Doing Your Own Wedding Makeup: Yay Or Nay?

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, especially if you're not confident in your makeup skills. The key to success is careful planning and practice. Start by researching products and techniques, and don't be afraid to invest in quality makeup and tools. Practice your chosen look multiple times, taking photos in different lighting conditions to see how it translates on camera. On the big day, allow plenty of time to do your makeup, and remember to blend, blend, blend!

Skin prep: Moisturise, prime and colour-correct

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

Moisturise

Moisturising is crucial to achieving healthy, glowing skin. Opt for lightweight, hydrating formulas that will create a perfect base for your makeup without feeling too greasy. It is also important to allow your moisturiser to fully absorb into the skin before applying makeup. You can also use a hydrating eye cream to correct dark circles and depuff your under-eye area. If you have particularly dry skin, consider using a hydrating face mist throughout your skincare routine to lock in moisture.

Prime

Primer is essential for creating a smooth base and ensuring your makeup lasts all day. Look for primers that will help minimise the appearance of pores and provide a matte finish, especially in your T-zone. You can also use an eye base or primer to brighten your eyelids and make your eyeshadow waterproof and longer-lasting.

Colour-Correct

Colour-correcting can help neutralise any discolouration or uneven skin tone. Use a colour corrector or concealer that is slightly lighter than your skin tone to brighten your eyelids and under-eye area. For fair skin, opt for a white shade; for medium skin tones, choose a bone hue; and for dark skin, select a banana or taupe shade. This will create a flawless base for your eyeshadow and help it last longer.

Remember, skin prep is key to ensuring your wedding makeup looks its best and lasts throughout the day. Take the time to find the right products and techniques for your skin type and practise your skincare and makeup routine in advance of your big day.

Practice: Do a trial run and take photos in different lighting

Doing your own wedding makeup can be a great way to save money and ensure you get the look you want. However, it's important to practice beforehand and take photos in different lighting to ensure your makeup looks perfect on the big day. Here are some tips to help you nail your wedding makeup look:

• Set aside time for a trial run: Schedule a day to do a trial run of your wedding makeup. This will help you figure out what products and techniques work best and give you a chance to perfect your look.
• Take photos in different lighting: During your trial run, be sure to take photos in different lighting conditions, such as natural light, candlelight, and flash photography. This will help you see how your makeup looks in various settings and ensure it photographs well.
• Assess the photos: Review the photos you took during your trial run and decide if you need to make any changes. Pay attention to details such as blending, contouring, and the overall look.
• Practice, practice, practice: Don't be afraid to practice your wedding makeup look multiple times. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel on your wedding day. You can also use these practice sessions to experiment with different products and techniques.
• Seek feedback: Ask your friends or family members for feedback on your trial run. They may be able to offer helpful suggestions or point out areas that need improvement.
• Consider the lighting on your wedding day: Think about the lighting at your wedding venue and how it will affect your makeup. If you're having an outdoor wedding, natural light and sunlight may impact your look, so be sure to take that into account during your trial run.

By following these tips and practicing your wedding makeup look, you'll be able to create a beautiful and flawless look for your special day.

Consider the weather: Adapt your makeup to the conditions

When it comes to your wedding day, there are many variables that are beyond your control. One of the most significant factors is the weather, especially if you're having an outdoor ceremony or reception. While you may not be able to predict the weather, you can certainly adapt your makeup to the conditions. Here are some tips to ensure your makeup looks flawless, regardless of the weather:

For Hot and Humid Weather:

Start by choosing the right products. Opt for waterproof formulas for your mascara, eyeliner, and foundation to prevent smudging or melting. Go for a silicone-based primer to fill in pores and create a smooth base. Select a matte finish foundation to avoid looking shiny or oily, and choose powder formulas for your blush and eyeshadow as they last longer than creams. To set your makeup, use a setting spray to lock everything in place and prevent it from melting due to sweat or humidity.

When applying your makeup, use a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer to hydrate your skin without adding excess oil. Work with a light hand and gradually build coverage using a damp beauty blender or brush. Set your makeup with a translucent powder to absorb excess oil and prevent shine. Carry blotting papers with you to quickly remove any shine throughout the day without disturbing your makeup.

For Windy Conditions:

Avoid glossy or creamy lipsticks as they can attract your hair, ruining both your hair and lips. Instead, opt for a matte lip look, which is also more natural-looking in lighting. If you're concerned about longevity, use a lip liner to fill in your lips before applying lipstick, as it will help your lip color last longer.

