Maria Katrina Paras

Article (news)

Bridal Beauty Prep

<p>Every woman dreams of radiating confidence and beauty as they walk down the aisle, and for good reason. With all eyes on the bride for the big day, looking one&rsquo;s absolute best from every angle is a top priority. Plus, you&#39;ll want to cherish those stunning wedding photos that capture this once-in-a-lifetime milestone.</p><div><br></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/metro-style/beauty/2025/6/16/real-filipino-brides-and-their-wedding-day-scents-1656" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">READ: Real Brides Share Their Big Day Fragrances + Tips From an Expert</a></div><div><br></div><p>With so much that goes into wedding planning, from the dress to the ceremony to the reception, one can easily get overwhelmed. To help you get started on your bridal beauty routine, we talked to top dermatologists <strong>Dr. Vicki Belo</strong> and<strong>&nbsp;Dr. Windie Villarica</strong> on their most recommended treatments and procedures. <strong>Denise Go-Ochoa</strong>, a sought-after bridal and celebrity makeup artist, also let us in on some of her secrets to give her clients that natural yet luminous look.&nbsp;</p><p>Of course, it will help if you can really think about your beauty goals and consult a dermatologist who can customize a routine for your skin and timeline. It&rsquo;s also crucial to manage expectations and remember to love the skin you&#39;re in, because that is what makes us human and, of course, lovable.&nbsp;</p><div>&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Dr. Vicki Belo of the Belo Medical Group</strong><strong><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17519589188743.jpg" style="width: 700px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"></strong></div><div><br></div><div><strong>One Year Before the Wedding</strong></div><p>As one of the most respected dermatologists in the country, a lot of brides seek the advice of Dr. Victoria Belo to get them ready for their weddings. According to her, a year before is a great time to do <strong>Ulthera Prime</strong>, a non-invasive ultrasound treatment that helps lift and firm up the skin. &ldquo;It takes time for collagen and elastin to build, so that you have the &lsquo;mochi&rsquo; skin,&rdquo; she shares.&nbsp;</p><div>&nbsp;</div><div><strong>Six Months Prior to the Wedding</strong></div><p>Half a year prior, Dr. Belo also suggested starting on what she calls the <strong>Belo Beauty Cocktail&nbsp;</strong>&ndash; a combination of treatments designed to boost the skin&rsquo;s quality at the cellular level. This can be done, she says, once every two months until the big day.&nbsp;</p><p>If acne is an issue, the dermatologist says that four months before the wedding is a good time to start treatments to &ldquo;dry up the oil glands and make the pores smaller.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p><p>She reminds brides that with all the candid photos, they won&rsquo;t be able to keep posing, so it&rsquo;s key to look good from all angles. If the jawline or a double chin is something you&rsquo;d want to address, now is a good time to talk to your dermatologist about it. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p><div><br></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1751959744435Belo.jpg" style="width: 700px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"></div><div><strong><br></strong></div><div><strong>One Month Before the Wedding</strong>&nbsp;</div><p>With the wedding day so close, Dr. Belo doesn&rsquo;t recommend doing anything too drastic and instead prefers facials to really cleanse the skin. For normal skin, she says a nice facial a month before, and another two weeks or a week prior would help give brides very glowing skin on their wedding day.&nbsp;</p><p>One of her favorites is the Geneo X, which is a multi-purpose facial that removes dead skin cells, tightens, and sculpts the skin. She also loves their Hydrafacial for dry skin, and the Renova Powerfacial, which gives you a mini lift.&nbsp;</p><div>&nbsp;</div><div><strong>One Day Before the Wedding</strong></div><p>The day before is the time to relax with a nice facial mask to just refresh the complexion. Nonetheless, she reminds us to give our bodies a little bit of TLC too with a nice treatment like Hydra Body, so you can be soft and smooth for the honeymoon. &nbsp;</p><div>&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Dr. Windie Villarica of The Skin Inc. Dermatology and Laser Center &nbsp;</strong><strong><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17519589667942.jpg" style="width: 700px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"></strong><br></div><div><strong>One Year Before the Wedding</strong></div><p>For noted dermatologist Dr. Windie Villarica, a year before is a good time to start getting ready for the big day, especially if brides are considering anything on the more &ldquo;invasive&rdquo; side. She shares that those with severe acne may also be prescribed Isotretinoin, an oral retinoid which can significantly improve the condition but needs monitoring by a dermatologist. This drug likewise has teratogenic effects, so women of childbearing age will need to start treatments early and have a &ldquo;wash out period&rdquo; before trying to conceive.