeup
Pauline Fletcher Makeup Artist
Top 3 Pre-Wedding Skincare Tips for Brides
1. Keep Skin Calm: Avoid Anything New
In the week leading up to your wedding, consistency is key. Avoid trying new skincare products, facials, or treatments, as even well-intentioned changes can trigger reactions, redness, or breakouts. Stick with what you know works for your skin. If you’re planning brow shaping such as waxing or threading, aim to have this done 5–7 days beforehand to allow the skin to fully settle before makeup application.
2. Plan Treatments Carefully
Timing is everything when it comes to pre-wedding beauty prep. If you’re getting a spray tan, I recommend doing this around two days before the wedding and spacing it well away from any brow tinting. Doing both too close together can cause unwanted colour reactions. Small details like this make a big difference to how polished and even your skin looks on the day.
3. Support Your Skin from Within
Hydration, rest, and balance play a huge role in how your skin behaves. Drink plenty of water, aim for good-quality sleep, and try to limit very salty or sugary foods in the final days, as these can contribute to puffiness and congestion. Calm, well-rested skin always looks more radiant under makeup.
Most importantly, try to stay relaxed and enjoy the lead up to your wedding. I’m a big believer in lists and delegating, trust your suppliers, especially on the morning of the wedding, and allow yourself to fully enjoy every moment.
View Profile here: Pauline Fletcher Makeup Artist
Zoe Clark Makeup Artist
As the initial excitement of your engagement subsides, thoughts naturally turn towards your
wedding day look.
Zoë Clark, a leading make-up artist, has over 30 years of experience working with brides from
all over the world and from every walk of life. Zoë has compiled her most valuable tips to guide you on your bridal beauty journey. Whether you’ll feel more confident doing your own make-up or you’d be happier with a professional make-up artist, Zoë’s preparation advice will help you achieve the perfect look for your special day.
‘First and foremost, a good skincare routine in the months leading up to your wedding is essential. Healthy, nourished skin provides the perfect canvas for make-up and ensures you look radiant both in your photos and in person. Apart from the usual advice—eating healthy, drinking water, and getting enough sleep—many brides-to-be ask me how to tell if their skincare is working. If, for example, your skin feels tight and dry even after your moisturiser, it’s not rich enough. For drier skin, consider a hyaluronic acid serum under your moisturiser. I personally like Vichy’s Lift Activ range, but it’s crucial to find what works best for your skin. So if you can, get a hold of a little tester before you part with your hard earned cash just to make sure.
Be cautious about making drastic changes to your skincare routine close to the wedding.
Schedule any beauty treatments like spray tans, lash extensions, or eyebrow threading (and even Botox!) for at least three months before the wedding to allow time for adjustments. But if you’re happy with your current regime, stick with it!
Even if you’re considering doing your own make-up for your wedding, I highly recommend scheduling at least one trial with a professional makeup artist. You can also use your trial make-up for a night out (or maybe even for your hen party!) to see it lasts and if it meets with general approval. Make-up trials are usually fairly affordable, and the artist can offer valuable beauty advice and recommendations. It’s probably best to also book your trial around 4 months before your wedding day and bring along photos of make-up looks that inspire you. This will help ensure that your vision of a natural look, for example, aligns with the makeup artist’s interpretation. During the trial, don’t hesitate to give the makeup artist feedback and allow them to make adjustments if you’re unsure about anything.
The role of a skilled makeup artist is to enhance your natural beauty while ensuring a calm and relaxed atmosphere for everyone involved. So if the make-up artist gives you the ‘ick’ during the trial, you’ll know she’s not the right one for you! However, having said all this, no matter what preparations have been done, in my opinion every bride possesses a unique and radiant glow on her wedding day, regardless!’
View Profile here: Zoe Clark Makeup Artist
Gráinne Kindlon Makeup
Hi my name is Gráinne Kindlon award winning bridal makeup artist here are my 3 top tips I give my brides at there trial ..
1. Consistency beats last-minute treatments
Great wedding-day skin is all about what you do in the weeks and months before not quick fixes. Stick to a simple consistent skincare routine and avoid introducing new products or treatments close to the wedding as this can trigger irritation or breakouts.
2. Hydration starts from within
Drinking plenty of water makes a visible difference to how makeup sits on the skin. Well-hydrated skin looks plumper, smoother, and more radiant helping your makeup apply seamlessly and last longer on the day.
3. Protect your skin barrier
Over-exfoliating or using harsh products can compromise the skin barrier leading to redness and sensitivity. Focus on gentle cleansing ,regular moisturising and daily SPF to keep the skin calm, balanced and glowing for your wedding day.
View Profile here: Gráinne Kindlon Makeup
Airbrush Makeup and Hair by Nelly
Makeup requires a custom and wonderful application but it starts with great skin !! Your MUA will customize your makeup according to your type but she will never be able to leave your skin flawless without your previous commitment to skincare.
BALANCED SKIN = Beautiful makeup
As a PRO MUA my job is to create a flawless result, for that I need to know when your skin is dry, normal, oily or combined. But also how your skin behaves when is dry and when it’s oily.
Did you know that you can get confused? You might have dry skin but also dehydrated skin?
DRY SKIN: lack of oils
Dehydrated skin: lack of water – Or both
How does it feel when it is dry? Looks dull no radiance | Feels tight at all times | Has no elasticity | Foundation sits on wrinkles
Skincare Solution : Add a richer moisturizer with Ceramides to your skincare routine, something that is more oil based formula with nourishing properties. I like rich creams such as DIOR Prestige Riche, Chanel Hydra Beauty Crème. They replenish oils and strengthen the skin barrier.
When it’s Dehydrated your skin feels tight even if it’s shiny, texture is like thin paper you will see foundation sitting on wrinkles even with light coverage. Also feels caked everywhere.
Skincare Solution
- Use water-based or gel textures. I like DIOR (Hydra Life Fresh Sorbet) — they deliver water back into the skin without heaviness.
On the opposite when your skin is oily your skin looks thicker in texture, noticeable shine and enlarged pores and makeup breaks down quicker. The skincare solution is to use creams with gel texture – everything is water based and oil free. Best ingredients are Hyaluronic acid, Niacinamide, Aloe Vera, and Azelaic acid. Note I don’t like retinol unless it is prescribed by an aesthetician.
In this case Cleanse / Tone / Serum and Moisturizer are the best steps for oily skin. From Charlotte Tilbury Magic Hydration Revival Cleansing Glow Toner Magic water cream Magic serum ( water based) are amazing for prepping oily and textured skin.
If you are experiencing dry but dehydrated skin try fast absorbing hydrators or gel creams and SPF 30 oil free is non negotiable. Finally before your wedding day 1- Do not wax the same week of the wedding, this may cause severe irritation and redness causing discomfort when we apply makeup. 2 – DO NOT over cleanse as this can create more oil production. 3 – DRINK plenty of water to avoid dehydration especially if you are drinking alcohol previous to the wedding day, try electrolytes to avoid dehydrated skin and lips.
View Profile here: Airbrush Makeup and Hair by Nelly
