We asked our most trusted esthetician, Eleanor Bagley, to reveal how she advises her clients to care for their skin leading up to their wedding day. Read below to find out how to structure your routine, and discover her product recommendations: 

1. Tell us about you, and how you got into skincare:

I was born and raised in Marin County, CA, and have remained in the Bay Area ever since. I've been a practising esthetician since 2009, after I was inspired by a fellow esthetician who helped me with my troubled skin. Her results-driven approach emphasized natural ingredients and a thoroughly-researched product regime. The effectiveness of her work encouraged me to learn more about products and ingredients, which subsequently led me to attain my Esthetics license. I completed my 600-hour program in San Francisco, followed by another 900 hours of coursework to get my masters in skin care. I was awarded the International Esthetics CIDESCO diploma, which is based out of Zurich, Switzerland. 

I now practice predominantly natural, European facials with the same results-driven perspective. I believe in a ritualistic approach to skin with a customized regime, and honoring an intrinsic balancing of the skin, body, and mind. 

2. What are your must-have products, and describe how you use them in your daily routine:

I get asked this question a lot and it's always changing as I regularly try/test new products. The consistent game-changers have been: 

May Lindstrom The Problem Solver: It's a beautiful way to implement the ritual of weekly masking. The Problem Solver is a true multitasker for problematic skin types: it clears blackheads, sooths inflammation, and promotes circulation. I recommend using it once a week as a detox for the skin. 

In Fiore Soleil Fleur Antioxidant Before Sun Treatment: this is another product that rarely leaves my arsenal. I'm really into products that pack a punch. All In Fiore products are super potent, but the Soleil Fleur especially succeeds by moisturizing and protecting the skin with powerful antioxidants to help prevent damage from external factors. Most mornings I will just combine the Soleil Fleur with SPF.

3. Which SPF do you like using? 

Suntegrity makes a really good line of sunscreens that are clean, and one that doubles as a primer. 

4. What advice would you give to a bride about the types of products/ingredients she should invest in, and how she should use them in the months leading up to her wedding? 

I suggest scheduling a series of facials, particularly treatments that include enzymes or peels to refresh the skin, brighten pigmentation, and refine pores and texture. Get cozy with your esthetician to customize a good skin care routine for your specific skin.

Leading up to a big event, it's important to not overdo it. Leave the strong treatments like peels to no later than 2 weeks prior to the wedding. In the weeks right before the day, use a gentle exfoliant to keep the skin looking bright and smooth. 

I recommend Luzern's hydrating enzyme mask, or an extractor scrub like Arcona's Golden Grain Gommage.

It's also very important to maintain hydration, so I suggest a serum with hyaluronic acid to help boost moisture content and plump fine lines. 

Getting good old fashioned sleep and drinking plenty of water is a must! 

5. Which products should a bride pack for her wedding day, and how should she use those products? 

Keep things very simple. Less is more the day of, as you want to prevent any unexpected reactions from happening. I suggest a good depuffing eye gel like Arcona's Peptide Eye Serum. 

Pack a gentle cleanser and hydrating serum. I also love the Orgaid Organic Sheet Masks for a quick pre-wedding treatment. They're fun to do the day of or night before with all your bridesmaids. 

5. Anything a bride should know not to use or apply the night before/day of her wedding? 

Skip anything harsh. Give yourself at least a two-day break from scrubs and exfoliants leading up to your wedding. You want your skin to be well-hydrated and calm. Most makeup artists prefer working on a clean, hydrated canvas, so leave the priming and perfecting to them. Make sure you do all your waxing, tinting, eyelash extensions, etc. to at least one week before to prevent any unwanted reactions or post-waxing bumps. If you're doing your own makeup, be careful with buying highlighters and setting powders as some can cause a glare in flash photos. 

To book a facial with Eleanor Bagley, call the International Orange Spa at 415.563.5000 ext. 1, or book online here. You can follow her on Instagram @elle_b_suda