Bare-Faced Brides
On your wedding day, you should feel like the very best version of yourself. For many brides, that includes a full face of professionally applied makeup. However, an increasing number of women are choosing to wear minimal to no makeup for their walk down the aisle.
“Brides are going make up free so they embrace their natural beauty on their big day. It’s such a big day, with many memories and lots of pictures, and many brides are choosing to celebrate their happiness on the day. After all, having pictures that look genuine and show a wedding glow are far better than ones that look airbrushed,” says Dr. Michele Farber of Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City.
Even Meghan Markel, the American actress turned British princess, rocked the minimal makeup look when she said ‘I do’ to Prince Harry in front of millions this May, which paired perfectly with her chic Givenchy gown and unstructured hairstyle.
“Brides want to look like themselves, but just a better and fresher version. Lately, the soft and pink glow looks have been very popular,” says Tani Chowdhury, owner of TCBeauty in Washington, D.C. “Cakey makeup and red lips is simply too traditional now.”
Of course, the key to a no-makeup look is great skin. Here are six expert tips for feeling confident in your own skin for your wedding without the extra makeup.
1. Take Care of Your Body
“Like a broken record, I will emphasize that all beauty professionals recommend: get plenty of sleep and drink a lot of water,” advises Chowdhury. Your skin is your biggest organ, so how you treat your body affects how it functions and looks.
2. Protect Your Skin with Sunscreen
Sun damage is not only harmful to your health, but it can also leave you with an uneven skin tone and texture, so wear sunscreen as part of your regular skin regime.
“EltaMD UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46 is great across the board as it has niacinamide to calm sensitive or acne prone skin,” says Dr. Farber. “Integrating a retinol or retinoid into your routine is great for evening out skin tone and texture.”
3. Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize
To keep your skin glowing and dewy, utilize a great moisturizer on a daily basis. Chowdhury recommends Clarins Hydra Essentiel moisturizer as well as Kiel's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado.
“I would avoid the sun, alcohol and any product that dehydrates,” she adds. “Foundation or makeup should be water based, to provide consistent hydration to skin. Dull, dry and flaky skin does not photograph well, even with makeup or full coverage.”
4. Practice a Korean Skin Regime
From BB creams to sheet masks, Korean beauty practices are one of the biggest trends in skincare these days. These multi-step routines, like the KBeauty Bridal Radiance Regime from Peach and Lily, have everything you need to transform your skin.
“This kit is perfect both for brides sans makeup and with makeup on the big day. After all, radiant skin is always the best accessory!” says Alicia Yoon, founder of Peach and Lily.
5. Avoid Last-Minute Changes
As your wedding day closes in, avoid making major changes to your skincare or beauty routine. “Don't try totally new ingredients or treatments as your skin could react. Don't be aggressive with skin and cause a sensitization of skin, which could result in breakouts, redness and inflammation,” advises Yoon.
6. Consult Your Dermatologist
For a skincare routine that truly works for your unique skin needs, make an appointment with a professional dermatologist. This is especially true if you’re breaking out from the stress of wedding planning. “You should feel good in your own skin. Your dermatologist can help you with a regimen for gorgeous skin on your special day – you should be focused on the excitement of the day, not skin blemishes!” says Dr. Farber.
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