BRIDAL SKIN CARE
A SKIN THERAPIST & MAKEUP ARTIST
ON BRIDAL SKIN, MYTHS & WHAT REALLY MATTERS
Your makeup can only meet the skin that’s already there.
As a makeup artist I spend a lot of time perfecting how skin looks in person, on camera and in every kind of light. But beautiful bridal makeup doesn’t begin with makeup. So I sat down with a trusted skin therapist to talk about everything that happens before the makeup artist ever opens her kit.
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MEET THE EXPERT
The Woman Behind The Skin Advice
In the world of skincare, where trends come and go, healthy skin will always be timeless. Meet Jennifer Maalouf, skin therapist and founder of Life Long Clinic in Gothenburg, where she has spent nearly 17 years dedicated to the skin health.
With a philosophy rooted in nurturing the skin from within, Jennifer believes that beautiful skin begins with understanding what it truly needs.
I sat down with her to talk about bridal skincare, from when to begin preparing your skin before the wedding to what a thoughtful, results-driven bridal skin journey really looks like. Because when it comes to your wedding day, the most beautiful makeup starts with skin that feels its very best.
THIS IS OUR CONVERSATION
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THE SKIN
What does healthy
bridal skin actually
mean?
“Healthy skin starts from each person's skin type and conditions since we cannot influence skin type, among other things.
-Jennifer
Let’s get one thing straight: healthy skin doesn’t have to mean flawless skin. Every complexion is unique, and the secret lies in understanding your skin type, respecting its individual needs, and finding the perfect balance. After all, while we can’t change our skin type, we can absolutely work towards its healthiest, most radiant state.
Jennifer’s pre-wedding beauty secret? Timing is everything. She recommends booking an oxygen facial or red-carpet facial 2–3 days before the wedding for that fresh, luminous, lit-from-within glow. More intensive treatments, such as chemical peels and deep-cleansing facials, should be scheduled at least three weeks in advance, giving the skin plenty of time to recover should any irritation occur.
Her golden rule? Less is more in the final days before “I do.” Avoid overly active treatments in the run-up to the big day, even if your skin has tolerated them beautifully in the past. Wedding stress can influence how your complexion responds, and an unexpected reaction is the last thing you want before walking down the aisle.
The ultimate bridal beauty statement isn’t generic perfect skin, it’s skin that looks and feels its absolute best.
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BRIDAL SKIN TIMELINE
“ The best thing you can do for your wedding skin is start early and be consistent
- Jennifer
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A deep cleansing is always a good idea to start with, perhaps together with a chemical peel and then create a plan based on the condition of the skin and the bride's wishes. Possibly starting a course with the dermapen for firmness and possible acne scars if you want to work on a more even structure and skin tone.
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If you have started a course with the dermapen, we continue with it, otherwise if it is a skin that is dry or sensitive, it may be a good idea to plan a course of infusion to build up the moisture mattress in the skin. It is a treatment that everyone can tolerate and is kind to the skin. It also provides elasticity and plumping, which provides good conditions for a healthy skin and helps make-up to go on better.
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I think this should be the last treatment on a dermapen course or something else. And if you haven't done anything, it's the last chance to do a skin check, deep cleansing, and refreshing.
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Now the focus is on moisture, glow and calming the skin. Here we always book an oxygen facial which calms the skin but also contributes to an incredibly nice glow which helps the woman have a good canvas for makeup.
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You can apply a sheet mask, I always recommend applying a generous amount of lip balm to your hands and feet before bed to stay hydrated for the big day so that everything goes on nice and fresh.
Great skin takes time. From the months leading up to the wedding to the final days before walking down the aisle, discover what to prioritise, which treatments to consider, and when to book them.
Click the each of them to explore each stage of your bridal skincare journey.
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THE MORNING OF THE WEDDING DAY
What should a bride actually do to her skin on the morning of her wedding?
Keep it simple. This is not the morning to experiment with new products or try anything too ambitious. Stick to a routine that works for your skin, and time it around your makeup appointment.
A little hydration goes a long way. Moisturise your body, give your lips some extra care, and pop on a pair of cooling eye patches to help you feel refreshed. It’s also worth checking in with your makeup artist beforehand to make sure your skincare routine works well with the products they’ll be using.
The goal? Skin that feels comfortable, fresh and hydrated, creating the perfect base for your bridal makeup. No overcomplicating things, no last-minute experiments, just you, feeling your best on the big day.
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THE BRIDAL SKIN ESSENTIALS
Expert Recommendations.
If you could only put five products in a bride’s emergency skincare kit, what would they be?
I asked Jennifer to narrow it down to just five essentials, and her answer was all about keeping skin hydrated, calm, and happy on the big day. Think a nourishing lip balm, a good moisturizer, hydrating eye patches or a sheet mask, a spot treatment for any unexpected breakouts (or hypochlorous acid spray to help soothe the skin), and a moisturizing body lotion for that all-over bridal glow.
Because when it comes to wedding-day skincare, sometimes the simplest essentials make all the difference.
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WHAT YOUR MAKEUP ARTIST WISHES YOU KNEW
From the makeup chair
Hydrated skin doesn’t just look better, but your makeup lasts longer
Over-exfoliatied skin is the #1 reason foundation clings, breaks or looks patchy
Texture isn’t the enemy. Dehydration is
The best glow comes from healthy skin, not one more glowy product alone
Please don’t arrive with a brand new skincare experiment on your face.
“The best thing you can do for your makeup is come with happy healthy skin.
- Sabina
