Photo (above): Make-up: You by Yente - Photographer: Soul Studio Christine
Esther from C’Esthétique already shares which products and steps she recommends: “Cleansing your skin twice a day is a must. After a good cleanse (depending on your skin type), in the morning you can opt for a vitamin C serum, followed by a moisturizer with SPF. An eye serum is optional, for those who struggle with fine lines around the eyes. In the evening, cleansing should ideally be a bit more thorough for those who wear make-up, and then you can choose a serum that contains retinol, for younger-looking, radiant skin on your wedding day. An eye serum with retinol is again optional, and finally a good hydrating night cream suited to your skin’s needs. For anyone who wants to do something extra at home for the ultimate glow, an overnight collagen mask is my secret weapon (once a week). In terms of treatments, I always recommend a (hydra)facial for the perfect base for make-up. The natural glow really comes to life with this, and impurities are eliminated.”
Step 1: Cleansing
Remove make-up with a lotion or milk specifically designed for removing make-up. Also use a suitable product to remove your eye make-up. Then cleanse your face and neck with a soap-free cleanser. Soap dries out your skin and can clog pores. Which cleansing product you use isn’t that important. What matters most is that you feel comfortable using it. Some women prefer a milk or lotion, others a cream, mousse, or oil. Just make sure you always choose one that matches your skin type. And if you like cleansing with water, rinse with lukewarm water. (Too) hot or cold water can cause tiny blood vessels to burst.
- Celien Vanhoutte shares what she recommends when it comes to cleansing: “Use a gentle cleanser morning and evening and rinse it off with lukewarm water. Double cleansing ensures a perfectly clean canvas. Don’t rely on micellar water alone, because you can’t rinse it off (it stays on your skin), which can actually cause irritation. So always finish with a rinse-off cleanser. Then you can optionally use a toner. It hydrates and refines pores, and helps bring the skin’s pH back into balance.”
Step 2: Rebalance
After cleansing, apply a toning lotion. You can do this with your hands or with a cotton pad. This toner removes the last traces of cleanser and brings your skin back into balance. For the toner, choose the same brand as your cleanser—they complement each other.
Annemie from Optutten shares: “Cleansing in the morning and evening is truly essential. It removes make-up, dust, sweat, cream residue, and excess sebum, keeping your skin fresh and allowing skincare products to work better. After cleansing you can use a toner; it balances your skin and helps it absorb active ingredients more effectively. Next, it’s good to exfoliate two to three times a week (with a gentle lotion, not a harsh scrub). This removes dead skin cells and brings back glow and softness to your complexion. A serum is the cherry on top: it targets specific skin needs such as hydration, redness, or fine lines. Then comes your eye cream (for hydration and extra care around the delicate eye area).”
Foto: Make-Up: Instituut Isabelle Baus - Fotograaf: Valeriyam Photography Step 3: Scrub & mask
A scrub removes dead skin cells and helps your skincare products penetrate better. Fewer dead skin cells also means a more even complexion. Always choose a scrub with fine grains; it’s effective and less harsh on your skin. A mask gives that little extra. Go for a purifying, soothing, or nourishing mask to give your skin a real boost ahead of your wedding day.
On average, you only apply a scrub and mask once a week. Exactly when is up to you. It can be in the morning or evening, or even right before a night out—but always after cleansing your skin.
Step 4: Treatment course
With a treatment course, you apply a serum for a week, two weeks, or a month. You do this either in the morning or in the evening. A serum contains the same ingredients as a day or night cream, but in a much more concentrated form. Ideal for giving your skin an extra boost for a short period. Some serums are for night, others for daytime. There are also specific serums for the eyes. You always apply a serum before your day cream.
Fotograaf: LUX Visual Storytellers Step 5: Hydrate and nourish
Apply a day or night cream both in the morning and before going to sleep. These creams keep your skin well hydrated and also nourish it. In principle, you can use any day cream as a night cream, as long as there’s no SPF (or sun filter) in it. That way, your skin can breathe better at night. Here too, choose a product suited to your skin type and your skin’s needs. Also choose a product that takes your age into account. Mature skin needs different care than younger skin. And don’t forget your eye contour! Always finish your beauty ritual with a thin layer of eye gel. Avoid rubbing, as the skin under your eyes is thin; instead, use gentle tapping motions.
Eline Cottenie adds: “Drinking water remains extremely important. In addition, a good cream and serum are essential. Preparing the skin for the wedding day really is the key to creating a glowy bride.”
Step 6: Protect
Another important step you can take yourself is protecting your skin from the sun. The sun is the biggest culprit when it comes to skin ageing. You only apply sunscreen as part of your morning routine. Here you can choose a day cream with an SPF factor (or UV filter) of at least 25. That’s enough for the winter months, but not for summer. As soon as the sun gets stronger, it’s best to use a dedicated sunscreen product with at least SPF 30.
Celien Vanhoutte explains: “Wear UV protection every day, even on cloudy days. This prevents pigmentation and dull-looking skin. Also adapt your sunscreen to your skin type. If, for example, you struggle with acne, definitely don’t use a sunscreen that’s too oily or comedogenic.”
