By Annette O’Brien, Luxury Bridal Makeup Artist & Author of The Bridal Skincare Bible
We’re delighted to introduce our new expert-led blog series, where trusted vendors who share our values of excellence, elegance, and client-first service offer exclusive insights tailored to modern luxury couples.
First in the series is Annette O’Brien, a luxury bridal makeup artist based in Kerry with over twelve years’ experience. Named Makeup Artist of the Year (2020 & 2022) and Business Woman of the Year 2019, Annette is celebrated as a high-end makeup artist in Ireland, working with celebrity clients, major publications, and hundreds of discerning brides. In this post, she shares the best bridal skincare tips, including how to build a skincare routine for brides, and how to prep skin for wedding makeup – so you can achieve that radiant, flawless wedding day makeup glow.
Photographer: Nada Simonne Creative
As a bridal makeup artist, I’ve shared some of the most intimate, joyful, and emotional moments with my clients – right there on the morning of their wedding. I’ve seen how the right lipstick can make someone light up, and how the right skincare, weeks or months before, can make someone feel like their most confident self before the first brush even touches their face.
It’s why I wrote The Bridal Skincare Bible: to help brides approach skincare not as a last-minute fix or pressure point, but as a source of calm, confidence, and radiance. Not just for the photos – but for you.
So let’s talk skincare. Not the hype or trends, but the real, nourishing, realistic kind that supports you in the lead-up to one of the most memorable days of your life.
Why Skincare Shouldn’t Be an Afterthought
When people hear I’m a makeup artist, they often assume I’m all about the products – and yes, I love a good lipstick – but the truth is: great makeup begins with great skin – and that begins with a thoughtful skincare routine for brides.
Bridal skincare isn’t about chasing perfection. It’s about creating a consistent routine that brings your skin into balance, so you feel calm, cared for, and connected to yourself. Because when your skin is at ease, you feel at ease. And that shows in every photo, every glance, every moment.
Photographer: Sarah Kate Murphy Photography
When Should You Start a Bridal Skincare Routine?
The ideal window is 6 to 12 months before the wedding. That gives your skin time to adjust to new products, work through any underlying concerns, and reach a healthy, consistent rhythm.
But don’t worry if you’re closer to the day – there’s still plenty you can do. Even a few weeks of gentle, hydrating care can make a difference when learning how to prep skin for wedding makeup.
(Pro tip: I break down bridal skincare timelines for every stage in my book, from 1 year out to 1 week out.)
A Makeup Artist’s Bridal Skincare Essentials
Over the years, I’ve refined what really makes a difference – not just in how skin looks, but how it feels under makeup. Here are the five non-negotiables I recommend to every bride I work with as part of the best bridal skincare tips I’ve learned.
1. Hydration, Hydration, Hydration
Forget fancy tools or 12-step routines. If your skin is hydrated, everything else works better. Look for serums with hyaluronic acid, lightweight moisturizers, and keep a facial mist in your bag. Glowy, bouncy skin? This is how you get it.
2. Exfoliate – But Gently
A smooth canvas makes makeup easier, but over-exfoliating leads to irritation. Stick to mild exfoliants like lactic acid or polyhydroxy acids 1–2 times a week. And always patch test!
3. Support Your Skin Barrier
This is the unsung hero of healthy skin. If your skin feels tight, red, or flaky – it’s probably your barrier crying out. Focus on calming ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide, and oat extract to keep your skin resilient and soothed.
Photographer: Lima Conlon Photography
4. Smart Treatments for Targeted Issues
Whether it’s breakouts, pigmentation, or texture, treat concerns slowly and with purpose. Vitamin C for brightening, azelaic acid for redness or scarring, and retinoids for texture can work wonders – but give them time (and don’t introduce them all at once!).
5. SPF Is a Daily Essential
No matter the season, the weather, or your plans: wear SPF. It protects all your hard work and keeps your skin even, smooth, and protected leading up to the big day. Choose one that layers beautifully under makeup – you’ll thank yourself later.
Your Makeup Artist Is Your Skincare Ally
As your makeup artist, I don’t just show up on the day with a brush kit. I’m here to support your vision and your comfort. When your skin is well cared for, my job as a high-end makeup artist in Ireland becomes less about covering and more about enhancing.
So don’t be afraid to share your routine, what’s working (or not), and what your dream look feels like. This is a collaboration – and your skincare prep is part of the artistry.
Photographer: Padraig Healy Photography
Skincare Is Self-Care
Skincare isn’t just physical – it’s emotional. The months before a wedding can be full of excitement, but also pressure, stress, and change. Carving out a moment to take care of your skin can be a calming ritual amid the chaos.
Protecting your peace – whether through meditation, journaling, rest, or simply saying “no” more often – is just as important as your serum. When you feel emotionally grounded, your skin reflects it. And that’s the kind of glow no highlighter can create.
There’s No One Way to Look Like a Bride
Some of my brides want full-glam red carpet vibes. Others want barely-there, sun-kissed simplicity. There’s no one right way to feel beautiful – what matters is that you feel like you.
The goal of your skincare routine isn’t transformation – it’s support. So you can show up on your wedding day, not hiding, not performing, but celebrating.
Final Thoughts: Your Glow Is Already There
The most radiant brides I’ve worked with weren’t the ones with perfect skin. They were the ones who felt comfortable in their skin. Who had taken time to care for themselves. Who trusted their team and let themselves be present.
So if you’re just starting your skincare prep, take a breath. You don’t need to do everything. You just need a few thoughtful steps, taken with intention and care. And if you’d like guidance every step of the way – from product recommendations to realistic timelines – my book The Bridal Skincare Bible is there to support you, like a skin-savvy bridesmaid who’s always in your corner.
💍 Want More Tips?
Grab your copy of The Bridal Skincare Bible for tailored routines, expert-approved product picks, and real-world advice to help you glow from engagement to “I do.”
Let skincare be your sanctuary – not your stressor.
Complete the Picture of Bridal Perfection
Thank you to Annette O’Brien for sharing these beautiful, expert insights. To book this exceptional luxury bridal makeup artist, click here. Already have your makeup artist but want to elevate your glow? Purchase The Bridal Skincare Bible here – or receive a complimentary copy as part of our welcome package when you plan your wedding with us. Inquire with us here if you’d like to pair flawless skin with a seamlessly orchestrated celebration – because beauty and brilliance deserve to go hand in hand.