Bridal Prep Week: How to Glow From the Inside Out Before Your Wedding Day

Philippa Howearth
5 days ago
3 min read

Introduction

Your wedding day is one of the most photographed days of your life—and feeling confident in your skin is just as important as the dress or makeup. As a makeup artist, I can tell you first hand: the secret to flawless wedding day makeup isn’t just in the products—it’s in how you prep your skin and body in the days leading up.

This Bridal Prep Week guide is designed to help you nourish, hydrate, and glow from the inside out. Whether you're one week away or just want to feel your best, here’s exactly what to focus on in the final 7 days before your big day.

Day-by-Day Bridal Glow Plan

Day 7: Hydrate + Eliminate Inflammation

Start upping your water intake to 2–3 litres a day and reduce inflammatory foods.

✅ Cut dairy, excess sugar, alcohol, and salty snacks

✅ Add lemon water, green tea, and leafy greens

✅ Start your mornings with a gentle walk or dry body brushing

Why: Hydration plumps the skin and reduces puffiness, while lowering inflammation gives you that natural, lit-from-within glow.

Day 6: Deep Clean + Purify

Do your final facial today—preferably a gentle hydrating or enzyme facial. Avoid peels or extractions now.

✅ Apply a detoxifying clay mask

✅ Follow with a calming hydrating serum

✅ Steam your face with chamomile or green tea

Why: We want your skin clear, calm, and balanced—no surprises or breakouts.

Day 5: Nourish From Within

Eat foods rich in antioxidants, omega-3s, and skin-supporting vitamins.

✅ Focus on salmon, avocado, cucumber, and berries

✅ Take your skin supplements (zinc, vitamin C, collagen)

✅ Avoid trying anything new

Why: You’re feeding your glow from the inside out. Think radiant, not reactive.

Day 4: Exfoliate + Glow

Light exfoliation will help your skin look smoother under makeup.

✅ Use a gentle enzyme or lactic acid exfoliator

✅ Don’t overdo it—no harsh scrubs

✅ Apply a hydrating sheet mask afterwards

Why: This step boosts circulation and gives your makeup a smooth canvas.

Day 3: Brow + Body Prep

✅ Get your brows shaped and lightly tidied

✅ Book waxing or shaving appointments now—not the day before

✅ Moisturise your body with a rich lotion or body oil

Why: Skin needs time to settle after any hair removal to avoid redness or texture.

Day 2: Chill + Moisturise

✅ Do a deep hydration mask or under-eye patches

✅ Get plenty of sleep (yes, seriously)

✅ Sip herbal tea like chamomile or peppermint

Why: This day is about reducing stress, calming your nervous system, and locking in hydration.

Day 1: The Glow Ritual

✅ Ice roll your face in the morning to depuff

✅ Lightly exfoliate lips and apply a nourishing balm

✅ Moisturise your face and body

✅ Lay out your skincare, touch-up kit, and prep items for the big day

Why: You’re sealing in all the goodness. Now it’s time to relax and feel like the beautiful bride you are.

Final Thoughts

Bridal beauty isn’t about perfection—it’s about feeling radiant, calm, and confident in your skin. A week of simple self-care, clean nourishment, and skin-loving rituals can make a huge difference. You deserve to feel as beautiful as you look.

Love & Artistry, Philippa