Doing Your Own Wedding Makeup: Tips And Tricks

can I do my own makeup for my wedding

Doing your own wedding makeup can be a great way to save money and ensure you get the look you want. However, it's not without its challenges. Here's everything you need to consider before deciding whether to DIY your bridal makeup.

The biggest advantage of doing your own wedding makeup is having complete control over the products used and the final look. This can be especially important if you're particular about your makeup or have had bad experiences with makeup artists in the past. Doing your own makeup can also save you money, as you won't have to pay for a professional's services. Additionally, you'll save time by not having to coordinate with an additional vendor or attend trials.

On the other hand, doing your own wedding makeup can be stressful, especially if you're not confident in your skills. It requires a significant time commitment, as you'll need to practice the look and may have to do multiple trials to get it right. You'll also need to purchase all the necessary products, which can be costly.

Ultimately, the decision to do your own wedding makeup comes down to personal preference and comfort level. If you feel confident in your abilities and are willing to put in the time and effort, DIY wedding makeup can be a great option. However, if you're unsure or don't want the added stress, hiring a professional might be the better choice.

Characteristics Values
Benefits of doing your own wedding makeup Save money, have full control over your look, save time, save money on a professional, have more time and resources to focus on other aspects of wedding planning
Drawbacks of doing your own wedding makeup Requires skill and knowledge of how to do bridal makeup, can be stressful, may not photograph well
Considerations for doing your own wedding makeup Your level of comfort doing your own makeup, your ability to achieve your desired look, whether you have the right products and tools, whether you have time to practice, whether you will have time on the day
Tips for doing your own wedding makeup Use lightweight and illuminating skincare products, avoid trends and focus on emphasising your best features, test out products in advance, consider the weather, blend your bronzer well, take care of your skin in the lead-up to the wedding, use more blush than you think you need, colour-correct your eyes, use a lip stain and blotting paper, use quality products, keep your brows simple, use an eyelash curler, use a combination of cream and gel mascaras, test out fake eyelashes in advance, be mindful when wiping away tears, do your smoky eye first, do your makeup before getting dressed, practice your wedding day look in advance, take photos during your trial in different lighting, set aside enough time on the day, do your hair first, blend your makeup thoroughly, use a lightweight moisturiser with a primer, avoid a silicone-based primer if you have dry or dehydrated skin, use a foundation without SPF, get a spray tan a few days in advance and match your foundation to your skin afterwards, use a finely milled translucent powder, use blotting paper if you have dry skin, use a cream blusher if you have dry skin, use a powder blusher if you have oily skin, place blusher on the apples of your cheeks, find a blusher that matches your lip colour, use a lip liner as a base coat, use a gel eyeliner, do your eyes first, use a light hand when applying powder, use a powder puff to apply powder, have a separate wedding day makeup bag with touch-up products

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Skin prep: Cleanse, tone, moisturise and prime your skin

Skin prep is an important step in achieving flawless makeup for your wedding day. Here are some tips to ensure your skin is ready for your bridal look:

Cleanse

Start your wedding day skincare routine with a gentle, hydrating cleanser. Choose a product that is fragrance-free and enriched with hyaluronic acid to nourish and plump up your skin. This will help create a smooth base for your makeup application.

Tone

After cleansing, apply a hydrating serum, preferably something water-based and infused with hyaluronic acid. This step is important for all skin types, including oily skin. Oily skin can be a result of dehydration, so ensuring your skin is well-hydrated will help create a balanced base.

Moisturise

Lock in the hydration from your serum by following up with a lightweight, daytime moisturiser. Avoid anything too heavy, as you don't want to overload the skin before applying makeup. Opt for a formula that will leave your skin feeling plump and dewy.

Prime

Complete your skin prep by applying a primer. This will help smooth the skin's appearance and extend the wear of your makeup. Choose a primer that suits your skin type – a hydrating primer for dry skin and a mattifying primer for oily skin.

Remember, it's essential to establish a consistent skincare routine leading up to your wedding day. This will help you achieve the best results and ensure your skin is in optimal condition. Additionally, always do a patch test and give your skin enough time to adjust to any new products to avoid any unexpected reactions.

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Practice: Try out different looks and take photos to see what works

Doing your own makeup for your wedding can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it's important to practice beforehand to ensure you're happy with the final look. Here are some tips to help you perfect your wedding makeup:

  • Try Different Looks: Experiment with different makeup looks and techniques to find what works best for you. You can find inspiration online, on platforms like YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram, or from makeup artists. Try out different eyeshadow colours, lipstick shades, and contouring techniques to see what suits you and makes you feel comfortable.
  • Take Photos: It's important to take photos of your makeup trials under different lighting conditions, both with and without flash. This will help you see how the makeup looks in photographs, ensuring it complements your skin tone and doesn't wash you out. Take pictures in natural light, indoor lighting, and with a flash to mimic the lighting on your wedding day.
  • Consider Your Wedding Details: Keep your wedding theme, colours, and location in mind when creating your makeup look. For example, if you're having a beach wedding, you might opt for a more natural look, while an evening wedding could call for a smokier eye. Think about how you want to present yourself in the setting you've chosen.
  • Practice, Practice, Practice: The key to perfecting your wedding makeup is to practice as much as possible. This will help you refine your technique, identify any adjustments needed, and build your confidence. Aim to do a trial at least a month before the wedding, and if possible, wear your chosen look to your bachelorette party or another event to see how it holds up.
  • Get Feedback: Ask for feedback from friends or family members whose opinions you trust. They can give you honest advice and help you decide if any changes are needed.
  • Make Necessary Adjustments: Based on your photos and feedback, make any necessary adjustments to your makeup look. This could include changing products, colours, or techniques to better suit your skin tone, face shape, or personal style.

