7 Skincare Mistakes Brides Make Before Their Wedding Day

Avoid these common missteps that can mess with your makeup.

The Secret to Glowing Bridal Makeup? It Starts with Skin.

You already know your wedding makeup is important—but the real magic? It starts way before the foundation brush hits your face.

Beautiful, lasting bridal makeup is built on healthy, well-prepped skin. But here’s the catch: so many brides unknowingly sabotage their glow wit

h last-minute product changes, harsh treatments, or skipping key steps altogether.

As a licensed esthetician and bridal makeup artist with over a decade of experience, I’ve seen firsthand how small skincare mistakes can snowball into stress on the big day. Here’s what to avoid—and what to do instead.

Mistake #1: Trying New Products Too Close to the Wedding

We get it—you want to glow, so you grab a new serum a few weeks out. But introducing anything new right before your wedding is risky.

A product that promises radiance could leave you red, dry, or broken out. Your skin needs time to adjust, and if there’s a reaction, you’ll want space to recover.

Stick with what you know or test new products months in advance—not weeks.

Mistake #2: Skipping Professional Skin Advice

You can find a million skincare routines on TikTok—but your wedding skin deserves more than a viral trend.

Getting customized advice from a licensed esthetician (hi, that’s me!) ensures your products, treatments, and timeline are actually tailored to your skin type and concerns.

Trust a pro over the algorithm. Your face will thank you.

Mistake #3: Over-Exfoliating or Using Harsh Acids

Exfoliation is important—but more is not better. I see a lot of brides go overboard trying to “smooth everything out” right before their preview or the wedding itself.

Too much exfoliation or the wrong type of acid can cause irritation, flaking, or even breakouts. And yes, we can see that texture under makeup.

Stick to gentle exfoliation 1–2x/week and skip harsh peels the week of your wedding.

Mistake #4: Not Moisturizing Enough (Even If You’re Oily)

Repeat after me: hydration is not the same as oil.

Even oily skin types need consistent moisture. When skin is dehydrated, your makeup won’t sit right—it clings, cracks, and looks patchy.

The goal is balanced, nourished skin, not stripped or squeaky-clean.

Mistake #5: Forgetting SPF in the Months Leading Up

A sunburn or uneven sun exposure can throw off your entire bridal look—especially if your face ends up a different color than your chest.

And no, makeup can’t fully “fix” peeling skin or hyperpigmentation.

Make SPF a non-negotiable in your daily routine, starting now.

Mistake #6: Booking a Facial Too Close to the Wedding

Facials are amazing, but timing is everything. If you’ve never had one before, don’t book your first a week before the wedding.

Even gentle treatments can cause purging, redness, or sensitivity—none of which you want walking down the aisle.

Schedule your last facial no closer than 7–10 days before the big day (and earlier if it’s a new-to-you treatment).

Mistake #7: Ignoring the Neck + Chest

Your makeup will blend from face to décolletage—and if your skincare stops at your jawline, it’ll show.

Neglecting your neck and chest can lead to uneven tone, texture, or even breakouts where your dress hits.

Treat your neck and chest like an extension of your face. Cleanse, moisturize, and protect daily.

Bonus: Sarah’s Foolproof Skin Prep Tips

Here’s what works across the board:

Gentle exfoliation once or twice a week

Daily hydration with a moisturizer that suits your skin type

SPF every single day

No new treatments the week of the wedding

Plenty of water + sleep the week before

Want a personalized timeline? Send me an email: swalsh@sarahwalshbeauty.com

Wrap-Up: You Deserve to Glow

Your wedding day is not the time to gamble with your skin. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’re already ahead of the game.

Whether you’re getting married in Dallas, Palm Springs, New Orleans, or halfway across the globe—I’ll help you show up glowing, confident, and camera-ready.