For Bright Sunlight:

Use sun protection with at least SPF 30 to shield your skin from harmful UV rays. If you're worried about how SPF will affect your photographs, test out different sunscreens in the weeks leading up to your wedding to find one that works for you. To avoid looking washed out in photos, use a concealer and highlighter under your eyes to brighten the area.

For Rain or Watery Conditions:

Use waterproof makeup products to ensure your makeup stays put, even if you get a little wet. Avoid creamy or sticky products that may run or smudge easily. Go for a more defined eye look to make your eyes pop, even if they're partially covered by raindrops or an umbrella.

In summary, by considering the weather and adapting your makeup choices and application techniques, you can ensure your wedding day look is both beautiful and long-lasting.

Brows: Use a precision pencil to fill in sparse areas

Brows are an important feature to consider when doing your own wedding makeup. If you want to fill in sparse areas in your brows, you can use a precision or ultra-fine pencil to create natural-looking hairs and add depth and shading. Here are some tips to achieve well-groomed brows:

• Choose the right eyebrow pencil: Opt for a precision eyebrow pencil with an ultra-fine tip, such as the Dior Diorshow Brow Styler Ultra-Fine Precision Brow Pencil, Fenty Beauty Brow MVP Ultra Fine Brow Pencil & Styler, or Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz. These pencils allow you to create hair-like strokes and add depth to your brows.
• Match your brow colour: Select a brow pencil shade that closely matches your natural brow colour. Some brands, like Fenty Beauty and It Cosmetics, offer a wide range of shades to ensure you find your perfect match.
• Practice makes perfect: Experiment with different brow shapes and techniques before your wedding day. Practice filling in your brows with light, feathery strokes to mimic natural brow hairs.
• Blend and brush: After filling in your brows, use a spoolie brush to blend and soften any harsh lines. This will create a more natural and polished look.
• Consider setting products: To ensure your brow makeup stays in place, consider using brow gel or setting spray. These products will help hold your brows in place and give them a fuller appearance.
• Keep it simple: When doing your own wedding makeup, it's best to keep your brow look simple and elegant. Avoid any dramatic changes or trends that you may not be comfortable with.

Lips: Opt for a lip stain or liner, then add a satin or matte lipstick

When it comes to wedding makeup, the lips are a key feature, and choosing the right products can ensure your look lasts all day. Opting for a lip stain or liner as your base will give you a long-lasting colour, which you can then build on with a satin or matte lipstick.

Lip Stain

Lip stains are a great option for your wedding day as they are lightweight, highly pigmented liquids that stain your lips for long-lasting colour. They tend to be more on the matte side, so for a shade that won't budge, go for a matte stain. You can also find satin-finish stains for a subtle shine.

Lip Liner

Using a lip liner will help you achieve a clean look and extend the wear time of your lip colour. You can fill in your whole lip with the liner as a base for your lipstick, or just line the edges for a precise finish.

Satin or Matte Lipstick

For your lipstick, a satin or matte finish will ensure your colour stays put through all the smiling, kissing, and eating. Satin lipsticks will give a subtle shine, while matte formulas will give you a more modern, long-lasting look.

Application Tips

Before applying your lip products, use a lip scrub to buff away any dry patches. Then, apply your chosen lip stain or liner, followed by your satin or matte lipstick. For a natural finish, tap the product onto your lips using your fingers. For a more saturated look, apply the product straight from the tube or with a lip brush.

Recommended Products

• Dior Addict Lip Tint: This lightweight, watery gel lip tint is a splurge-worthy option that won't dry out your lips or settle into fine lines.
• Etude House Dear Darling Water Tint: A super-affordable, natural-looking lip stain with a matte finish.
• Charlotte Tilbury Tinted Love: A hydrating lip stain with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E to keep your lips feeling supple and smooth.
• Peripera Ink Velvet Lip Tint: A creamy, matte lip tint with impressive colour payoff and a comfortable, lightweight feel.
• Benefit Benetint: A classic lip and cheek stain that imparts a gorgeous rosy glow and barely transfers during eating and drinking.
• Kevyn Aucoin Unforgettable Lip Definer: A lip liner that will ensure your lip colour lasts through all the wedding day festivities.

Frequently asked questions