Beauty Secrets I Only Share with My Brides (Until Now)

Apr 27

Over the years, I’ve had the absolute honor of working with countless brides—each one beautiful, unique, and glowing in their own way. But here’s the thing—behind every flawless bridal look are a few tried-and-true beauty secrets I’ve kept close to my heart. These are the tips I reserve for my brides—my signature glow-up strategies, calming rituals, and go-to products that guarantee camera-ready magic.

Until now.

Last time, we went over How I Tailor Bridal Makeup to Complement Each Bride’s Unique Personality—because let’s be real, no two brides are the same, and neither should their makeup be.

But what if I told you there’s a whole layer of beauty prep and pro secrets that go beyond the brush? The kind of insider tips I usually reserve just for my brides, shared in quiet moments during trials or right before the big "I do." These little gems are the real magic behind that bridal glow—and today, I’m finally spilling them.

When you're sitting in my makeup chair, it’s more than just foundation and lashes. It’s a moment of calm before the whirlwind, a sacred pause where it’s just you, me, and a whole lot of intention.

This is where I share the little rituals, tips, and techniques that don’t always make it to Instagram—the ones I’ve learned over years of working with incredible women on one of the most important days of their lives. From skin prep that makes your makeup last all night, to unexpected product hacks that bring the glow from within this is the good stuff.

So whether you're one of my brides or just dreaming of that bridal-level glow, consider this your front-row seat. Ready for the secrets? Let’s dive in.

Skin Prep is Everything

Achieving a flawless makeup look goes far beyond the application techniques and products used on the wedding day. It begins weeks in advance with a dedicated skincare routine focused on hydration, balance, and overall skin health. I always emphasize to my brides that makeup is not a mask; it's an enhancement. And it looks its best on skin that's been properly cared for.

This means incorporating gentle exfoliation into your routine to slough away dead skin cells and reveal a smoother, more even texture. It also involves using targeted serums packed with nourishing ingredients to boost your skin's natural radiance and combat any specific concerns you might have. And, of course, consistent moisturizing is key. This helps to plump the skin, creating a hydrated canvas that allows makeup to glide on seamlessly and last longer. Pay particular attention to areas prone to dryness, like around the nose and under the eyes, as these can cause makeup to appear cakey or settle into fine lines.

Here are a few of my favorite products that I believe will leave you looking and feeling radiant on your special day:

Source: LTK

Remember, beautiful makeup starts with beautiful skin. By investing time and effort into your skincare routine in the weeks leading up to your wedding, you'll ensure that your makeup looks its absolute best and that your natural beauty shines through.

The Ice Facial Hack

This chill-worthy secret has become a non-negotiable for some of my brides. On the morning of the wedding—or any major event—we kick things off with a cold therapy ritual to wake up the skin and calm any pre-ceremony nerves. Depending on what the skin needs, I’ll either use an ice roller, chilled facial globes, or go all in with a refreshing ice water bath for the face. Just a quick dunk or a few gentle passes with cold tools instantly depuffs, tightens, and boosts circulation, giving the skin that fresh, rested glow. It’s like a mini spa moment that sets the tone for flawless, long-lasting makeup.

Ice facials and cold therapy for the face can help with a bunch of skin-related concerns, especially before makeup. Here’s a breakdown of what this hack actually helps with:

Reduces Puffiness

Cold temperatures constrict blood vessels, which helps reduce swelling—especially under the eyes or around the jawline.

Tightens and Firms Skin

The cold causes a temporary tightening effect, making the skin feel firmer and look more lifted. Perfect for that snatched, fresh look.

Boosts Circulation

When your skin gets cold, your body increases blood flow to the area—hello, natural flush and glow.

Soothes Redness and Inflammation

Ice calms down irritated or inflamed skin (great if you had a facial or breakout the day before).

So whether it’s an ice roller, chilled spoons, or a full-on icy plunge, this simple step is a total bridal beauty power move. It takes just a few minutes, but the difference it makes in how the skin looks—and feels—is undeniable. Cool, calm, and glow-ready: exactly the energy you want on your big day.

