How to Plan and Start a Wedding Beauty Regimen

You’ve made it through the fun part of your engagement (admit it: you loved snapping all those ring selfies), and now it’s time to get into the nitty-gritty of looking fantastic on your big day. We’re talking about your wedding beauty regimen because right now is the perfect excuse to give it a makeover so that you can feel and look your best as you make your way down the aisle.

In addition to your wedding checklist, you have another set of to-dos to conquer before you say “I do,” but luckily this checklist is tons more fun than deciding where your feuding cousins should sit. Starting (or revamping) a wedding beauty regimen is a great way to practice some self-care, giving you the opportunity to de-stress ahead of your nuptials. And, of course, each step will aid you in perfecting your wedding-day look, from smoothing your skin to strengthening your hair.

“To a certain extent, everyone wants to look like a supermodel on a daily basis, but we may not have the drive to act on it,” says New York-based dermatologist Dendy Engelman, who helped Sofia Vergara prep for her wedding day. “A wedding date gives you a deadline, and forces you to start making a move.” The clock is ticking and it’s time to start checking things off your wedding beauty plan leading up to the big day.

Below, eight things to consider when getting your bridal beauty routine in order.

Skin

Manage Stress

From the top of your head to the tips of your toes, there’s no end to the list of beauty bummers that are associated with unmanaged stress. On the complexion front, says Engelman, “Many inflammatory conditions, including eczema, psoriasis, and keratosis pilaris, may be at least partially caused by stress. As stress weakens the immune system, chronic inflammation worsens.”

Set Up an Appointment With Your Dermatologist

There are two key reasons to get a derm in your corner early on: One, they can assess your complexion’s current state way better than you and your trusty magnifying mirror. And two, they can help you devise a strategy for achieving your dream-skin goals, be it softening pesky forehead wrinkles or zapping acne. “Some treatments take time—up to several months—and you certainly want a game plan,” says Engelman.