Skin Essentials

Get glowing skin for your big day.

We know what you’re thinking about when you start planning for your wedding—the dress, shoes, the venue and food all come to mind. But what about your skin? A clear complexion is essential for the many photos you’ll take at the ceremony and on your honeymoon. So we teamed up with professional makeup artist and skin expert Amanda Harvey of Makeup On Hand for her top tips.

“Having clear skin on your wedding day will help create a more confident you,” says Harvey. “Your skin reflects what you digest. Avoid processed foods and foods high in saturated fats and hydrogenated fats in the months leading up to the wedding, and you’ll be doing yourself a favor.”

Harvey suggests starting with a 30-day, dairy-free cleanse within four months of the big day. “Breakouts related to diet can create an unwanted texture on the skin, which is difficult to conceal, but you can potentially avoid this by eating more raw foods.”

She also advises not to try multiple products to “fix” skin—this will increase chances of avoiding potential product-induced breakouts. Sometimes, though, acne is completely out of your control. Read on for our choice of top products to heal or conceal any mark or blemish that’s bringing you down.

M·A·C Face and Body Foundation This foundation is perfect for a natural, dewy finish, and it’s water and sweat resistant. Says Harvey: “I use this for concealing skin imperfections, and you can apply it anywhere on your body to even your skin tone.” $35, Nordstrom, The Florida Mall	Borghese Fango Brillante Brightening Mud Mask The Vitamin A and Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract in this Italian mud mask will remove dead skin cells and make skin look brighter and smoother. Apply liberally (while avoiding eyes and mouth) and rinse using a warm sponge. $67, borghese.com
2 Minute Miracle Gel This gel utilizes an aloe extract that helps protect and restore skin. It acts as a primer, pore minimizer and toner. “But use it sparingly,” suggests Harvey. “Once a week at most.” $49.95, oceanavenue.com	Kiehl’s Super Multi-Corrective Cream This herbal-scented moisturizer hydrates and firms skin, while softening established lines and creases. Apply after washing your face every night before bed, but remember, a little goes a long way. $62, Bloomingdale’s, The Mall at Millenia
First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser This creamy cleanser is ideal for sensitive skin and quickly calms redness and irritation, plus it’s perfect for daily use. $20, Sephora, The Florida Mall	M·A·C Prep + Prime Skin Refined Zone Treatment “This clear concealer is great for the girl who loves liquid foundation but doesn’t want to feel sticky,” says Harvey.  It fills in pores and smooths out the skin’s surface. Apply minimal product in problem areas with clean fingers. Let it sit for at least 30 seconds before applying foundation. $21, Nordstrom, The Florida Mall