Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and you want to look and feel your absolute best. One of the key elements to achieving that flawless look is having glowing, radiant skin. But how do you get that coveted glow? Emma Gerrie Makeup is diving in with expert tips and tricks on how to get glowing skin for your special day for The Planning Issue. From pre-event skincare routines to on-the-day rituals, she’s got you covered! 

Leading up to my wedding in November 2022, it was so important to me that my skin was looking its absolute best. As a makeup artist, I know that the makeup will only look as good as the canvas underneath it. The prep is so important for me – I would describe my makeup style as soft glam, wanting to create an elevated version of you, which is done best with less makeup.

It was and still is so important to me to take care of my skin. My mother was always telling us how important it is to apply moisturiser and sunscreen daily, and I am so grateful for this, so here are some ways you can help to create a glowing base for your wedding makeup!

Image: Siempre Weddings

I would always recommend going and speaking to a beauty therapist at your trusted skin clinic before putting yourself on any new skincare product you may have seen shared on social media. As a rule of thumb, I would start any new treatments a year to 6 months out from your wedding. Please don’t go and try a facial you have never had before two weeks out from your wedding, I have seen too many “skin-cidents” from this!

To achieve a natural and healthy glow, I believe you need to make time for skincare. For visible results, consistency is key. My daily routine leading up to my wedding (and still now) is:

AM – Hydrating serum, Vitamin C, Moisturiser and SPF 50

PM – Oil cleanser, creamy cleanser, serum, oil, moisturiser (alternating an exfoliator and retinol)

If you don’t already double cleanse at night, get on board! I promise you, you will notice a difference in your skin texture and appearance. It ensures you’re getting rid of all the dirt and grime that has built up over the course of the day.

Images: Emma Gerrie Makeup

Skin Tips!

Some simple advice I give to all my couples…

Visit A Beauty Clinic

If you are worried at all about your skin and feel like you need a little help with pigmentation, fine lines, texture etc. I would book into your local skin clinic – I trust the skin angels at Euphoria Skin in North Rocks Sydney. I was going in monthly in the 6 months lead-up to my wedding and then every two weeks in the last 6 weeks. It’s not always possible for you to get to a clinic this often, but if you feel like treating yourself  (and let’s be honest, it’s your WEDDING – go ahead and treat yourself!), then finding someone you trust with your skin is so important.

Hydrate

Make sure you are drinking at least 2 litres of water a day, to help maintain skin hydration levels!

Be Consistent

Be consistent with your skincare, some products take 3-8 weeks to take effect and it is always worth the wait.

I try not to recommend specific products as everyone’s skin is so different – I leave those treatment products to a skin therapist. But non-negotiables for me are –

Images: Meka Weddings

Your Wedding Skin Timeline

A month before the wedding – If you are going to get a peel, exfoliation, or any procedure that has some downtime, I would recommend getting that now so there is plenty of time for your skin to settle.

A week out – Gentle brightening or hydration facial or LED Session with your skin clinic.

The night before – Your usual skin routine, I used my retinol to make sure my skin was extra plump and soft for the morning.

The morning of – I would recommend keeping it really simple, I didn’t want to use anything that may interfere with the makeup. A sheet mask or eye mask is a great boost of hydration. A gua sha or rose quartz roller that has been in the fridge is great to de-puff.

About Emma Gerrie Makeup: Emma Gerrie is a renowned Sydney make-up artist. Trained extensively by MAC Cosmetics Australia, she has now broadened her experience, working as a freelance make-up artist for 15 years, specialising in creating bespoke looks for brides and bridesmaids. She has also worked on numerous editorial projects, as well as on high-rating television shows like ‘Australia’s Next Top Model’ and ‘The Voice’, as well as lending her talents to Australian Fashion Week.

Emma is devoted to working with individuals and brands to achieve their vision and uses her vast industry experience to deliver seamless results time after time. Emma’s philosophy is that every face is a blank canvas and she prides herself on her ability to create unique looks that accentuate an individual’s natural beauty.

Header Image by Siempre Weddings