Beauty Front Benchers
The beginner’s guide to wearing eye makeup
Read Now
Planning a wedding comes with a ridiculously long checklist; and your beauty prep may get neglected until the very end. So if you’re getting married in the coming year, this is your reminder to get started on your pre-wedding skincare, haircare and body care prep—months in advance. You don’t want to be in a position where you’re trying to cram it in a week before your big day.
However, with so many treatments, routines and products floating around online, it’s hard to know what you actually need. Should you book that facial everyone swears by? Is switching to a new shampoo a good idea? Is hair glossing essential or just extra? The truth is, the options are endless and, if you’re feeling a little lost, that’s completely normal. To make things easier, we’ve gathered expert inputs and crafted a clear, curated guide to help you plan your bridal beauty prep the right way.
Loaded with antioxidants and hyaluronic acid, this sun serum by SKIN1004 is one definitely worth the attention. The non-nano chemical sunscreen contains SPF50+ PA++++ which helps block UV rays and prevent any sort of sun damage. Infused with skin-loving ingredients such as centella asiatica extract and hyaluronic acids, this sunscreen leaves the skin extremely moisturised with a dewy finish that is non-greasy, non-sticky, and has zero white cast.
I reach for this every single morning—it’s that good. The SKIN1004 Sun Serum feels more like a hydrating serum than a typical sunscreen, but with full SPF 50+ PA++++ protection. It sinks in without a white cast, leaves a dewy-but-not-greasy finish, and never pills under makeup. Plus, the Centella and hyaluronic acid duo keeps my skin calm and moisturised, which is a godsend in this humidity. This is definitely coming home with me from Tira’s Hello Beauty Sale—can’t pass up a daily staple like this.
This is a great option if you want to explore retinol but prefer a softer approach. It blends retinol with granactive retinoid, bakuchiol and niacinamide to create a formula that supports clearer texture and more even looking skin while feeling gentler on the face. The lightweight serum absorbs easily and suits people who are starting out or who know their skin can be reactive. Even though it’s designed to be mild you still want to take it slow, begin with a couple of evenings a week and introduce SPF into your morning routine as retinol makes skin more sensitive to sunlight.
This oil takes the idea of a traditional champi and gives it a modern spin. It blends herbs like amla, neem and brahmi with lightweight oils, so you get all the nourishment without feeling greasy. It’s designed for scalp health and hair strength, but it’s also just a really nice ritual to add to your week. Massage it in before bed, wash it out the next day and your hair feels softer, shinier and a little more cared for.
Bridal skincare works best when it’s strategic, not experimental. Start by booking a visit to your dermatologist so you can map out your beauty timeline. “Your bridal skincare journey should begin at least six months before the wedding. That’s when we work on texture, tone and acne control. By three months, it’s about maintenance. One month prior, we focus on calming the skin. And in the last week, the goal is simply to let your skin rest,” aesthetic physician and GP dermatology Dr Riya Thorat explains.
If the number of steps in your skincare routine depend heavily on your mood, now’s the time to find a consistent rhythm. A simple AM and PM routine with cleansing, exfoliating (once a week), moisturising, applying serum and using sunscreen daily will take you far. From there, layer in targeted actives depending on your goals—vitamin C for brightness, AHAs for texture, or a mild retinol for fine lines (only if you’ve used it before). If you’re introducing anything new, do it early and only under the guidance of a dermatologist.
For facials, hydration-led options are the safest and most effective across skin types. Treatments like HydraFacials and OxyFacials help improve radiance and keep the skin plump without causing sensitivity. Brides dealing with pigmentation or acne can consider treatments like chemical peels, microdermabrasion or LED therapy, but these should never be attempted at a salon. A dermatologist will decide the percentage, frequency and suitability for you.
This is especially crucial for reactive skin. As Dr Thorat says, “When it comes to bridal prep, less is truly more for sensitive skin. Avoid harsh peels or aggressive treatments too close to your big day—instead, focus on strengthening your skin barrier early with calming facials, consistent hydration and gentle exfoliation. The glow comes from balance, not overdoing it.”
