Your Bridal or Event Prep Timeline: When to Get Your Facial, Tan, Wax and More!

Let’s talk about event preparations! Whether it’s a wedding, a formal banquet, a photoshoot, prom, or something else, people usually have at least one big event a year. And we usually get the following questions: How long should I wait between getting a facial and a spray tan? Should I wax before or after my brow lamination? When should I get a pedicure? 

We’ve heard your inquiries and we are going to lay out the perfect timeline for your success!

Three to six months prior:This is the point that you should start getting facials every four weeks leading up to your event. The earlier you can get started the better, as this gives time for your skin to become acclimated to treatment and for you to figure out the best home care routine for your skin. 

Four weeks prior: if you’ve never had lash extensions, schedule a trial 4 weeks prior to your event. If you have received extensions, this can be scheduled 3-4 days before the event. 

One to two weeks prior: Last facial before the event to prep your skin for the big day! Start getting excited! (hold off on retinol)

Three to four days prior: This is when you will start getting your lash extensions and fill ins, brow laminations, lash lifts, waxing (allow 48 hours minimum before spray tan!) and nails (allow at least 24 hours before spray tan!).

Two days prior: This is when you should be getting your spray tan to secure that glow! We recommend two to three days out from your event for optimal results. 

In putting together this timeline, we decided to reach out to a local Memphis professional makeup artist specializing in brides, Charlotte Vaughn of madeupandcuttinup. Here is what she had to say:

“My number one advice for any bride is to focus on the prep before you even come sit in the makeup chair. I can always tell when someone has taken the time to build multiple facials over the past few months; my favorite add ons are the hydrafacials and dermaplane for that glass skin glow. Dermaplane ensures that the skin is optimal for receiving hydration and it gives a cleaner appearance for all makeup application. Hydrafacials lock in a under the skin glow that can’t be replicated with just one skincare morning. It plumps up the skin, smoothing over fine lines and creates a longer lasting base for all makeup applications.

My last parting tips have to do with timing; any [facial] waxing should be done a week before- not week of. Waxing can leave the skin repellent to makeup applications if done too closely. Also, skip the vitamin c serum and retinol four days before as it causes exfoliation with the foundation base and pilling of product. All great options for healthy skin otherwise but prep is best done the months leading up to the big day, not just the week of.” - Charlotte Vaughn, of madeupandcuttinup

After the better half of a decade, we have been so honored to serve our Mid-South clients. We have the unique privilege of seeing women through all the different stages of life. Some of our clients we have seen from the preparation of their “surprise” (wink) proposal all the way to their maternity shoot. It is one of the greatest joys of our tenure here in Memphis. Over the years of providing excellent service – whether it’s for prom, a gala, a vacation, or a wedding –  we have found that this timeline has proved to be the most effective method in getting you ready for your special occasion.

Not sure where to start? Our sweet staff would be happy to answer any questions you might have. Know exactly what you need for your big day? Be sure to check our Bridal Collections curated with you in mind!