Planning a wedding is thrilling, but if you’re a bride with oily skin, figuring out your skincare and makeup strategy can feel overwhelming. You want that perfect bridal glow without the extra shine, right? Let’s break down some simple, effective tips to help you look fabulous on your big day, with expert insights from bridal makeup artists Joan Quizon and Iya Gueco.

First things first: establish a skincare routine that targets oil control without over-drying your skin. “Very tricky kasi ang makeup preps,” explains Joan. She emphasizes the importance of preparing your skin: “Very essential that the bride prepares her skin for the big day.”

Cleanse gently but effectively, using a gentle foaming cleanser that removes excess oil without stripping your skin.
After cleansing, Joan recommends using a toner to remove any residual oils and tighten pores.

Opt for a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer. “Kapag oily skin dapat yung light moisturizer lang, not too heavy, not too emollient” advises Joan. This would help keep skin hydrated without clogging pores or adding extra oil.

On the other hand, Iya advises, “It’s still advised to use moisturizer even if you have oily skin. I guess you should just use a water-based moisturizer, because it’s lighter, and siguro take it easy on the products. Kasi when you apply too many products, it can irritate your skin. It’s mostly about figuring out which products work best for you.”

Iya also recommends a cautious approach to introducing new skincare products, especially close to your wedding day: “For example, if you want to try something new, isolate mo lang muna for one month to see if it works for you. Try another product for another month. Hiwa-hiwalay mo siyang i-try.” This method allows you to test how your skin reacts to one product at a time, minimizing the risk of irritation or breakouts before your big day.

Finally, Joan adds a special touch for the wedding day prep: “On the day of their wedding, what I do for oily skin is a mask sheet. I ask her to put it on after having a shower and while eating breakfast so that when I arrive, we can just remove it and start with makeup preparation.” This can help pump up the hydration and give your skin that fresh, glowing look, making it a perfect canvas for your makeup.

Exfoliating 2-3 times a week with a gentle scrub or a chemical exfoliant (like products containing BHA or AHA) can help prevent the buildup of oil and dead skin cells that cause breakouts. Just don’t overdo it—too much exfoliation can irritate your skin.

On your wedding day, a primer will be your best friend. “As much as possible, we do double priming,” Joan notes, especially focusing on the T-zone which can often be the oiliest part. “This would depend on how oily they can get during the day. At the end of every makeup session, I make sure to use setting spray or what they call fixing spray to keep oil at bay lang.”

When selecting foundation, go for oil-free formulas that offer long-lasting coverage. Iya Gueco, another experienced makeup artist, advises, “For brides with oilier skin, I tend to put less makeup on spots where she tends to get more oily.” Mineral foundations are great for oily skin as they naturally absorb oil and minimize shine. And don’t forget to set your foundation with a translucent powder to lock everything in place and control that midday shine.

Keep blotting papers handy throughout your wedding day. They’re a quick fix for dabbing away oil without messing up your makeup. Gently press the paper against your skin and lift off—voilà, instant matte! “Blotting paper is going to be your friend if you have oily skin,” Iya recommends, highlighting its importance for touch-ups. “Just always bring blotting paper with you.”

To avoid smudging and creasing caused by excess oil, use waterproof eye makeup, including mascara and eyeliner. These products are designed to stay put, ensuring you look as fresh during the last dance as you did at the ceremony.

A trial run with your makeup artist is essential, especially for brides with oily skin. It allows you to see how certain products react with your skin type over several hours. This test run can make all the difference in ensuring your look remains flawless all day.

If you need a touch-up, use a light dusting of powder or a quick swipe of a blotting paper. Avoid layering too much product, which can make your skin look cakey. “Take it easy on the powder, kasi it will cake on talaga if you keep reapplying throughout the day,” Iya recommends.

By integrating these steps into your pre-wedding beauty plan, you’ll not only manage that pesky shine but also embrace your natural glow on your big day. Remember, the goal is to feel comfortable and confident in your skin. Here’s to a beautiful, oil-free wedding day!