Winny from Bellapierre adds: “Bellapierre’s BB Cream and mineral powder contain SPF to protect the skin. So they not only create a beautiful effect, they also help protect.”
Step 7: Care for your lips too
Agnes den Engelsman shares: “On my website I created bridal boxes containing my favorite skincare products to prep your skin for the wedding day. The better the ‘canvas’ I get to work with, the better the make-up! Exfoliate (remove dead skin cells) and use masks and hydrating creams. And very important: take care of your lips! With Likami’s ‘healingbalm’ you’ll never suffer from dry lips again. It’s worth the investment; one jar will easily last you a year.”
Step 8: Lashes and eyebrows
Eline Cottenie says: “When brides come to see me, I always advise them to visit a specialized beautician in time. They can assess what your skin needs, so you can start the right skincare early enough. I also share the following tips: use a lash serum. In my studio, I sell Revive lashes eyelash serum. This serum helps create fuller and/or longer lashes and is a real added value for bridal make-up. Also have your eyebrows done ahead of your wedding celebration. It looks much more polished. Don’t do this for the first time one week beforehand—test it about 8 weeks before the wedding. That way your brow artist knows exactly what they can do for you in the week of your wedding.”
Step 9: Treatment with a beautician
Alissia from Byalis also shares her top tips for radiant skin on your wedding day: “A daily skincare routine is key in the months leading up to your wedding. With me you’ll find Likami’s natural products—ideal for preparing your skin optimally. I recommend working with these products: cleansing oil, cleansing milk, day cream, hydrating serum, and Likami’s LED mask. This gives an extra boost against fine lines, little wrinkles, and pimples—also recommended after the wedding! Extra tip: I always recommend my brides a treatment with a beautician, such as dermaplaning. This removes peach fuzz, makes the skin smoother, and allows make-up to settle more beautifully and naturally. The result: a fresh, even, radiant face on the most beautiful day of your life.”
Claudia from Beauty on Wheels also shares her ideal prep_: “Do you want your skin to glow from within on your wedding day? Then a BB-Glow treatment is perfect. With microscopically fine, painless needles, pigments and serums are introduced into the skin. The result: a subtle bronzed tint and a beautiful glow. For the best results, we recommend three to five treatments, each six weeks apart. Of course, you can also book this at the Beauty on Wheels beauty salon. Also cleanse your skin daily, even if you don’t wear make-up. Pollution and dust particles can make your complexion look dull. With Likami’s natural products, such as the Brighten Skin Serum, your skin stays fresh, clear, and glowy—exactly what you want for your skin on your wedding day. Beauty on Wheels offers one-on-one sessions for the right advice.”_
Step 10: Don’t change products last-minute
Winny from Bellapierre explains: “Absolutely do not switch skincare brands last-minute, to avoid irritation. Also use masks for an extra boost. Be sure to get support from your professional beautician, because they know your skin best. Also choose a mask specific to your skin. Do you struggle with acne, blackheads, or do you need a deep cleanse? Then use one with salicylic acid. Need hydration? Choose one with hyaluronic acid for deep hydration. Want extra glow? Use a mask with vitamin C or niacinamide to help even out the complexion. For mature skin, use a peptide or collagen mask to reduce fine lines or create a lifting effect.”
Step 11: A spray tan? Test it beforehand!
Celien Vanhoutte says: “If the bride wants to get a spray tan, I always advise testing it in advance. The result looks different on everyone. Before your spray tan: scrub your skin to remove dead skin cells. Also use a hydrating body cream in the week beforehand, so your skin is well moisturized and there are no dry patches. Spray tan settles into dead skin cells, which can cause unwanted dark spots.”
Step 12: Take care of your hair too!
Jodie from Hair I Come shares her** **personal hair tips for the bride so your hair looks beautifully radiant too:
“6 months before your wedding: start a good haircare plan! Think scalp oils, intensive hair masks, and possibly a mini botox treatment for extra shine—you can come to us for that. This way you build healthy, strong, shiny hair step by step.
2 months in advance: definitely get your ends trimmed, so your locks stay fresh and healthy.
1 week before the big day: refresh your balayage or color for that perfect, radiant finish.”
Step 13: Relax
Annemie from Optutten finally shares what may well be the most important step of all: “Relax. Stress is disastrous for the skin; it can suddenly trigger redness or blemishes. So give yourself rest, sleep enough, drink plenty of water, and take a deep breath every now and then. Your skin (and your make-up) will thank you.”
Joke from Nyima Esthetiek sums it all up once more and also shares her tips: “Daily skincare steps: Cleanse your face every morning and evening. After cleansing, use a day or night cream that matches your skin type and skin condition (make sure your daytime cream contains sun protection). Exfoliate once a week after cleansing, in the morning or evening. A few more tips:
Have your skin treated by your beautician once a month in preparation for your wedding day.
Follow your beautician’s advice to choose the right skincare.
Have your eyebrows neatly shaped.
Plan a hydrafacial.
Drink enough water.
Be careful with the sun on your décolleté and back if you’re getting married during or right after summer.”
Good luck!
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