Countdown to Glow – 3 Galway Pros Share The Ultimate Wedding Beauty Timeline

From hair colouring to tanning, skin prep and the best time to dye your brows, we asked some of Galway’s top hair, skin, and makeup professionals to share their tips for creating a beauty plan that ensures you’ll feel radiant and confident on the day.
Six to twelve months before
Skin This is the ideal time to talk to a skincare pro about your goals and to make a plan to treat any issues.
“Some brides might not have any skin concerns, and they’ve got good barrier function, so it’s just a matter of bringing that glow to their skin,” explains skincare expert Valerie Osborne, founder of Moycullen clinic Elysium. “For them, it’s just a matter of getting their skin nice and healthy so they’re not relying on heavy makeup on the day – their skin can shine through and they’re not trying to mask anything.”
For skincare concerns like pigmentation, Valerie creates a dedicated skincare regime combining at-home treatments with in-clinic facials like Sciton BBL (Broadband Light) and Moxi, a non-ablative laser that resurfaces and renews the skin, helping to clear sun damage and reduce fine lines. Leaving plenty of time for this is crucial. “A full skin cycle is four to six weeks and it could take six skin cycles to address those issues,” explains Valerie.
Hair If you are planning on any major hair colour changes, for example, going from brunette to blonde or adding highlights or lowlights, it’s best to begin this process at least six to twelve months in advance. “This gives you time to get used to your new colour,” says leading Galway hair stylist Rosaleen Gallery. “You’ll also have ample time to adjust or grow out any changes if needed.”
Two months before
Skin Now is the time to start finalising your makeup look. “One of the most important pieces of advice I give to brides is to stay true to themselves,” says Pauline Fletcher, a leading Galway bridal and editorial makeup artist.
“Your wedding day look should enhance your natural beauty, allowing you to feel like the very best version of yourself.”
When looking for inspo online, Pauline recommends looking at real brides with similar skin tone and colouring to yours. “Also look at what your chosen makeup artist has already created; this way, you know they’re achievable, realistic, and suited to your features – unlike so many heavily filtered online images.”
Hair “Start incorporating hair masks that are suitable for your hair type into your routine – aim for once a week to nourish and strengthen your locks,” says Rosaleen. She also recommends avoiding clarifying shampoos in the lead up to the big day. “While they are effective for removing product buildup, they can strip your hair of essential oils if used too close to the wedding,” she explains.
Two weeks before
Hair For final colour changes, timing is everything. “Aim to do root touch-ups, toning, or refreshing your existing colour 2-3 weeks before your wedding,” advises Rosaleen.
Skin This is the time to focus on bringing the glow and avoiding anything that could irritate your skin. “You don’t want anything with any downtime – the last thing you want to be doing is peels,” says Valerie. “There’s going to be stress, no matter what happens. And while normal downtime might be a week, when there is increased stress it can increase histamines, so it could take longer, or there might be adverse reactions.”
One week before

Skin Now is the time to ensure your eyebrows are groomed and shaped. “If you’re planning any facial waxing or threading, try to do it 5 to 7 days before the wedding day,” advises Pauline. “This gives your skin time to settle, so makeup adheres smoothly without irritation.” Treatments like a Hydrafacial or a simple general facial to polish and buff up the skin and bring in hydration are ideal.
The night before
Skin Valerie has also helped clients deal with last-minute breakouts. “Brides have a line directly to our clinic manager,” she laughs. “We have professional treatments for targeted areas if the need arises.” It’s also crucial to stay hydrated, get plenty of rest and ensure your skin is clean. “I recommend a thorough cleanse the night before,” Pauline says, highlighting the importance of avoiding new products. “The goal is to keep skin calm and balanced, ready for a flawless makeup application the next day.”
Bridal Beauty Prep Essentials


From left: K18 Leave-In Repair Mask, €48.30, K18; Superstar retinoid night oil, €76, Pestle & Mortar, Image Vital C serum, €89, Elysium
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