Skip the 5 o’clock shadow and the itchy-scratchy kisses and keep your face hair-free on your wedding day. Trust us, you’ll look better in the pictures without the scruff—and keep your mother-in-law happy, too.
Caution: a quick scrub and a shave minutes before hopping into the limo to the church will not cut it. Instead, incorporate these five products into your daily facial regimen a few weeks before the big day so your skin gets used to the process. We wouldn’t send you to the altar looking anything less than your very best (clean-shaven) self.
Start off with a quick scrub of Jack Black’s Pure Clean Daily Facial Cleanser ($12) to remove the dirt and oil that lingers in a beard. We’re hooked on its aloe and sage leaf combo, which gently cleans pores for smoother skin.
Swap in a fresh blade and lather up with Vermont-based Ursa Major’s Stellar Shave Cream ($24), which can soften the toughest of beards.
Allow your skin to relax post-shave before a light spray of La Mer’s Radiant Infusion ($115). Ferments of white and blue algae along with plenty of antioxidants help minimize pores and leave skin looking refined—and she will be super-impressed that you own anything La Mer.
Regular use of Kiehl’s Eye Alert ($21.50) will keep those dark circles and puffy eyes at bay. It’s an absolute must for the morning after the bachelor party.
Golf outings, weekends at the beach, and afternoon Nationals games increase your risk of sunburn, so be sure to apply Burt’s Bees’ Radiance SPF 7 Day Lotion before heading out the door ($18). The key ingredient is calendula, a flower extract that can soothe the fairest of skins.