Long-Lasting Glow

That radiant, dewy bridal skin everyone loves? It’s all about balance—glow that lasts without slipping, melting, or turning greasy halfway through the day. For my brides with dry skin in the hot climates, I incorporate liquid illuminators or bronzing drops into a long-wear foundation that has a matte or satin finish. This technique imparts a subtle, lit-from-within luminosity that endures through perspiration, tears, and the joyous celebration.

My commitment to long-lasting makeup is well-known, and this dedication is amplified when it comes to my brides. A wedding day is a whirlwind of emotions, joy, and activity, spanning many hours. Therefore, every product I select for my brides has been rigorously tested to ensure it remains flawless through tears of happiness, warm embraces, and energetic hours on the dance floor.

Think about it: The ceremony, the first kiss, countless hugs, emotional moments, a fun-filled reception, and maybe even some happy tears. With all these moments to cherish, the last thing you want to worry about is if your makeup is still holding up. That's why I make sure to use high-quality, long-wear products that stay put, so you can focus on what truly matters: enjoying every single moment of your day.

I always remind my bridal clients that your makeup should work as hard as you do on this special day. From waterproof mascaras to setting sprays that lock everything in place, we’ll create a look that’ll last from the first glance to the final send-off.

Flash-Proof Finish

When it comes to your wedding day, the photos are everything. But let’s face it—flash photography can sometimes reveal things we don’t expect, like that dreaded white cast or a bit of shine. That's where a flash-proof finish comes in.

A flash-proof makeup look ensures that your skin tone remains true and flawless, even under bright flashes and studio lights. It’s all about choosing the right products that won’t reflect too much light or cause your makeup to appear uneven. The last thing you want is to spend all day perfecting your look, only to have the camera flash change everything.

To achieve that perfect, flash-proof finish, I rely on products specifically designed for photography. These tried-and-true favorites ensure your makeup looks flawless under any lighting, especially camera flashes. Here are a few dependable options that I recommend:

Timeline is a Beauty Tool

Your wedding day should be nothing short of magical—and that includes the time leading up to the ceremony. I’ve learned that one of the most important beauty tools is something that’s often overlooked: time.

A relaxed, well-paced timeline isn’t just about staying on schedule—it’s about creating a space where you can feel calm, enjoy the experience, and truly soak in every moment. That’s why I always build extra time into the schedule for my brides. Not for rushing, but for breathing. For last-minute touch-ups. For sipping champagne. For being present.

We all know how stressful weddings can be, but I believe the beauty of bridal prep is in the details. Having time to breathe, check in with your loved ones, and savor the excitement of getting ready with your bridal party helps set the tone for the rest of the day. And when it comes to makeup, the more relaxed you are, the better your look will turn out. A little extra time means no rushing through the final touches, and it ensures you look and feel your best when it’s time to walk down the aisle.

So let’s take it slow and enjoy the process. Whether it's adding an extra few minutes for a touch-up or pausing to sip some bubbly and share a laugh, the right timeline is a beauty tool in itself—one that ensures you start your big day feeling as radiant and relaxed as possible.

A Calm Bride is a Glowing Bride

When it comes down to it, the most important part of your wedding day beauty is feeling like yourself—confident, radiant, and full of love. And the secret to that? Calmness. A relaxed bride is a glowing bride, and I truly believe that. When you’re not rushed or stressed, your natural beauty shines through effortlessly. The joy in your eyes, the warmth in your smile, the quiet excitement in the room—that’s what I want to bring out with every brushstroke.

I’ve seen it time and time again: The moments where a bride takes a deep breath, pauses to soak it all in, and embraces the process become the most beautiful ones. It’s not about perfection—it’s about the joy, the laughter, and the moments you’ll cherish forever.

So, as you prepare for your big day, remember this: You don’t need to worry about looking flawless, because you already are. Let the timeline flow, let the calm settle in, and let yourself enjoy every moment. Your glow will radiate not just from your makeup but from the love and serenity you bring with you. And that, above all, is the most beautiful thing of all.

For more beauty secrets, behind-the-scenes moments, and bridal tips, be sure to stay updated on Instagram and TikTok. There’s so much more to share, and I can’t wait to take you along for the glam!