Remember, the most important thing is to feel comfortable and confident on your wedding day. Practicing your makeup look will help ensure you achieve the desired results and allow you to enjoy the process of creating a beautiful bridal look.

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Consider your photographer: Discuss their aesthetic and how this will impact your makeup

When deciding whether to do your own wedding makeup, it's important to consider your photographer and their aesthetic. The photographer you choose will impact how your makeup looks in photos. Some photographers opt for more true-to-colour and natural-looking photos, while others are known for a moodier aesthetic.

Discuss the aesthetic preferences of your photographer and how this will impact your makeup. For example, consider the lighting, camera angles, and the desired outcome of the shoot. Prepping the skin is crucial, as it provides a smooth canvas for makeup application. Start with a gentle cleanser, followed by a moisturiser and primer to ensure longevity.

When it comes to makeup application, blending is key. Use a light hand and blend foundation and concealer seamlessly into the skin. Avoid using products with SPF or reflective particles, as they can create an unwanted white cast in photos. Contouring and highlighting can add dimension to your face, but be sure to blend well to avoid harsh lines.

The type and quality of colours you use in your makeup will also impact the aesthetic. Bright, dark, saturated, or muted tones will all create different effects. Colours can convey different emotions and have different cultural interpretations, so consider the emotions you want to evoke and the story you want to tell.

Additionally, the subject of your photos will impact the aesthetic. For example, a sweeping landscape can capture the beauty of nature, while a chaotic urban setting can provide an alternative, rugged type of beauty. People are a favourite subject for photographers as they are ever-changing and relatable. The type of people included in the photos will also make a difference—do they represent age or youth? Are they everyday people or professional models?

Remember that makeup can enhance your features and create a cohesive look that complements your style and personality. A professional makeup artist can bring out the best in you by giving attention to every detail while keeping your personal style in mind. However, if you feel confident in your makeup skills and want full control over your look, doing your own wedding makeup can be a great option.

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Location and weather: Think about how the location and weather will impact your makeup

When it comes to bridal makeup, location and weather are key factors to consider. Here are some tips on how to plan your wedding makeup with these elements in mind:

If you're having an outdoor wedding, especially in a hot or humid climate, it's essential to choose makeup products that can withstand the elements. Opt for long-lasting, waterproof formulas to ensure your makeup stays put through the ceremony and photographs. A setting spray can also help to keep your makeup in place and avoid any caked-on effects. Additionally, be mindful of the weight of your makeup—a full-coverage look might feel heavy and uncomfortable in warm weather. Go for a more natural or fresh look with tinted moisturisers, minimal mascara, and a hint of blush.

The location of your wedding can also impact the style of your makeup. For example, if you're having a beach wedding, you might want to consider a dewy, glowy look to complement the surroundings. On the other hand, if you're getting married in a more traditional setting, a classic or timeless makeup look might be more appropriate. Think about the overall vibe and style you're going for, and let that guide your makeup choices.

If you're travelling to your wedding destination, be sure to pack all your makeup essentials, including any tools and brushes you'll need. It's also a good idea to bring extra products in case of any last-minute touch-ups. Consider the local climate and pack accordingly—for example, if you're going from a dry to a humid location, adjust your skincare and makeup routine accordingly.

Practising your makeup look in advance is crucial, especially if you're doing your own makeup. Take the time to test out different products and techniques to see what works best for your skin and the location and weather conditions. This will help you feel confident and ensure your makeup looks flawless on your big day.

Remember, the most important thing is to feel like yourself on your wedding day. Choose a makeup look that reflects your personality and makes you feel comfortable and confident. By considering the location and weather, you can create a beautiful, long-lasting look that will enhance your special day.

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Products: Choose quality products that will last and photograph well

If you're going to be doing your own wedding makeup, it's important to choose quality products that will last throughout the day and photograph well. Here are some tips to help you select the right products:

  • Opt for long-lasting, waterproof, and sweat-proof formulas: Look for products that are specifically designed to be long-wearing, such as waterproof mascara and eyeliner, and sweat-proof setting sprays or powders. This will ensure that your makeup stays put through tears, laughter, and dancing.
  • Choose photo-friendly options: Avoid products with SPF or silica, as they can cause flashback or a white cast in photos. Instead, opt for products that are known to photograph well, such as the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish powder, which is a favourite among brides.
  • Prioritize quality over quantity: Invest in high-quality products, especially for key items like foundation, eyeshadow, and lipstick. This will help ensure that your makeup looks flawless and blends seamlessly.
  • Consider the lighting and setting: Take into account the lighting and setting of your wedding when choosing products. For example, if you're having an outdoor wedding in natural light, you may want to opt for more natural-looking makeup and avoid heavy contouring or shimmery highlighters.
  • Practice and test: Experiment with different products and looks during your trials, and take photos in different lighting conditions to see how they translate on camera. This will help you determine which products work best for your skin and the setting of your wedding.
  • Enhance your natural beauty: Ultimately, you want to look like the best version of yourself on your wedding day. Choose products that enhance your natural features and make you feel comfortable and confident.

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