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A Makeup Artists Guide to Breakouts


Every bride dreams of having flawless skin on her wedding day, but let’s face it, sometimes the stress and excitement of wedding planning can lead to untimely breakouts. As a bridal makeup artist, I understand how nerve-wracking it can be to see a spot or two appear in the days leading up to your big day. But don’t worry, with the right steps, we can handle breakouts effectively and have you forgetting about that spot in no time.


Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do if a breakout appears before your wedding:


1. Don’t Panic and Don’t Pick

When a spot shows up, the first instinct is often to pick or squeeze it. DON'T YOU DARE. Picking can lead to more irritation, redness, and even scarring, which makes it harder to cover with makeup.


Think about it - we can cover redness, but we can't cover the raised area you have just squeezed with every inch of its life.


Instead, remind yourself that a breakout can be calmed down and even concealed perfectly with the right skincare and makeup approach. Keeping calm is key, as stress can actually worsen breakouts.



2. Cleanse Gently and Avoid Over-Drying Products

A breakout can make you want to scrub your skin or reach for strong spot treatments. But too many harsh products can strip your skin’s natural oils, which may lead to more irritation. Stick with a gentle cleanser, preferably one that’s sulfate-free, to keep your skin clean without over-drying. Please don't use anything new as you are not to know if you are sensitive to them or not.


If you’re already using acne treatments in your skincare routine, keep them to the usual dosage as overdoing it will only aggravate the area.



3. Patch it up at night!

Info: The patch often has an outer layer that protects the skin from bacteria or infection. The inner layer can absorb any fluid that leaks from a pimple, such as pus or discharge. The moisture from the hydrocolloid gel promotes healing and protects your skin from infection at the same time. Best for whiteheads.


  • Hydro-Star Clear Hydrocolloid Pimple Patches - HERE

  • XL Big Star Hydrocolloid Pimple Patches - HERE


Another good option to heal a spot quicker is:

  • Drying Lotion - HERE



4. Hydrate and Moisturise to Avoid Dryness

If you have oilier skin, you still need to apply moisturiser. Choose a light, oil-free moisturiser, or one with hyaluronic acid, to keep your skin hydrated without clogging pores.

If you’ve applied a spot treatment, you may notice the area becoming a bit dry. Moisturiser will help to minimise flakiness, which is crucial for a smooth makeup application.



5. Ice the Area to Reduce Swelling

This is one for the cystic acne girlies (I used to suffer BAD). If a spot is inflamed or painful, ice can help. Wrap an ice cube in a clean cloth or use a cool compress, and hold it gently against the breakout for a few minutes. This will reduce redness and swelling, making the spot easier to cover with makeup. Avoid applying ice directly to the skin for too long to prevent irritation. The same can be done with a warm compress but this can sometimes bring the spot to head - please don't squeeze it!



7. Trust Your Makeup Artist to Conceal Flawlessly

If you have a breakout on the day of your wedding, let me reassure you that covering blemishes and redness is part of my set of skills! I’ll use color-correcting techniques, high-coverage concealers, and setting sprays to make any spots virtually disappear in photos and to the eye.


My go-to concealer for maximum full coverage is this one.



8. Get Plenty of Rest, Stay Hydrated, and Eat Skin-Friendly Foods

The week leading up to your wedding is busy, but staying rested and hydrated makes a big difference for your skin. Water helps flush out toxins and keeps your skin plump and clear.



The Final Takeaway:

Breakouts can be frustrating, especially when they show up right before one of the most important days of your life. But with gentle skincare, spot treatments, and a bit of patience, we can minimise the effects of any breakout and keep your skin looking beautiful. And remember, as your makeup artist, I’m here to make sure you look and feel stunning, no matter what! So relax, follow these steps, and trust that you’ll be glowing from the inside out when you say “I do.”

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