For the past 10 months, I have been immersed in wedding prep. Of course, by prep I mean: trying every skincare device and product on the market for the sake of perfectly glowing skin on "the Big Day". I think of this whole project as a precursor for the whole for-better-or-for-worse thing, and I have been assured that my fiancé Carlos is in it for the long haul. He's dealt with breakouts, a facial burn from too much sacylic acid, 599 sq. ft. of our 600 sq. ft. apartment being filled with beauty products, and me wearing an LED mask that makes me look like glow-in-the-dark Freddy Krueger to bed. If falling asleep next to that isn't true love, I don't know what is.

Now, I know what you're thinking: "Why in the H-E-double hockey sticks are you doing facial science experiments pre-wedding!?!" Don't dwell on that—just think of it as me doing all the research so that you don't have to. Plus never have I heard the words "rational" and "bride" used in the same sentence.

!!! Disclaimer: I am not paid or compensated by any of the following products, but if anyone is listening I am willing and able ;) !!!

Now, let's get to what I've settled on as the best of the best if you're prepping for something big. Or you're just into this kind of stuff:

Paula's Choice

Well, what's really important is that you find a daily skincare routine that works for you. I discovered Paula's Choice when my skin was having a "moment." My aesthetician Jordana Mattioli recommended it, and it has been a game changer in clearing, hydrating, and brightening my skin. My whole lineup is the Resist Perfectly Balanced Cleanser, Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid, Resist Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum, and then sunscreen—but I'll get to that later.

LASERS

Specifically from Clear and Brilliant . This treatment is a budget buster, but worth every penny. Clear and Brillant "is a non-ablative fractional laser to counteract the early signs of aging," according to the webiste. That's everything from improving texture to reducing pore size and evening overall tone. TL;DR it removed almost all of the damage I've done via picking. Those scar marks that are a constant reminder of the huge pimples you popped and are still dreaming of—gone. Even though they recommended four to six treatments, I only did one and saw great results.

The Neutrogena Light Therapy Acne Mask

This, in fact, would be the mask that makes you look like glow-in-the-dark Freddie Krueger. Besides the selfies, the best thing about this mask is it's available at any drugstore and super affordable. (They do get you by having to buy a new activator every 30 uses, but still worth it). It works by using a red and blue led light to help kill bacteria and reduce inflammation. Love it.

W Protect Sunscreen

Finally an oil-free zinc sunscreen that doesn't turn your face white and blends great with makeup!!! Sunscreen is key. Ask anybody.

Differin Gel

Here’s all you need to know: It clears up acne fast and is available over the counter. For all those who won’t just smear anything on their face in the name of clear skin, Differin has adapalene, which is a type of retinol, which will helps with cell rejuvenation, which the keep pores from clogging. Case in point, clear skin.

The NuFace

NuFace is an at-home microcurrent machine that uses electricity to work out your facial muscles, helping tighten and sculpt your skin. Hello, cheekbones! The downside is you do need to use an oil-free gel for the microcurrent to work. Of course, NuFace sells their own gel, but pro tip: aloe gel works just as well and is an 1/8 of the price. I use it 4-5 times a week to a achieve that Kate Moss definition. (Side note: It reminds me a lot of those ab belts. I mean… I swear by the Nuface. Could those abs I’ve always dreamed of be a quick few jolts away? Wedding bod experiments soon come.)

This is all Step 1. Step 2—the makeup—comes next. But this is enough for now—tune in next week for more. See you then,

Anna

Photographed by the author.