’ve helped countless brides get gorgeous for their wedding day, and although each wedding is unique, every bride wants to feel the same way—beautiful. All that beauty takes work and planning. From facials to skincare to makeup, looking fabulous on your big day can be fun as long as you’re prepared.

Consider Your Skin Condition

Before thinking about makeup, consider the condition of your skin to decide what skincare approach you should take. Makeup looks better over flawless skin.

	A test run is essential.

1. Perfect Your Skin

Start meeting with an esthetician a year before your wedding if you are battling stubborn acne or want to work on anti-aging. Certain skin conditions take time to improve—and do so slowly—and may require a series of treatments.

2. Start Seeing a Facialist

Begin seeing an esthetician three to six months prior to the wedding if you are satisfied with the condition of your skin, but want that bridal glow.

3. Get Regular Facials

Schedule routine facials if you don’t currently receive facials. Start the routine six months in advance since your skin may take time to adjust to new procedures and products.

4. Add Intense Skin Treatments

Consider doing some more intense treatments for approximately three months before you say “I do,” even if you’ve been consistently maintaining your skin.

Exfoliate and Moisturize

Here are some suggestions for facials and at-home skincare routines to improve how your skin will look in full makeup. Exfoliation removes the dead skin on the surface and exposes new skin cells. There are many types of exfoliants and your esthetician can help you determine which is best for your skin. Moisturize with a product that is appropriate for your skin type: dry, oily, combination, or sensitive. Keeping your skin exfoliated and hydrated will assure you that your makeup looks glowing and gorgeous.

Find a Makeup Artist

Research and audition a makeup artist at least six months before your wedding date. If you are hoping to work with an artist who you know is in high demand, or if your wedding is on a holiday or other popular date, get in touch even earlier.

Plan a Trial Session with a Makeup Artist

A test run is essential. Although it is usually an added cost, knowing that you’ll love your look will set your mind at ease on your big day. Wear a color similar to your wedding attire to get an idea of how the makeup will look on the day. Just as you would for a hair consultation, bring pictures of looks you like, and even what you don’t like, to give the artist a clearer idea of what you are trying to achieve. Even though the makeup artist is the expert, it is important for her to know how you like to wear your makeup. I also recommend bringing your favorite lip color or eye shadow to the trial. This will give your makeup artist an idea of colors that make you feel confident.

Remember the trial is only a test run—while your makeup may not be as perfect as it will be on your wedding day, make sure you like what you see. Makeup is truly hard to capture with an amateur camera, but take a few shots anyway to make sure you feel comfortable with how you look. Take note of how well the makeup stays on after your trial, you’ll be wearing it for many hours on your wedding day and you want to make sure it will last.

Practice Makes Perfect

While preparing to look your best does take time and effort, advanced planning can yield an incredibly rewarding result. Take it one step at a time and remember to enjoy the experience.