Emma Whitney Beauty Shares Timeline for Perfect Wedding Skin

by | Jan 2025

Emma Reibel Doing Bride's Makeup

Photo: Stephanie Holsman Photography

An esthetician offers a handy timeline for event-ready skin.

As wedding photos have become increasingly high-res and high-end over the decades, brides and grooms want to look their best. Makeup is an important part of the equation, says esthetician, entrepreneur and makeup artist Emma Reibel, but skin care—making a smooth and healthy foundation for a glam look—is crucial, too. “I love being able to help people feel beautiful on their wedding day,” Reibel says.

With a world of options, which skin treatments should you do, and when? Reibel, whose studio, Emma Whitney Beauty, is based in White Bear Lake, shares a handy timeline.

Emma Reibel

Emma Reibel. Photo: Nicole Spangler Photo

At least one year before:
  • Consult with your skin care provider to make a treatment plan that’s customized for your skin.
  • Try microneedling, if recommended by a licensed esthetician. This medspa treatment targets deep acne scarring, heavy pigmentation and some fine lines.
  • Sunscreen. If daily SPF isn’t already a part of your routine, start as soon as you can to protect your face from damage.
Eight to 12 months before:
  • Start chemical peels. These medspa treatments address all kinds of concerns, from uneven texture to acne to discoloration. Continue with regular treatments; spaced out to give your skin time to recover.
Six months before:
  • Start dermaplaning. An esthetician uses a tiny razor to remove facial peach fuzz and dead skin. Continue regular treatments for a smooth canvas the week of the wedding.
  • Try out other spa/salon treatments you’re interested in, like facials, to note any adverse reactions.
  • Start an at-home lash serum for healthy, full lashes.
  • Commit to your home skin care routine. “Cleanse morning and night, and use an exfoliant once or twice a week,” Reibel says. “Pair that with a serum like vitamin C or an anti-aging option. Finish off with a moisturizer, and wear SPF every single morning.”
Two to three months before:
  • Start waxing brows and face to ensure hair starts to re-grow on the same cycle. “Stop using any retinol products five to seven days before your appointment,” Reibel says. “And let your brows grow in fully before your first wax if you want to try a new shape.” Continue regular waxing.
  • Try lash extensions. These are semi-permanent and can last up to a month with refilling; you’ll want a fresh refill the week of your wedding.
  • Do a full-face preview with your makeup artist. “Any sooner and preferences and trends might change,” Reibel says.
The week of:
  • Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated.
  • Get a final brow wax/shape.
  • Schedule fresh lash extensions or a lash lift and tint (a great option for brides who don’t want false lashes).
  • Receive fresh dermaplaning two to three days before the wedding.
The morning of:
  • Cleanse. Arrive at the makeup chair with a clean, dry face (and your water to sip, of course!) “Skip your SPF that day,” Reibel says. “If there’s flash photography, the SPF can cause a white cast to show up on your face in photos.”

Emma Whitney Beauty
1350 Highway 96 E. Suite 31, is by appointment; 612.470.3640
Instagram: @emmawhitneybeauty

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