The Wedding Diary by Jessie: Your Bridal Beauty & Skincare Regime

If you recently got engaged then I am willing to bet that high on your list of priorities for a while is paying more attention to your skin care and beauty regime.

You may already be a bit of a beauty product junkie, or you might be a complete novice who hasn't given it too much thought before, but as a recent bride myself I thought I would share some of my own experiences, product reviews and advice for brides (and grooms!). From botox ro blemishes, we have you covered. Scroll to the end for a gallery of some of my favourite hero products tried, tested and LOVED in the last year.

First and foremost, whatever your age, I would sincerely recommend you start early and do not introduce lots of new products close to your big day. It is too much of a risk with skin reactions and possible damage, so get going as soon as that ring is on the finger if possible!

Let's start with the basics shall we? And by that I mean your simple AM/PM routine. If you haven't already got this in place it is definitely where you should start.

YOUR MORNING SKIN CARE ROUTINE

This is my preference so please do tweak as necessary for your skin type. I tend to me quite dehydrated and in my late 30's, so I love anti aging and super moisturing products that give me more glow.

Step 1: Cleanse

I like to use a gel like cleanser in the morning. You aren't "taking the day off" with make up, pollution, SPF etc, so it really is something simple that feels nicer. I love Jane Scriver Purifying Cleanser, Chanel Sublimage,and cult favourite Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel. Please do use a flannel or muslin cloth to wipe away your cleanser well.

Step 2: Exfoliate

If you are using retinol for the first time (see the evening routine section) then you may want to skip this step until your skin adjusts. These products are what those of you in my generation probably remember as "toners" - though they do a whole lot more now! You want an acid based product ideally. I love Dr Dennis Gross Daily Peels, Pixi Glow Tonic and if you have a membership then definitely try the Beauty Pie Dr Glycolic Pads. Start slow and choose milder versions of this when you begin using them, avoid the eye area and maybe have some "rest days" too.

Step 3: Hydrate

This is one step I absolutely cannot miss, or I really feel it. You can use a simple rose water here, just make sure it's a good quality one. Preferably choose one that has glycerin or hyaluronic acid in it. I absolutely love Curel Deep Moisture Spray which has ceramides.

Step 4: Eye Cream

Meh, I always have to force myself to do this step but it does make SUCH a difference. Make sure you do it before your moisturiser. I absolutely love Jordan Samuel The Performance Eye Gel, and Sunday Riley Autocorrect Eye Cream.

Step 5: Serum

This is where I like to play around a bit. One day I might go for something with collagen, another I might go for vitamin C or B based products. You'll get to know what your skin loves. I would invest in a really great all rounder to begin with. I have a bit of hormonal pigmentation (more on that later), so I look for ingredients that help tackle that too. Personally my favourites are Sachi Triphala Pigmentation Corrector, Oskia Renaissance Brightlight and Beauty Pie Youthbomb.. I also love using vitamin C capsules each week. I honestly change my serum a lot, I have a rather large collection!

Step 6: Moisturiser

You can apparently go for quite a simple moisturiser but as a skin care crazy person who just feels better with a little luxe, I like to invest in something nice. My faves are Oskia Nutri Active, Murad Hydra Dynamic and on days when I really want a moisture boost Sunday Riley Ice

Step 7: SPF

Yes, you need it. Yes every day. Yes, even in Winter. Fear not though, because genuinely there are some gorgeous face SPF 50 versions on the market now, some of which act as a primer too. My best ever is Ultra Violette Supreme Screen followed closely by Chantecaille SPF Primer

Step 8: Glow Up (Optional!)

I couldn't not give you two HERO product suggestions here before your make up goes on. Actually I will often just use these on their own and nothing else they are that good. Trust me and buy yourself a bottle of Glossier Futuredew and Oskia Nutri Bronze

YOUR EVENING SKIN CARE ROUTINE

Ok I know the above may have felt like a LOT. Honestlty though once you are used to it and have your favourite products lined up then it's super quick and makes you feel amazing at the start of the day. I actually "take the day off" and do my evening skin care routine as early as possible after I finish work and have supper. I use it as a wind down routine, and get into nice loungewear, plus I feel like it gives my active skin care ingredients more time to sink in, just a theory!

Step 1: First & Second Cleanse

Why cleanser twice? Well mainly because you should have SPF and likely have make up and other pollution/dirt on your face from the day. That doesn't mean you should be stripping your skin though. Quite the opposite! I always run far away from any foam cleansers. I personally love a balm or oil based cleanser first to really melt everything away. I adore La Belle Lune Nightbloom the most. It smells heavenly. I then use one of the cleansers from my list in the morning section above. If you wear a lot of make up or a really non budge mascara then I would use a separate oil based eye make up remover before my first cleanse.

Step 2: Exfoliate (Optional)

I am making this an optional step because you may prefer to do this in the evening rather than the morning if you are NOT doing retinol/Vitamin A for any reason.

Step 3: Hydrate

Same as your morning routine. It really feels nice. In fact... you can do this throughout the day to keep your make up fresh and glowy too!

Step 4: Serums (Optional)

I love to layer serums in the evening too. Personally I like a hyaluronic acid to act as a bit of a barrier before my retinol in the next step.

Step 5: Retinol or Vitamin A

This has been a game changer for me. I would highly recommend you start out on a very low level. Expect some irritation and peeling at first, until your skin adjusts. I would actually buffer with a little oil underneath until you get used to it. Will recommend some of those below for you. I actually ended up getting a Dermatica prescription for something more punchy as my skin was well used to it and I wanted to target my pigmentation before my wedding day. Others I would recommend are the new Caroline Hirons Retinol (in different strengths), Kate Somerville +Retinol Vita C Power

Step 6: Moisturiser

I like to look everything in with a really rich night cream. At the moment I am loving the Oskia Bed Time Beauty Boost but you can choose whatever works best for you. I will probably try Tatcha Indigo Overnight Repair next.

Step 7: Oils (Optional)

I absolutely adore facial oils. They aren't for everyone and you can choose if you prefer to use it before or even instead of moistruriser. I prefer to use it last and let it all soak in over night. My number one go to is Pai Rosehip Bioregenerate but I have lots and do rotate them based on my mood.

FACIALS AND TREATMENTS

If you are committed to a skin care routine similar to the one I outlined above then your skin should transform within a few months, but if you want some extra support or specialist advice (especially if you have specific concerns, sensitive skin or allergies) then I would highly recommend seeing an expert. It's also super nice to book in regular facials as a little wellness treat and they do make a big difference.

I went to see celebrity facialist Teresa Tarmey early in my planning journey and it was absolutely amazing. I would highly recommend her to anyone in London or The Cotswolds.

I didn't undertake any other treatments through spas or skin care specialists so would get expert advice if you'd like to consider that route. I do however want to lift the lid on "tweakments". I feel like there is a huge pressure to "look your best" on your wedding day, but I also think there is far too much judgment for those people who do want to go one step further with their aesthetics. Personally I tried botox for the first time last year, and I absolutely loved it. I would now go every 6 months for a top up, but felt it instantly made a big difference and gave me more confidence. Please do get a consultation with a professional and trusted provider before you take the leap of faith though, and start small, you can always have more!

All of the products I mentioned above are in the gallery below in case it helps to have a visual guide or quick reference shopping list. This is not a sponsored post or advertisement, just products I genuinely tried, loved and still use regularly.

If you would like to talk to an expert about your wedding planning and design please visit www.studiosorores.com or email us at info@studiosorores.com to arrange an initial consultation.