Your Skincare Guide
- Tracy Schulz
- Jul 8
- 6 min read
Updated: Aug 31
My brides get a personalized skin care plan and consultation 💖, but not all brides are that lucky. So, as your beauty bestie, I have created this guide for you of the most common problems brides face, and the products that target those results. No more wasting money on hopes that something will work.
Start early to avoid these mistakes that can't be hidden with makeup! 😱
The bottom of this article contains recommendations based on your skin type for easy shopping.
With 40 years of experience as an Esthetician and Bridal Makeup Artist, I truly understand the immense pressure brides feel to ensure that everything is flawless on their special day.
That being said, the first and perhaps most important step in preparing your skin is to manage your expectations. While it’s completely understandable to want to feel beautiful and confident on your wedding day, remember that your skin will naturally have texture and pores. Accepting this reality will simplify the process of creating a practical and effective skincare plan.
Instead of impulsively purchasing every product available, take some time to consider what you truly want from your skincare routine.
Before adding any new products or routines to your bridal skincare regimen, it is essential to conduct a patch test. This important step ensures that the products and suggestions are appropriate for your skin, especially if you have sensitivities or have had reactions in the past.
Please remember that while I am a licensed esthetician and a professional makeup artist with considerable experience, I am not a licensed dermatologist. The recommendations in this guide are based on general knowledge and my experience with clients. This information is meant for general education and not intended for medical advice. The suggestions are generalized to cover the most common challenges brides face.
If you have concerns about your skin, allergies, or particular conditions, I highly recommend consulting a dermatologist. They can offer personalized advice and make sure that your skincare routine is both safe and effective as you prepare for your special day.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Cleanser
Non-drying, gentle face cleanser with thermal water, ceramide-3, niacinamide, and glycerin. Suitable for face & hands
La Roche-Posay Effactar Gel
This foaming facial cleanser gently cleanses impurities while respecting the skin's pH balance. Alcohol free, soap-free formula with Zinc Pidolate to purify skin.
CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser
EXFOLIATING FACE WASH Salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), serves as a gentle facial exfoliator, removing dead skin cells and enhancing radiance.
CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser
Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that helps gently exfoliate and remove dead skin cells, reduce blackheads & the appearance of pores.
Mamonde Pore Clean Toner
After sweating in the hot sun, apply the toner to a cotton pad and use it as a mask for 5 to 10 minutes. Safe for sensitive skin.
Isntree Green Tea Fresh Toner
This has been a kit staple of mine for years. Be sure to shake well before use.
Maelove Stargaze
Ideal for sensitive skin, this product features time-released 0.25% encapsulated retinol, allowing for easy acclimation for beginners or those with sensitive skin types.
Maelove Moonlight
Prescription-strength benefits, no irritation. Infused with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and soothing botanicals to hydrate and calm.
Remedy for Light Moisture
Hydrates without heaviness, balances oil production, and helps to straighten the skin barrier.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Moisturizer
Long-lasting hydration, contains an SPF 30, but you need to use a lot to get that protection.
Cetaphil Mattifying Acne Moisturizer
When you have oily skin, who doesn't love something that says mattifying.
Black Girl Sunscreen
I have used this in my kit, great product. Now in new packaging.
This skin type can be oily/normal or dry to normal
Remedy for Lightweight Cleansing
Balances oily areas and balances skin, my number 1 choice for brides.
CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam
Great blend for normal to dry skin or skin that is slightly oily in the T-zone
Exfoliates, purifies and clears pores, hyaluronic acid and aloe respects skin's PH and retains moisture.
Toners are a diluted version of treatments and are not astringents as they were originally. For this reason, skip the toner and proceed directly to serums for treatment. They are only used on oily skin.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Serum
Lightweight serum adds hydration and Nicotinamide for brightening and repairing the skin's barrier.
Paula's Choice 1% Retinol
All skin types
Contains Vitamin C to brighten and improve tone.
CereVe Resurfacing Retonal Serum
Good starter retinol. If you are not sure if you will follow through with your skin care routine, start here.
Remedy for Light Moisture
Hydrates without heaviness, balances oil production, and strengthens the skin barrier.
If you like lighter moisturizers, check out the recs in the Oily Skin section
EltaMD UV Clear Tinted Face Sunscreen
Apply per directions to help prevent sunburn. Reapply at least every 2 hours
Please note that, although I am a licensed esthetician and a professional makeup artist with considerable experience, I am not a licensed dermatologist. The recommendations in this guide are based on general knowledge and my experience with clients. This information is intended for general education purposes and should not be considered medical advice. The suggestions are generalized to cover the most common challenges brides face.
Your safety and satisfaction are my highest priorities, so please exercise caution when trying new routines or products. Always pay attention to how your skin reacts and stop using any product if you experience irritation or negative reactions. Always consult a dermatologist to ensure an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Always consult a dermatologist to ensure the correct diagnosis and treatment, whenever possible. This information is intended for general education purposes and should not be considered medical advice.
Avoid these things.
Fragrances
Essential Oils
Drying Alcohols (Note: not all alcohols are drying)
Use care with active ingredients like Glycolic Acid. Try Polyhydroy acid or Mendelic acid.
Cleansers can be the most irritating part of your skincare routine. Test these and find one that works best for you.
Avene Tolerance Cleanser
Postbiotic innovation helps calm all sensations of skin discomfort. Paraben-free & fragrance-free.
Remedy Cleansing
Remedy offers 2 types of cleansers. One for normal to oily and the other for normal to dry. Both formulas are fragrance-free, developed by a dermatologist, and tested on sensitive skin.
Normal / Oily https://amzn.to/4lIgQ3K
Normal / Dry https://amzn.to/460HfoW
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
Try a sample size in the travel section and see if it works for you.
There are not a lot of good options out there because you are trying to calm down your skin. Focus on healing your skin's protective barrier. If you want to try something, look for serums that have Bifida Ferment Lysate.
Avene Thermal Spring Water
This is a must-have for anyone with skin sensitivities. Use it often to help calm your skin. Grab a travel size for your purse.
numbuzin No. 3 Toner & Serum
Use with the NO. 3 Toner for better results
Apply toner first, let it absorb, then apply your serum.
Toner: https://amzn.to/3Ic9Nlx
Serum: https://amzn.to/3GygFJk
Estee Lauder Night Repair
Hands down, the best serum I have ever seen; everyone sees results with it. I worked as a trainer when this product was launched, and it has never disappointed. I use it to reduce redness and sensitivity in my skin. The product does not make such claims as it would probably become a prescription.
Estee Lauder NP Eye Gel
You know I can not say enough good things about Night Repair. This is great for all skin types.
Avene Tolerance Control Cream
Calms skin in 30 sec. Helps restore the skin's barrier. For hypersensitive, reactive & intolerant skin.
Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel
The lightweight, fast-absorbing formula contains prebiotic oat to soothe skin
Vanicream Facial Moisturizer with SPF 30
Free of dyes, fragrance, masking fragrance, lanolin, parabens, and formaldehyde releasers.
My list of recommended products is always evolving as new products emerge and improve. I will update this annually.
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Disclaimer: This blog is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment or medical advice. Contend provided is for educational purposes only. Please consult with a physician regarding health-related diagnosis or treatment.
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