May 13, 2025

Bridal Beauty Treatments You Can Skip

In the months leading up to your wedding, it’s easy to get caught up in the hype of countless beauty treatments, trending facials, and influencer-backed skincare rituals. But not everything labeled “bridal” is essential. As the best bridal makeup artist, I’ve seen brides waste time, money, and even damage their skin chasing unnecessary treatments.

The truth is, some beauty treatments promise miracles but deliver more stress than results. So let’s cut through the clutter. Here’s a real-talk guide on bridal beauty treatments you can confidently skip.

Why Less Can Be More

Your Skin Needs Stability

The months before your wedding are about calming, nourishing, and balancing your skin—not constantly shocking it with new routines.

Results Often Take Time

Many treatments require multiple sessions or maintenance to show real results. Doing them too close to the wedding often leads to irritation or disappointment.

The Best Bridal Makeup Artist Works With What You Have

You don’t need to fix every tiny concern. Skilled makeup artists know how to enhance your best features without relying on overdone treatments.

1. Harsh Chemical Peels (Too Close to the Wedding)

Why You Might Be Tempted:

They promise smoother skin, reduced scars, and a clearer complexion.

Why You Can Skip:

Redness and peeling can last up to a week.
Skin may purge before it gets better.
Sun sensitivity increases, which is risky during pre-wedding events.

Better Alternative: Gentle exfoliation with AHAs or enzyme-based products 2–3 months before, not in the final weeks.

2. Microdermabrasion

Why You Might Be Tempted:

It promises instant glow by sloughing off dead skin.

Why You Can Skip:

Can cause micro-tears in sensitive skin.
Might leave skin red or flaky right before your big day.

Better Alternative: Stick to mild at-home exfoliants or a nourishing facial 1–2 weeks before.

3. Dermaplaning (If You’ve Never Tried It Before)

Why You Might Be Tempted:

Smooths out peach fuzz and exfoliates for a flawless base.

Why You Can Skip:

First-time users may experience breakouts or irritation.
Not ideal if your skin is reactive or acne-prone.

Better Alternative: Waxing or threading (if you’ve tolerated it before), or skip hair removal altogether. The best bridal makeup artist can work with facial hair without issue.

4. Lash Extensions

Why You Might Be Tempted:

Wake up with perfect lashes! No mascara needed.

Why You Can Skip:

Can cause allergic reactions or itchy eyes.
Lashes may fall out unevenly, leaving gaps.
Maintenance is high and often stressful before the wedding.

Better Alternative: High-quality strip lashes applied on the wedding day by your makeup artist.

5. Brow Lamination or Tinting

Why You Might Be Tempted:

Gives a fuller, groomed look to brows.

Why You Can Skip:

Results vary and may look unnatural on some faces.
Sensitive skin can react to the chemicals.

Better Alternative: Trust the best bridal makeup artist to fill and shape your brows with makeup on the day itself.

6. New Hair Color Treatments Right Before the Wedding

Why You Might Be Tempted:

To get a “fresh look” or cover up grays.

Why You Can Skip:

If it’s a drastic change, you might not like the results.
Color corrections take time and can damage hair.
Bleaching can dry out your hair, making it frizzy or brittle.

Better Alternative: Get any hair coloring done at least 1 month in advance. Stick to your natural tone or subtle highlights.

7. Expensive LED or High-Tech Facials Without a Plan

Why You Might Be Tempted:

These treatments are trending and seem effective.

Why You Can Skip:

Results take time or require multiple sessions.
Tech-based facials can be costly without guaranteeing visible benefits.

Better Alternative: Simple hydrating or oxygen facials that boost glow and calm the skin.

8. Spray Tans

Why You Might Be Tempted:

To get a sun-kissed glow without UV exposure.

Why You Can Skip:

Uneven fading, orange tones, or patchiness is common.
May rub off on your dress or smell unpleasant.

Better Alternative: Use a bronzing body lotion for events other than your wedding day. The best bridal makeup artist can add warmth and glow with body makeup if needed.

9. Teeth Whitening Treatments (Last Minute)

Why You Might Be Tempted:

To get a pearly white smile in photos.

Why You Can Skip:

Teeth may become sensitive.
Gum irritation can cause discomfort.

Better Alternative: If you want to whiten, do it at least 4–6 weeks before the wedding. Or use whitening toothpaste consistently for a month.

10. Trend-Based Treatments (Just Because They’re Popular)

Examples:

Vampire facials
Lip fillers
Jawline contouring

Why You Can Skip:

High risk, high cost, and unpredictable outcomes
Not all trending treatments suit every face type or skin

Better Alternative: Focus on what makes you feel good, not what Instagram says is “in.” The best bridal makeup artist will enhance your natural features—not alter them.