A natural, beautiful makeup look perfectly complements any bride’s style. But with the whirlwind of emotions, the excitement of the day, and all the delicacies to be served up, it can be quite difficult to maintain the fresh bridal glow. Lipstick will fade and bleed after endless kisses, mascara will smudge from joyful tears and foundation will sweat as the day unfolds. So, we’ve compiled 8 essential beauty tips for long-lasting makeup that will help you look and feel your best without stressing over touch-ups.
Start with Skincare
Your road to perfect bridal makeup starts with the right skincare routine and mindful, step-by-step product application. So, make sure that you cleanse, exfoliate, tone and moisturize your skin before applying your makeup. We recommend using gentle and lightweight formulas to avoid unwanted irritation and create a smooth base for your bridal makeup to sit flawlessly. And don’t forget about your SPF, especially if you are having your wedding outdoors.
Use Quality Primer
A good primer helps your makeup stick and stay in place. Choose yours based on your skin type and apply it after your skincare routine so that everything looks fresh. Go with mattifying primers for oily skin, and use hydrating formulas for dry skin to give it the extra moisture it craves. And if you happen to have combination skin, simply apply a mattifying primer on your oily zones and a hydrating one on the dry areas for balance.
Jose Carvajal, Lucia Garcia Rey
Choose Long-Wear Formulas
When selecting your foundation, concealer, and lipstick, the best tip is to go for long-wear formulas. As the name suggests, these products are designed to withstand long hours, which is super important for a wedding that can go non-stop from dawn until late night.
Say “Yes” to Waterproof Everything
Emotions are running high on your wedding day, and there’s a good chance those happy tears will make an appearance! That’s why waterproof products, from mascara to eyeliner, will be your best friends, saving you from any accidental smudging. Don’t forget about your brows, either — opt for a waterproof gel or pencil to keep them in place, no matter how much you sweat.
Apply in Thin Layers
Rather than applying a heavy layer of foundation, concealer or powder, it’s best to build them up in thin layers. This technique allows each layer to set properly without feeling heavy on your skin. Not only will your foundation look more natural and seamlessly blend in, but it will also won't break apart or set into fine lines.
Lock Your Makeup
A setting spray is truly the holy grail of long-lasting makeup! It works as an invisible shield against sweat, tears, and humidity, keeping your makeup in place for long hours. Spritz on your face, once you are done with your makeup. For an added layer of protection, consider applying translucent powder after your foundation and concealer are applied.
Gabrielle Robert, Marcelo Gutierrez
Keep Blotting Papers at Hand
Throughout the day, instead of adding more powder, which can make your makeup look cakey, use blotting papers to absorb any excess oil. This will help keep your skin matte and fresh without disturbing the makeup underneath.
Do a Trial Run
Make sure you schedule a trial run with your makeup artist. This will give you the chance to test different products and techniques to see how your makeup behaves and wears throughout the day. If needed, don’t hesitate to ask your makeup artist for any adjustments. That way, you can be completely confident that you’ll look and feel your absolute best on your wedding day!