&nbsp;</p><p>&ldquo;For patients that are on the conservative side and don&rsquo;t want to do aggressive treatments for problematic issues, starting a year ahead doing monthly treatments may be less traumatic, and a more welcome routine,&rdquo; she shares, noting that it may even end up more economical.&nbsp;</p><p>She also recommends starting a skincare regimen, as well as an exercise and diet plan around this time. &ldquo;Implementing a basic skincare routine of cleansing, hydrating toners, an active ingredient serum or cream with glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or a retinoid, a moisturizer, and of course sunblock, can really go a long way,&rdquo; she continues.&nbsp;</p><div>&nbsp;</div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1751959886753Dr. Windie.jpg" style="width: 700px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"></div><div><br></div><div><strong>Six Months Prior to the Wedding</strong>&nbsp;</div><p>For those with less problematic skin, half a year ahead should be ample time. She says that brides can consider doing polynucleotide treatments like Rejuran to focus on skin quality. This can be combined with mild lasers like Thulium Laser with Exosomes to address wrinkles, pigmentation, and get that glow. &ldquo;Usually, 3 monthly sessions are a good starting protocol, then repeat one session a month before the wedding,&rdquo; explains The Skin Inc.&rsquo;s Medical Director.&nbsp;</p><p>&ldquo;High intensity focused ultrasound, like the Ultraformer MPT or Ulthera together with RF treatments like Oligio or Thermage are fantastic options for facial lifting and reshaping,&rdquo; she shares. &ldquo;Microneedling radio frequency treatments for lifting, tightening and scars can be started around this mark as well. Your doctor can fit the timing and aggressiveness of this procedure.&rdquo;</p><p>&nbsp;She elaborates that doing monthly chemical peels with your dermatologist, and laser treatments like the Spectra Carbon Peel can be quite beneficial for both men and women. &ldquo;They are not overly aggressive and done religiously, they can prevent breakouts and mildly exfoliate the face while controlling pigmentation,&rdquo; she states.</p><div>&nbsp;</div><div><strong>Two Months Before the Wedding</strong>&nbsp;</div><p>Brides-to-be who have been diligent with their skincare for the past six months can generally take it easy around this time. Nonetheless, those who are still planning on squeezing in a last session energy-based treatments or injectable can consider doing it around now. Dr. Villarica cautions women though against anything that can cause bruising too close to the special day. &ldquo;I would say 6 weeks before the wedding is the absolute last time to get any injections,&rdquo; she reiterates.&nbsp;</p><div>&nbsp;</div><div><strong>One Month Before the Wedding</strong>&nbsp;</div><p>With the wedding so close, now is the time for women to start relaxing. &ldquo;But should you be &ldquo;extra&rdquo;, lasers like the Spectra 595 nm or similar can be done 2 weeks before that event. Combined with a hydrating facial (with no pricking), this should give you a nice skin tone and camera-ready complexion,&rdquo; she reveals.</p><div>&nbsp;</div><div><strong>One Day Before the Wedding</strong></div><p>&ldquo;In the last week, eat well, get some sleep and don&rsquo;t forget your skincare. It might be hard, but avoid alcohol the night before the wedding. The bloating is real,&rdquo; she shares. A great face mask the night before she says is also a relaxing treat. &ldquo;Enjoy the day and remember that taking care of yourself does not end on your wedding day. Make it a part of routine.&rdquo; &nbsp;</p><div>&nbsp;</div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/metro-style/weddings/2025/7/4/bridesmaid-proposals-what-to-give-your-bridesmaids-bridesmaidposal-1512" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">READ: Bridesmaid-Posal: What to Give Your Future Bridesmaids</a></div><div>&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Denise Go-Ochoa, Celebrity &amp; Bridal Makeup Artist</strong><strong><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17519589943171.jpg" style="width: 700px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"></strong><br></div><p>Denise Go-Ochoa has long been a bridal favorite, and definitely knows a thing or two about creating a timeless and refined look for her muses. &ldquo;After 26 years in the industry, I still see brides from decades ago looking effortlessly beautiful in their wedding photos,&rdquo; she shares.