I am Cathryn Kerwin-Rawlinson Bridal Makeup Artist and I have been a Bridal Makeup Artist for 17 years and I cover North Wales and Cheshire area mostly but will travel further afield if required. As a bridal makeup artist with many years of experience, skincare is something I talk about constantly.
The key to incredible makeup on your wedding day is not just about what happens on the morning of—it's about the preparation that takes place months before. Achieving that flawless, glowing complexion starts with putting in the work early, ensuring your skin is in the best condition possible. One of the biggest game-changers in skincare, and something that is often overlooked, is double cleansing.
I can't tell you how often, when prepping a persons skin on the morning of a wedding, I sweep a cotton pad over the face and still find remnants of makeup from the day before. This tells me that the skin hasn't been properly cleansed the night before. Going to bed with makeup still on is a big no-no! At night, your skin goes into regeneration and repair mode. The last thing it needs is to be fighting through layers of makeup, SPF, and pollutants. Even if you haven't worn makeup or SPF that day, double cleansing is still essential because dirt, grime, and pollutants from the atmosphere will still cling to your skin.
What is Double Cleansing and what to avoid?
Let me be clear.... double cleansing does not mean using makeup wipes. Makeup wipes have no place in a good skincare routine (aside from cleaning up makeup mishaps or wiping your hands during makeup application, which is all I use them for on a wedding morning). All they do is smear the makeup around your face without actually cleansing your skin or pores.
Also I do not entertain or recommend using foaming cleansers and face washes on the skin, because they contain sulfates which can cause the skin to dry out or ruin your skins natural barrier which in turn means irritation. Avoid them at all costs they do not belong in double cleansing routine.
So, what exactly is double cleansing, and why is it so important? Double cleansing means using two different types of cleansers to properly remove all traces of makeup, dirt, and grime from your skin before bed. This is the routine you should be doing every night to ensure your skin is thoroughly clean.
First Cleanse: Oil or Balm-Based Cleanser
For your first cleanse, you need to use an oil-based or balm cleanser. There are plenty of good options out there, and this is one area of your skincare routine where you don't need to spend a fortune. Because cleansers are only on your skin for a short time, they don't need to be high-end products. You massage the balm or oil into your face, and you'll see it breaking down the makeup, SPF, and grime that's built up over the day. Once massaged in, take a warm, wet flannel or muslin cloth to gently remove the cleanser and all the dirt with it.
Second Cleanse: Cream or Gel-Based Cleanser
The second cleanse is where you go in with a cream or gel cleanser to ensure all the remaining impurities are removed. Again, you don't need to spend a fortune here. You massage the product into your skin for a minute and remove it with a clean, warm flannel. This step not only ensures your skin is completely clean but also sets it up for your night-time skincare routine.
Why is Double Cleansing Important?
Double cleansing makes sure your skin is free from makeup, grime, and pollutants, which allows your skincare products to work more effectively. When you're regularly double cleansing, you'll start to notice your skin looking clearer, smoother, and more radiant. And, as a makeup artist, I can tell you that makeup applies much more smoothly on well-prepped skin. It reduces the appearance of texture and helps prevent those pesky dry patches that makeup can cling to.
You'd be surprised how many people don't properly clean their skin at night. So, while it may seem a little odd for me to be advising you on how to wash your face, I see the results of improper cleansing all the time. Double cleansing is a simple step that can make a huge difference—not just for your everyday skin health, but especially when you're preparing for one of the most photographed days of your life.
So, if you're not double cleansing yet, it's time to start! Your skin (and your makeup artist) will thank you for it.
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