How to get glowing skin for your wedding, according to bridal beauty experts

When it comes to achieving that lit-from-within bridal glow, it’s all about working with your skin, not against it. That’s the ethos behind The Bridal Beauty Co., founded by beauty editors-turned-bridal-beauty-experts Sophie Cullen and Arabella Dupont.

With a background in beauty journalism and years of hands-on experience helping real brides, they’ve built a reputation for expert advice that actually works — no fads, no fluff, just feel-good skincare routines that help you look your best on the big day.

About our experts

Sophie and Arabella’s advice comes from real experience — and a genuine love of helping brides feel confident in their own skin. As beauty-obsessed former Condé Nast journalists, they launched The Bridal Beauty Co. in 2019 with a clear mission: to cut through the overwhelm and give brides their need-to-know fix of all things beauty. Because when it comes to bridal skincare and makeup, the options can feel endless, and let’s be honest, a little intimidating.

They’ve tested it all, refined what actually works, and built a 360-degree platform designed to inform, inspire and support women who want to look and feel their best on their wedding day. Their golden rule? Focus on preparation, not perfection. “The secret lies in skin prep and layering,” says Arabella. “The more hydrated and smoother your skin is underneath, the better your bridal makeup will sit and last.”

So, whether you’re just getting started or ticking off the final bits of your bridal beauty checklist, this guide covers everything you need: from glow-up skincare timelines and expert tips to beauty fixes for the big day, plus thoughtful wedding registry gifts for (not only) beauty-loving brides.

According to Sophie Cullen and Arabella Dupont, the founders of The Bridal Beauty Co., “Glowing skin is a combination of factors: a strong skin barrier, decent hydration, regular exfoliation, and good circulation. When the skin is smooth and well-hydrated, it reflects light more evenly, creating that natural luminosity we all want and not just for the big day!”

It’s not just what’s in your skincare bag that matters. Your daily habits play a big role too. “What you eat and drink can have a huge impact on skin,” says Arabella. “Staying well-hydrated (aiming for at least two litres of water daily) is essential, sleeping well and incorporating certain foods to help support the skin’s barrier, such as omega-3-rich foods like salmon and chia seeds, can really help. Antioxidants from berries and greens fight off dullness-causing free radicals, while cutting back on refined sugar and ultra-processed foods can help calm inflammation and reduce breakouts — especially helpful in the lead-up to your wedding,” she says.

When shopping for bridal skincare to boost your glow, Sophie and Arabella suggest looking for ingredients that pack a punch. “There are a few proven glow-getters worth looking out for when it comes to skincare ingredients; Vitamin C is a hero for brightening and evening tone, niacinamide strengthens the skin while calming redness, and hyaluronic acid gives a plumping, dewy effect thanks to its moisture-retaining powers. Gentle exfoliants like lactic or glycolic acid help smooth and resurface the skin, while ceramides restore and protect.”

Getting a Hollywood glow on your wedding day doesn’t happen overnight (we wish). According to the beauty experts, Arabella and Sophie, timing really is everything. “If you’re making any adjustments to your skincare regime, however minor, you should really begin at the very least six months before your wedding to give your skin time to respond, adjust, and thrive.” This timeline allows for cell turnover, barrier repair, and visible improvements in skin tone and texture.

Daily skincare routine for brides

A consistent bridal skincare routine supports skin health and creates the perfect base for long-lasting makeup. Think of your morning routine as your skin’s daily armour. “In the morning, start with a gentle cleanser, followed by a vitamin C serum to brighten and protect against environmental stressors. A nourishing moisturiser seals everything in, and a broad-spectrum SPF 30–50 is non-negotiable,” say the beauty experts, Sophie and Arabella. (And yes, SPF still matters in February.)

When evening rolls around, it’s all about repair mode. “At night, a double cleanse removes makeup and daily build-up, followed by an exfoliating toner or serum two to three times a week. Incorporating a hydrating or barrier-strengthening serum (like hyaluronic acid or niacinamide), and finishing with a moisturiser or facial oil will keep skin plump and calm. Weekly face masks and regular facial massage can also enhance circulation and glow.”

Done consistently, this routine encourages renewal and gives your complexion the kind of smooth, radiant finish that looks incredible in every wedding photo.

How to prep skin in the final weeks before your wedding

The lead-up to your big day matters – now is not the time to play skincare roulette. Keep it simple, soothing, and strictly no surprises. “You can also look to incorporate more targeted treatments — like LED facials, gentle peels, or hydrafacials — introduced around the three-month mark,” they advise.

Two weeks before? It’s time to slow things down. “Dial back actives like acids or retinol and focus instead on hydrating, calming products. The week before is about maintenance, not transformation—avoid any new products, facials, or waxing treatments to prevent last-minute irritation or breakouts. The day before, think cooling sheet masks, hydrating mists, and plenty of rest.”

And above all else, heed Sophie’s golden rule of bridal skincare: “You do not want to run the risk of irritating your skin and causing breakouts!” You heard her — no rogue new products allowed.

