Skincare Tips For a Gorgeous Bridal Glow

To be honest, it wasn’t until I became engaged that I discovered my skincare routine really needed some attention. With my wedding date just months away, I began educating myself on the right products for my oily, acne-prone skin, and discovered some tips and tricks along the way.

While that DIY research first helped me establish the importance of a good skincare regime, it was a wedding industry peer, Jenny of Jenny Luu Hair + Makeup, who encouraged me to make skincare a priority far beyond my wedding day.  Brides-to-be, I’m so excited to have Jenny stop by the blog today and share her wealth of knowledge for those of you looking to achieve that gorgeous glow from the inside out. 

So without any further adieu, here’s my Q&A with Jenny!

Photography: Lynne Reznick Photography

What beginner tips do you have for healthy skincare?

First and foremost, it’s important to acknowledge that maintaining healthy skin isn’t just about the products you use or removing makeup before bed. Key factors like diet, lifestyle, stress, sleep, and aging can all play a part in your skin’s appearance. 

One of my best beginner skincare tips is to eat lots of antioxidant-rich fruits, veggies, healthy fats, and drink plenty of water. I usually encourage people to aim for eight 8-ounces glasses of water a day. Also, keep in mind that caffeine and alcohol can really dehydrate the skin, so remember to compensate with even more water if those are a part of your daily habits. 

Along with diet, if you’re not getting enough sleep or happen to be stressed out, it will show in your skin. Our bodies restore, heal, eliminate toxins from the skin, and recharge while we sleep, so it's essential to get the proper amount of rest, especially leading up to your wedding day.

There are so many products on the market, what are the best resources for brides to utilize when trying to learn and create a skincare routine that is right for them? 

If you are new to the idea of starting a skincare routine, it’s best to keep your routine simple to start. As a first step, take time to identify your skin type before buying any products. Skincare is very unique for everyone, and whether you have oily, dry, sensitive, and combination, it helps to understand your skin before establishing a product plan.  

If you have any skin concerns, a specific brand in mind, or if you prefer only organic natural products, these will also help narrow down your product choices. Not every skincare brand is going to work for everyone. It’s best to try a new product for at least five to seven days. If a new product doesn’t agree with your skin or if you experience any sensitivity, you'll notice pretty quickly. 

For beginners, I always suggest a basic four-step routine: Cleanse, Tone, Moisturize (morning and night), and SPF (at least 30 during the day.) If the skin around the eyes is dry or dehydrated, I also suggest adding an eye cream. Once you become more familiar and your skin gets used to having a skincare regimen, you can always get a little more adventurous and add additional products to your routine. 

Jenny’s Bonus Tips!

• Always wash your hands first before you begin any skincare routine! 

• Never, ever go to bed with makeup on. 

• Before cleansing, remove all traces of makeup. 

  • Garnier has a Micellar Water that works wonders removing makeup. Try to use one cotton pad for your face and a separate one for eye makeup removal. 

• Cleanse your skin both morning and night.

  • Throughout the day AND night, your face attracts tons of bacteria, pollution, pet dander, and other impurities that sit on your face, it’s essential to cleanse twice a day!

• It’s best to cleanse your skin at the sink vs. in the shower.

  • Hot showers can really dry out your face and body. I know it feels so good (especially in the winter), but try to avoid taking hot showers and letting the water touch your face. I usually suggest cleansing and using your skincare products at the sink right before taking a shower. Try not letting the water touch your face and being mindful of the water temperature during the colder season. 

• Avoid using a towel to wipe your skin dry. 

  • Instead, try "tapping" your face with a quick motion until your skin feels semi-dry.  Then apply and use this same tapping technique for each product you use. The tapping and the fanning motions helps to absorb the water and products. It also helps get the blood flowing, and makes a world of difference in a more healthy appearance. 

• For even more tips and inspiration, check out some of my favorite blogs and Instagram accounts.

  • The Klog, Skoah, and @daniwagenerbeauty offer great tips on proper skincare routines as well!

Happy Pampering, lovelies!

xo,

Renée