Every bride deserves a beauty plan that’s as polished as her wedding lehenga. And if you’re deep in the throes of wedding prep, this checklist is your holy grail. As the first in our exclusive bridal beauty series, this article lays the groundwork, diving into the essentials every bride should have to shine through her big day—and the following events. From skincare heroes to post-wedding must-haves, this is your cheat sheet to bridal radiance.

1. Skincare Staples

Think of your skincare as the foundation of your bridal beauty routine. Stock up on a hydrating cleanser (like Forest Essentials’ Delicate Facial Cleanser) and a potent vitamin C serum, such as Drunk Elephant’s C-Firma Fresh. Add an exfoliating treatment like The Ordinary’s Glycolic Acid is worth the splurge. For brides with sensitive skin, look to Clinique’s Moisture Surge.

2. Haircare Heroes

Your hair needs TLC too. Start with a repairing mask, like L'Oréal Paris Absolut Repair, and invest in heat protectants if you plan to style often. A leave-in conditioner like Moroccanoil’s Treatment Light can be a lifesaver for frizz. If dandruff is a concern, check out the Kama Ayurveda Bringadi Shampoo for its soothing properties.

3. Bridal Emergency Kit

A compact lifesaver for last-minute fixes: blotting papers, hairpins, a travel-size hairspray, a lip balm like Laneige’s Lip Sleeping Mask, and a setting spray such as Charlotte Tilbury’s Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray. Don’t forget band-aids, a mini perfume, and safety pins!

4. Makeup Must-Haves

Your bridal trousseau isn’t complete without the right makeup staples. For foundation, try NARS Light Reflecting Foundation for its natural finish. Add Huda Beauty’s Rose Quartz Eyeshadow Palette and a long-lasting lipstick like Charlotte Tilbury’s Matte Revolution in Pillow Talk. Pack a highlighter—Dior’s Backstage Glow Palette is versatile and travel-friendly.

5. Post-Wedding Rejuvenation

The honeymoon phase calls for indulgent self-care. Include a soothing sheet mask (like Dr. Jart+’s Ceramidin Mask), a detoxifying body scrub, and a light body oil—try Kama Ayurveda’s Nalpamaradi Thailam for its radiance-boosting properties.

With this curated list, your trousseau is as ready as you are to take centre stage. Stay tuned for the next in this series, where we break down a glow-up prep schedule that will leave your skin wedding-ready in just four weeks.