How to fake glowing bridal skin that lasts all day long

Whether it’s the pre-ceremony nerves, the late-night prosecco toast, or the happy tears that started before breakfast or simply skin that didn’t cooperate overnight (we’ve all been there), a bit of beauty magic can bring the bridal glow back fast. “Radiance-boosting primers, lightweight luminous foundations, and liquid highlighters can recreate that dewy bridal glow,” says The Bridal Beauty Co. expert, Arabella. “Strategic cream blush placement and a setting spray with a glow finish can enhance the effect even further. Cult favourites like Charlotte Tilbury’s Hollywood Flawless Filter or NARS Liquid Illuminator are my go-to.”

For an extra pre-aisle beauty pick-me-up, Sophie recommends facial massage. “It boosts circulation, helps with puffiness, and makes your skincare work harder,” says Sophie. Tools like gua sha, ice globes, or even a good old chilled teaspoon can leave skin lifted, de-puffed, and ready for its close-up, she adds.

The bodycare routine you shouldn’t skip

Radiant bridal skin doesn’t end with your face. A glowing décolletage, back, and shoulders are just as important, especially with strapless or backless wedding gowns. “Bodycare is often overlooked, but it plays a big role in achieving full-body radiance,” say the experts from The Bridal Beauty Co.

To create that head-to-toe bridal glow, they suggest starting with dry body brushing before your shower to boost circulation and smooth skin. Follow with a nourishing body scrub twice a week. "Hydration is key," says Sophie, "so apply a rich lotion or body oil while skin is still damp to lock in moisture. Using gradual tanning lotions or radiance-boosting creams can add a subtle sheen and enhance glow too.”

“Bridal beauty trends are evolving,” says Sophie Cullen, beauty expert at The Bridal Beauty Co., noting a shift toward glowing, natural, wellness-led beauty. “There's a growing interest in wellness-led rituals — LED therapy, IV drips, meditation facials — where looking good begins with feeling good.” Brides today want their glow to reflect both how they look and how they feel.

In makeup, that same mindset is shining through. “Brides are opting for cream products, peachy tones, glazed skin, and polished-but-natural finishes — that’s a clear shift toward skin-first, luminous finishes over matte, full-coverage looks,” says Arabella.

Still, trends aside, Sophie encourages brides to choose a wedding day look that feels true to their personal style. “Choose a makeup look that reflects your personality — don’t feel pressured to follow trends if you’re more classic or minimal.” She also cautions against common mistakes: “Try to avoid over-powdering, heavy foundation without prep, or forgetting to blend contour. A longwear setting mist and a blotting powder in your bridal clutch can be your best friends on the day.”

The RMW x TBBCo. Ultimate Bridal Beauty Box

If your love language is skincare, you're going to love this. The Bridal Beauty Co. have teamed up with one of our favourite wedding websites, Rock My Wedding, to create what might just be the ultimate beauty gift for brides, RMW x TBBCo. Ultimate Bridal Beauty Box. Specially curated for glow-obsessed brides-to-be, it’s filled with tried-and-tested, radiance-boosting essentials that are guaranteed to add a little luxury to the lead-up.

“We have worked really hard to put together a box specifically designed for brides-to-be looking to discover tried-and-tested glow-boosting, wedding-ready products by brands we love. I love the Charlotte Tilbury Cleanser, which is such a brilliant multitasking product that removes all traces of makeup and dirt but doesn’t dry out skin. The Bobbi Brown Vitamin C primer is an absolute hero product that everyone should have in their makeup bag, plus there are lots of pampering treats to pamper and prep.”

This glow-getting box isn’t just a luxe treat for yourself — it also makes a truly thoughtful gift. “As a wedding guest, I tend to go for something meaningful and bespoke, so it has a really lovely personal touch — and this is just that,” says Sophie. “It’s the ultimate treat for any bride-to-be and her party who are serious about that glow.”

Don’t miss out — you can shop the RMW x TBBCo. Ultimate Bridal Beauty Box here for a limited time only. If you don’t manage to snap one up, you can still treat yourself to one of the many other beautifully curated boxes by TBBCo.

Sophie and Arabella's favourite gifts

Want to keep the pampering energy going? Consider adding a few thoughtful experience gifts to the wedding registry mix. Sophie recommends looking for something with lasting impact. “I’m really drawn to gifting experiences such as spa, glamping trips and theatre tickets. I think it’s so special to be able to gift something that will create a lasting memory long after the big day itself.”

That's it! We hope Sophie Cullen and Arabella Dupont from The Bridal Beauty Co. have helped you feel more confident about getting that skin glow wedding-day ready. From skincare timelines to makeup tips and thoughtful gift ideas, their expert advice is all about helping you look and feel your best.

Still ticking off that to-do list? Now’s a great time to make a start on your wedding registry with Prezola. (Unsure what we're talking about? Read our explainer about what a wedding registry is). Guests absolutely love them through – it makes their lives so much easier. And couples dig them because you can add everything from traditional gifts to experiences, cash funds, honeymoon contributions and more. So, what are you waiting for?