I just got engaged—here’s the fail-safe "Marry Me" skincare regimen I followed for six months.

      Can I share something a bit personal? Before I even walked into a jewelry store or curated my Pinterest board (which, yes, has over 500 pins focused on floral designs, dress details, and color schemes), there was one key priority I set above all: my skin. If you know me well, you understand that skincare is not merely a routine for me; it’s a form of self-care, a daily ritual, and honestly, a bit of protective armor. My bathroom shelf isn’t just cluttered; it’s a carefully curated collection of effective creams, serums in elegant glass bottles, and unique treatments I’ve researched extensively. I visit my aesthetician faithfully every month and am well-acquainted with laser treatments, chemical peels, and microdermabrasion—doing whatever it takes to ensure my skin looks good and truly healthy.

      But as I was about to embark on one of the most significant moments of my life—my engagement and the forthcoming wedding—I recognized that I had to elevate my skincare routine even further. This wasn’t about vanity; it was about feeling confident and radiant in my own skin on the day I committed to forever. So, I devoted myself to what I called my "aesthetic bootcamp."

      My skin had its story. Fungal acne had been a quiet yet persistent issue; dark spots and uneven hyperpigmentation reflected past struggles and sun-soaked summers. There was a dullness that no concealer could cover—a fatigue I wanted to replace with radiance, clarity, and the kind of glow that stems from genuine skin health, not filters or heavy makeup.

      After a month of attempting to resolve my skin problems on my own—trying different products and second-guessing every ingredient—I realized it was time to seek a true expert. Enter Elizabeth Grace Hand at Ställe Studios, a hidden gem in SoHo, famous among models, creatives, and even Jennifer Lawrence. I had heard whispers of her magical touch and decided to invest in someone who could view my skin not merely as a surface issue but as a complex narrative.

      I took a leap of faith, swiped my credit card, and scheduled my first session. As soon as I stepped into Ställe, I felt like I had entered a sanctuary rather than just a treatment room. Hand’s methodology wasn’t about pushing new trends or aggressive solutions; it involved truly listening and customizing each treatment for me. She took the time to understand my skin’s history, my lifestyle, and my goals. It felt less like a transaction and more like the beginning of a partnership.

      Over six months—October to April—Hand and I collaborated to transform my skin. She employed a technique she perfected called "Marry Me" skin, named for several clients who got engaged or married shortly after visiting her treatment table. This process included a tailored routine for my skin along with a series of in-office facials and self-guided treatments aimed at improving my skin's texture and hyperpigmentation. Spoiler alert: it was slow but effective progress.

      During our facial sessions, we focused on specific problem areas. We incorporated deep facial massages to sculpt and reduce puffiness—her fingers moved in a rhythmic, intentional manner that seemed to lift my cheekbones and revitalize tired skin. To tackle the remnants of past breakouts—those stubborn dark acne scars and enlarged pores—we utilized targeted laser treatments. Clinical peels were also a significant part of my improvement, with Hand gradually increasing the strength of each peel to enhance my skin tone.

      Like most skincare transformations, the real work occurred at home. While my sessions at Ställe were undeniably significant, meaningful progress often happened in my own bathroom, typically late at night, with my hair tied back and the city’s sounds providing a backdrop.

      It was during that first session with Hand that we crafted a highly customized routine—one rooted in intention, not confusion. No 12-step programs, no trendy acids thrown haphazardly at my face. Instead, we selected each product with precision: targeted actives for my breakouts and pigmentation, combined with calming, reparative layers to support and strengthen my skin barrier. I wasn’t just using products anymore; I was beginning to understand them.

      The products I chose became synonymous with understated luxury: Bioeffect for its featherlight EGF serum that somehow plumped and brightened overnight; Auteur, whose formulas felt like high fashion for my face. Sachi effectively addressed inflammation and uneven tone with its blend of Ayurvedic and clinical precision, while Retrouvé offered the comforting richness my skin craved after long days in the polluted New York City air.

      Throughout these six months, I became my own project. Each serum, moisturizer, and treatment was a thoughtfully considered step toward a deeper purpose. I learned to be attuned to my skin’s subtle cues and provided it with the care it needed, even on days when I felt tempted to cut corners. It wasn’t always easy; there were times of