From the first look to the final afterparty dance, your bridal makeup should be flawless and radiant throughout the day – and we know how to help. We've compiled the top must-know makeup tips so every bride can walk down the aisle with that air of effortless ease and self confidence. Whether you're doing your own makeup or working with a professional, this tried-and-true advice will help you create a stunning look that will last through the whole day.
Secure a Flawless Base
One half of the ultimate success for the perfect makeup look is a prepped skin. Start with a clean and moisturized face to create the perfect canvas. Use a moisturizing primer to keep skin smooth and makeup last all day. Brides with oily skin will want a mattifying primer to help with shine and keep makeup from clumping. A few days or even weeks before the big day, it's advised to do scrubbing procedures, such as peeling. Removing dead skin particles will make the surface of the face more suitable for foundation application.
Find the Perfect Foundation
To ensure a flawless blend, always test your foundation in natural light and forget about wrist tests. Artificial light can change the appearance of your foundation, making it appear lighter or darker than it actually is. When testing, apply a small amount of foundation to your jaw line and blend it towards your neck. Also, consider your skin tone (warm, cool or neutral) and choose a foundation that complements it to achieve the most harmonious and flattering result. For longer-lasting coverage, choose a foundation suitable for your skin type.
Loose Powder Is a Must
Loose powder is a versatile product that can significantly enhance the longevity and appearance of your makeup, especially on your wedding day. One popular hack is the technique known as "baking." Baking involves applying a generous amount of loose powder to areas of your face where you want to set your makeup and prevent creasing, typically under the eyes, along the sides of the nose, and on the chin. This is a great technique for fixing the under eye area as well as camouflaged breakouts.
Opt for Waterproof Products
Weddings are emotional, and you want to be prepared for happy tears. Opt for waterproof mascara, eyeliner, and even brow products to prevent any smudging or running. This will keep your eye makeup looking fresh, no matter how many times you cry!
Gabrielle Robert , ammydrammeh
Use Contour for Dimension
HD cameras can blur your facial features, so it's important to add volume to your face with highlighting and contouring. Use a subtle highlighter on the high points of the face (cheekbones, bridge of the nose and cupid's bow) and a matte bronzer in the hollows of the cheeks and along the jawline to create a beautiful, sculpted effect. If you're not a fan of contouring, replace it with blush. Apply them on your cheekbones upwards towards your temples for a visually lifting effect.
Blush and Highlighter Mix
Combining blush and highlighter is a fantastic way to create a radiant, multi-dimensional flush on your cheeks that looks natural and luminous. Start by choosing a blush and highlighter that complement each other. A warm blush pairs beautifully with a golden highlighter, while a cool blush works well with a champagne or icy highlighter. Using a fluffy brush, apply the mixed product to the apples of your cheeks, blending upwards along your cheekbones. The blend of blush and highlighter will give you a beautiful, luminous glow that enhances your natural features without looking too shimmery or overdone.
Find a Complementing Eyeshadow
Start by looking at your eye color. Different shades will enhance your natural eye color, making them appear brighter and more defined. Warm shades such as bronze, gold, copper and deep plum work beautifully with brown eyes, adding depth and warmth. Earthy tones such as taupe, peach and warm browns, and cool tones such as slate gray and deep navy help to bring out blue eyes. Purples, mauves and warm browns, as well as gold and copper tones, complement green eyes and make them appear more vibrant.
Check Out Lip Exfoliator
Exfoliating your lips is a crucial step that many brides overlook, but it can make a significant difference to the appearance and longevity of your lip color on your wedding day. Smooth, hydrated lips are the perfect canvas for lipstick, ensuring a flawless, long-lasting application that looks beautiful in photos and lasts through kisses, toasts and meals. After exfoliating, it's important to follow up with a hydrating lip balm to lock in moisture and prepare your lips for lipstick. This step will keep your lips soft for comfortable, long-lasting wear that won't dry out or feel tight.
Jens Ingvarsson, Kylie Cosmetics
Lock in Your Look
Setting spray is essential for maintaining a flawless makeup look throughout your wedding day. From the ceremony to the reception, it ensures your makeup stays vibrant, fresh and intact. They come in a variety of formulations designed for different needs – mattifying, hydrating, dewy or long-lasting. Choose the one that suits your skin type and the finish you want to achieve.
Emergency Touch-Up Kit
An emergency touch-up kit is a lifesaver for brides who want to ensure their makeup stays flawless throughout the wedding day. From unexpected smudges to makeup touch-ups needed after emotional moments, having a well-stocked kit on hand can help you maintain a fresh, beautiful look from the ceremony through the reception. Select a compact, durable container that’s easy to carry and fits into a small handbag or clutch. Ask your bridesmaid in advance to keep a kit ready and on hand for emergencies or before a photo shoot.