Booking every hair treatment under the sun is not going to help your case if your hair isn’t healthy from within. So, your bridal haircare prep must begin at home. Switch to a sulphate-free shampoo if you’re dealing with dryness or colour-treated hair, plus add a nourishing conditioner and introduce a weekly bond-building mask to repair damage and boost shine. If your scalp tends to get flaky or oily, consider a gentle scalp scrub once a week to keep roots clean and encourage growth.
Weekly haircare rituals are way better than daily overhauls. A warm oil massage once a week (coconut, argan or almond oil depending on your hair type) followed by a deep conditioning mask can make a world of difference to texture and smoothness. If you use heat styling often, now’s the time to cut back and lean on leave-in conditioners and heat protectants instead.
When it comes to treatments, pick them wisely. Keratin, cysteine or smoothening should be done at least 2-3 months before the wedding so that your hair settles. Glossing treatments or colour refreshes can be booked 3-4 weeks out. Avoid trying anything drastic like new hair colours, chemical treatments or major haircuts too close to the wedding week.
Body care doesn’t have to be complicated, but it helps to be intentional about it as the wedding gets closer. Start with the basics: exfoliate 2-3 times a week using a gentle body scrub, then lock in moisture with hydrating body creams or nourishing body oils. Pay extra attention to areas like elbows, knees, back and décolletage, especially if your blouses or gowns have open cuts.
If hair removal is part of your routine, timing is key. Waxing should be done a few days before the festivities begin to avoid irritation, but if you’re looking for a more long-term solution, consider starting laser hair removal a few months in advance. It significantly cuts down the stress of last-minute appointments and keeps you smooth through your celebrations, honeymoon and beyond.
Another small but worthwhile step is booking a dental cleaning or, if needed, a teeth whitening treatment. It’s a subtle touch, but it will give you a more confident smile throughout your wedding celebrations.
Bridal skincare works best when it’s strategic, not experimental. Start by booking a visit to your dermatologist so you can map out your beauty timeline. “Your bridal skincare journey should begin at least six months before the wedding. That’s when we work on texture, tone and acne control. By three months, it’s about maintenance. One month prior, we focus on calming the skin. And in the last week, the goal is simply to let your skin rest,” aesthetic physician and GP dermatology Dr Riya Thorat explains.
If the number of steps in your skincare routine depend heavily on your mood, now’s the time to find a consistent rhythm. A simple AM and PM routine with cleansing, exfoliating (once a week), moisturising, applying serum and using sunscreen daily will take you far. From there, layer in targeted actives depending on your goals—vitamin C for brightness, AHAs for texture, or a mild retinol for fine lines (only if you’ve used it before). If you’re introducing anything new, do it early and only under the guidance of a dermatologist.
For facials, hydration-led options are the safest and most effective across skin types. Treatments like HydraFacials and OxyFacials help improve radiance and keep the skin plump without causing sensitivity. Brides dealing with pigmentation or acne can consider treatments like chemical peels, microdermabrasion or LED therapy, but these should never be attempted at a salon. A dermatologist will decide the percentage, frequency and suitability for you.
This is especially crucial for reactive skin. As Dr Thorat says, “When it comes to bridal prep, less is truly more for sensitive skin. Avoid harsh peels or aggressive treatments too close to your big day—instead, focus on strengthening your skin barrier early with calming facials, consistent hydration and gentle exfoliation. The glow comes from balance, not overdoing it.”
Booking every hair treatment under the sun is not going to help your case if your hair isn’t healthy from within. So, your bridal haircare prep must begin at home. Switch to a sulphate-free shampoo if you’re dealing with dryness or colour-treated hair, plus add a nourishing conditioner and introduce a weekly bond-building mask to repair damage and boost shine. If your scalp tends to get flaky or oily, consider a gentle scalp scrub once a week to keep roots clean and encourage growth.
Weekly haircare rituals are way better than daily overhauls. A warm oil massage once a week (coconut, argan or almond oil depending on your hair type) followed by a deep conditioning mask can make a world of difference to texture and smoothness. If you use heat styling often, now’s the time to cut back and lean on leave-in conditioners and heat protectants instead.