</p><p>She does this by opting for soft sculpting techniques to enhance facial structure without looking harsh. She loves layering creams, especially lighter ones that bode better in our humid climate, as well as powders to create depth and dimension. She blends everything seamlessly and takes ample time to let each layer set properly to avoid over-applying and creating a cakey look.&nbsp;</p><div><br></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17519603799735.jpg" style="width: 700px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"></div><div><br></div><p>She believes in enhancing a bride&rsquo;s best features, and she encourages them to know what makes them feel most beautiful and comfortable in their own skin. &ldquo;The most stunning look is one that reflects the bride&rsquo;s essence and allows her to feel fully herself, just more polished and glowing,&rdquo; she reiterates. Her skill and sophisticated aesthetic have definitely cemented her reputation, so much so that on top of doing the makeup of local celebs and brides, she was even part of the glam team of Princess Anisha, who married Brunei&rsquo;s Prince Abdul Mateen in 2024.&nbsp;</p><div><br></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17519603272914.jpg" style="width: 700px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"></div><div>&nbsp;</div><div><strong>Three Months Before the Wedding</strong></div><p>Denise recommends doing the trial makeup 2 to 3 months before the wedding. &ldquo;Ideally, when the dress has been finalized so the look feels cohesive,&rdquo; she explains. She also asks clients to share photos of themselves wherein they genuinely loved the way they looked, to create a foundation for the finished aesthetic they want to achieve.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;She says that the clean, classic look is still the most requested, although some brides are drawn to Korean and Thai makeup styles of late. &ldquo;Glowing skin, lifted features, and a youthful, almost ethereal touch, I personally love that aesthetic and enjoy incorporating elements of it,&rdquo; she declares. But to keep things from being too trendy, she opts to just add a few touches. &ldquo;I prefer to just weave in subtle details&mdash; like a soft gradient lip, or a fresh glassy complexion, or dreamy eyes &ndash; while still honoring the bride&rsquo;s own features and personality,&rdquo; shares Denise.&nbsp;</p><div><br></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1751960641910Denise Products.jpg" style="width: 700px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"></div><div>&nbsp;</div><div><strong>The Wedding Day</strong></div><p>To lay a good foundation for the finished look, Denise spends a lot of time doing skin prep. &ldquo;A well-hydrated skin is the best canvas,&rdquo; she shares. For that healthy radiance, she rotates Guerlain&rsquo;s Abeille Royale, La Mer&rsquo;s soft cream, MAC&rsquo;s Hyper Real Serumizer, and Bobbi Brown&rsquo;s Face Base for her brides.&nbsp;</p><p>&ldquo;For makeup, I usually reach for Dior Backstage Foundations, Guerlain Le Teint Glow Foundation for a skin-like finish, and Tom Ford&rsquo;s Shade &amp; Illuminate Contour for soft dimension,&rdquo; she reveals. She also loves Nars&rsquo; Radiant Longwear Foundation, Cle de Peau&rsquo;s Radiant Fluid, Shiseido&rsquo;s Synchro Skin, and Laura Mercier&rsquo;s Real Flawless Foundation.&nbsp;</p><p>Then, to get that lit-from-within look, she reaches for Chanel&rsquo;s Highlighting Fluids. &ldquo;And I love the Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray from Charlotte Tilbury &ndash; it sets everything beautifully,&rdquo; she says.</p>

<p>Find out how these experts advise their clients to look their glowing best for the Big Day!</p>

Find out how these experts advise their clients to look their glowing best for the Big Day!

The Ultimate Guide to Your Pre-Wedding Glow Up

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The Ultimate Guide to Your Pre-Wedding Glow Up

Mariane Perez

Published July 08, 2025 04:00 PM PHT

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Updated July 08, 2025 04:08 PM PHT

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2025

Weddings

Beauty

Bridal Beauty

Bridal Beauty Prep

Pre-Wedding Beauty Prep

Dr. Vicki Belo

Denise Go-Ochoa

Dr. Windie Villarica

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