When it comes to bridal beauty, much of the attention is typically placed on the dress, the hairstyle, or the perfect shade of lipstick. But according to makeup artist and founder of B for Beaute, Bee Gandy, nothing sets the tone for a flawless look like strategic wedding skin prep.
“I obsess over this,” Gandy says, without hesitation. “Skin prep is almost just as—if not more—important than the actual makeup application. Because if you haven’t prepped the skin properly, then anything you do after that really isn’t going to matter. It’s not going to be there.”
Why Skin Prep Is Foundational
Wedding days are high-stress and high-activity events. Brides hug, kiss, dance, cry, and sweat—sometimes all in the span of an hour. That’s why Gandy, who is a go-to bridal makeup artist, focuses heavily on skin preparation that truly lasts from morning prep to the last dance.
“The expectation is that the makeup lasts all day,” she explains. “So when you’re at your sendoff and everybody’s swinging their sparklers and waving goodbye, you should still look amazing.”
And this is not just about aesthetics—Gandy says good prep prevents discomfort. “You don’t want to be patting your face all day. Good skin prep ensures the makeup feels lightweight and breathable. No one wants to feel like they’re melting under foundation.”
To make that happen, Gandy customizes her approach based on each bride’s unique skin needs and the wedding environment. “Having that preview is super important,” she says. “It gives me a chance to really analyze the bride’s skin prior to the day of. And I give out homework—my brides know this.”
The Homework That Pays Off
That’s right. Gandy doesn’t just show up and swipe on foundation. She assigns specific skincare tasks to ensure the bride’s face is ready for its close-up. “I’ll tell them if they haven’t been drinking enough water, if we need to implement an eye cream, or start exfoliating twice a week. Whatever it is, that’s going to make everything more flawless.”
It’s not just a quick facial scrub and moisturizer. For Gandy, bridal skin prep is a process. “We’re talking about skin strategy weeks or even months out. If you wait until the day of, it’s too late.”
This isn’t a one-size-fits-all routine either. Every detail—from sleep patterns to upcoming parties—affects skin readiness. “If you have a bachelorette party or you go out the night before drinking, that can severely dehydrate your skin,” Gandy warns. “I need to know those things so I can adjust the prep. It changes everything.”
Product Knowledge Meets Professional Expertise
For Gandy, high-end products are a must, but their application is where the real magic happens. “It’s not just about what you use, but how you use it,” she notes. “Knowing how certain products perform under stress, sweat, and emotion is key.”
She builds every bride’s look on a base of tested, high-quality products—hydrating primers, mattifying treatments, serums suited to skin type, and the right balance of moisturizers. “It’s about understanding the chemistry of the skin on that particular day. If it’s humid and you’re getting married outdoors in Georgia, that’s a whole different prep than a winter indoor ceremony.”
This is why Gandy tailors her application approach based on the venue, season, and even dress material. “You’re likely wearing a heavy dress, maybe chiffon or silk, sweating under lights, hugging 100 people—it all plays into how your skin behaves.”
Beauty Beyond the Surface
But Gandy insists skin prep isn’t only about the end look—it affects the entire wedding day experience. “You don’t want to be rushing, blotting your forehead, or worrying about creasing during your ceremony. Good skin prep makes you feel secure.”
That sense of comfort and confidence is why she factors in extra time. “A bride’s appointment is always longer than a bridesmaid’s. There are so many pictures, so much cheek-rubbing, hugging, and kissing. I need to make sure it’s bulletproof at this point.”
A Pro’s Final Take
When asked what she’d say to a bride tempted to skip the extra steps, Gandy doesn’t hesitate: “This is your one day. You’re investing in a photographer, in a dress, in everything. Skin prep is what holds it all together.”
And perhaps the most comforting part of all—she keeps tabs on how everything holds up. “I’m definitely that person all on your Facebook, stealing your reception photos,” she laughs. “I want to see how it lasted. Because if it didn’t, I need to make changes.”
So, if you’re planning your big day and aiming for that long-lasting, radiant look, start thinking about your skin well before the wedding. As B. Gandy puts it: “Makeup is magic—but only if the canvas is ready.”