When it comes to treatments, pick them wisely. Keratin, cysteine or smoothening should be done at least 2-3 months before the wedding so that your hair settles. Glossing treatments or colour refreshes can be booked 3-4 weeks out. Avoid trying anything drastic like new hair colours, chemical treatments or major haircuts too close to the wedding week.
Body care doesn’t have to be complicated, but it helps to be intentional about it as the wedding gets closer. Start with the basics: exfoliate 2-3 times a week using a gentle body scrub, then lock in moisture with hydrating body creams or nourishing body oils. Pay extra attention to areas like elbows, knees, back and décolletage, especially if your blouses or gowns have open cuts.
If hair removal is part of your routine, timing is key. Waxing should be done a few days before the festivities begin to avoid irritation, but if you’re looking for a more long-term solution, consider starting laser hair removal a few months in advance. It significantly cuts down the stress of last-minute appointments and keeps you smooth through your celebrations, honeymoon and beyond.
Another small but worthwhile step is booking a dental cleaning or, if needed, a teeth whitening treatment. It’s a subtle touch, but it will give you a more confident smile throughout your wedding celebrations.
Bridal skincare works best when it’s strategic, not experimental. Start by booking a visit to your dermatologist so you can map out your beauty timeline. “Your bridal skincare journey should begin at least six months before the wedding. That’s when we work on texture, tone and acne control. By three months, it’s about maintenance. One month prior, we focus on calming the skin. And in the last week, the goal is simply to let your skin rest,” aesthetic physician and GP dermatology Dr Riya Thorat explains.
If the number of steps in your skincare routine depend heavily on your mood, now’s the time to find a consistent rhythm. A simple AM and PM routine with cleansing, exfoliating (once a week), moisturising, applying serum and using sunscreen daily will take you far. From there, layer in targeted actives depending on your goals—vitamin C for brightness, AHAs for texture, or a mild retinol for fine lines (only if you’ve used it before). If you’re introducing anything new, do it early and only under the guidance of a dermatologist.
For facials, hydration-led options are the safest and most effective across skin types. Treatments like HydraFacials and OxyFacials help improve radiance and keep the skin plump without causing sensitivity. Brides dealing with pigmentation or acne can consider treatments like chemical peels, microdermabrasion or LED therapy, but these should never be attempted at a salon. A dermatologist will decide the percentage, frequency and suitability for you.
This is especially crucial for reactive skin. As Dr Thorat says, “When it comes to bridal prep, less is truly more for sensitive skin. Avoid harsh peels or aggressive treatments too close to your big day—instead, focus on strengthening your skin barrier early with calming facials, consistent hydration and gentle exfoliation. The glow comes from balance, not overdoing it.”
Booking every hair treatment under the sun is not going to help your case if your hair isn’t healthy from within. So, your bridal haircare prep must begin at home. Switch to a sulphate-free shampoo if you’re dealing with dryness or colour-treated hair, plus add a nourishing conditioner and introduce a weekly bond-building mask to repair damage and boost shine. If your scalp tends to get flaky or oily, consider a gentle scalp scrub once a week to keep roots clean and encourage growth.
Weekly haircare rituals are way better than daily overhauls. A warm oil massage once a week (coconut, argan or almond oil depending on your hair type) followed by a deep conditioning mask can make a world of difference to texture and smoothness. If you use heat styling often, now’s the time to cut back and lean on leave-in conditioners and heat protectants instead.
When it comes to treatments, pick them wisely. Keratin, cysteine or smoothening should be done at least 2-3 months before the wedding so that your hair settles. Glossing treatments or colour refreshes can be booked 3-4 weeks out. Avoid trying anything drastic like new hair colours, chemical treatments or major haircuts too close to the wedding week.
Body care doesn’t have to be complicated, but it helps to be intentional about it as the wedding gets closer. Start with the basics: exfoliate 2-3 times a week using a gentle body scrub, then lock in moisture with hydrating body creams or nourishing body oils. Pay extra attention to areas like elbows, knees, back and décolletage, especially if your blouses or gowns have open cuts.
If hair removal is part of your routine, timing is key. Waxing should be done a few days before the festivities begin to avoid irritation, but if you’re looking for a more long-term solution, consider starting laser hair removal a few months in advance. It significantly cuts down the stress of last-minute appointments and keeps you smooth through your celebrations, honeymoon and beyond.
Another small but worthwhile step is booking a dental cleaning or, if needed, a teeth whitening treatment. It’s a subtle touch, but it will give you a more confident smile throughout your wedding celebrations.
Bridal skincare works best when it’s strategic, not experimental. Start by booking a visit to your dermatologist so you can map out your beauty timeline. “Your bridal skincare journey should begin at least six months before the wedding. That’s when we work on texture, tone and acne control. By three months, it’s about maintenance. One month prior, we focus on calming the skin. And in the last week, the goal is simply to let your skin rest,” aesthetic physician and GP dermatology Dr Riya Thorat explains.
If the number of steps in your skincare routine depend heavily on your mood, now’s the time to find a consistent rhythm. A simple AM and PM routine with cleansing, exfoliating (once a week), moisturising, applying serum and using sunscreen daily will take you far. From there, layer in targeted actives depending on your goals—vitamin C for brightness, AHAs for texture, or a mild retinol for fine lines (only if you’ve used it before). If you’re introducing anything new, do it early and only under the guidance of a dermatologist.
For facials, hydration-led options are the safest and most effective across skin types. Treatments like HydraFacials and OxyFacials help improve radiance and keep the skin plump without causing sensitivity. Brides dealing with pigmentation or acne can consider treatments like chemical peels, microdermabrasion or LED therapy, but these should never be attempted at a salon. A dermatologist will decide the percentage, frequency and suitability for you.
This is especially crucial for reactive skin. As Dr Thorat says, “When it comes to bridal prep, less is truly more for sensitive skin. Avoid harsh peels or aggressive treatments too close to your big day—instead, focus on strengthening your skin barrier early with calming facials, consistent hydration and gentle exfoliation. The glow comes from balance, not overdoing it.”
Booking every hair treatment under the sun is not going to help your case if your hair isn’t healthy from within. So, your bridal haircare prep must begin at home. Switch to a sulphate-free shampoo if you’re dealing with dryness or colour-treated hair, plus add a nourishing conditioner and introduce a weekly bond-building mask to repair damage and boost shine. If your scalp tends to get flaky or oily, consider a gentle scalp scrub once a week to keep roots clean and encourage growth.
Weekly haircare rituals are way better than daily overhauls. A warm oil massage once a week (coconut, argan or almond oil depending on your hair type) followed by a deep conditioning mask can make a world of difference to texture and smoothness. If you use heat styling often, now’s the time to cut back and lean on leave-in conditioners and heat protectants instead.
When it comes to treatments, pick them wisely. Keratin, cysteine or smoothening should be done at least 2-3 months before the wedding so that your hair settles. Glossing treatments or colour refreshes can be booked 3-4 weeks out. Avoid trying anything drastic like new hair colours, chemical treatments or major haircuts too close to the wedding week.
Body care doesn’t have to be complicated, but it helps to be intentional about it as the wedding gets closer. Start with the basics: exfoliate 2-3 times a week using a gentle body scrub, then lock in moisture with hydrating body creams or nourishing body oils. Pay extra attention to areas like elbows, knees, back and décolletage, especially if your blouses or gowns have open cuts.
If hair removal is part of your routine, timing is key. Waxing should be done a few days before the festivities begin to avoid irritation, but if you’re looking for a more long-term solution, consider starting laser hair removal a few months in advance. It significantly cuts down the stress of last-minute appointments and keeps you smooth through your celebrations, honeymoon and beyond.
Another small but worthwhile step is booking a dental cleaning or, if needed, a teeth whitening treatment. It’s a subtle touch, but it will give you a more confident smile throughout your wedding celebrations.
