Mastering Wedding Makeup: A Guide For Beginners

Absolutely! While many brides choose to hire a professional makeup artist, doing your own makeup is a great alternative, especially if you want full control over your look.

Doing your own bridal makeup can save you time and money, but it can also be stressful, especially if you're a beginner. The key to success is practice, practice, practice! It's also important to invest in quality products and tools, such as brushes and sponges, to achieve a flawless finish.

There are plenty of resources available to help you learn how to do your own wedding makeup, from online tutorials and step-by-step guides to one-on-one sessions with professional makeup artists. By learning some basic techniques and tips, you can create a beautiful, long-lasting look that will make you feel confident and radiant on your special day.

Skin preparation

Cleanse and Tone Your Skin

Start by cleansing your skin thoroughly to create a perfect canvas for your makeup. This will ensure that your makeup stays on all day. Follow up with a toner to remove any dead cells and help reset your skin's pH level. Toning is an essential step to ensure your skin is thoroughly cleansed and prepared for the next steps.

Moisturise and Prime

Apply a moisturiser suitable for your skin type. For example, if you want a dewy finish, opt for a hydrating moisturiser. You can also use eye cream to prevent any dryness or flakiness around the eyes throughout the day.

Next, apply a primer to create an even base for your makeup. You can use a combination of primers or opt for one with added SPF for extra protection. Use your hands to apply the primer for a plump and glowy, streak-free finish.

Foundation and Concealer

When it comes to foundation, start with a thin layer and gradually build up coverage where needed. This will ensure a natural finish and prevent a cakey appearance. Use your fingers to apply foundation in a circular motion, working in sections from your face down to your neck.

For concealer, focus on the areas that need extra coverage, such as the under-eye area, around the nose, and any red spots. Gently pat the product with your index finger and blend upwards towards the hairline.

Bronzer and Blush

Apply bronzer to add warmth to your complexion. Start with your hairline, forehead, perimeter of the face, and under the cheekbones. You can also add some below the jawline for a sun-kissed effect.

For blush, apply the product to the apples of your cheeks, keeping a two-finger distance from the nose to avoid adding redness to the centre of the face. Finish with a checkmark motion at the cheekbone for a natural flush.

Set Your Base

Use a lightweight, translucent setting powder to set your base and ensure your makeup lasts all day. This will give you a light, even finish and help prevent shine.

Skin Care in the Lead-up to Your Wedding

In the days leading up to your wedding, focus on skincare to ensure your skin is in its best condition. Wear lip balm generously, and consider visiting a dermatologist or licensed aesthetician for a pre-wedding skincare routine.

Additionally, if you're spending time outdoors, practise sun safety to avoid sunburns, uneven skin pigmentation, and dryness, which can complicate your makeup application.

By following these steps, your skin will be well-prepared for your wedding makeup, ensuring a flawless and long-lasting finish.

Foundation and concealer

Choosing the Right Foundation

Foundations are used to conceal imperfections in the skin and give it a more natural, even appearance. When choosing a foundation for your wedding day, opt for a long-lasting foundation that won't slip or slide.

Makeup artist Natalie Dresher recommends MAC Cosmetics Studio Fix Fluid Foundation, which she says will "last through tears, sweat, [and] you name it!". Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Foundation is another favourite of makeup artists, as it "covers imperfections while looking like skin with its perfect amount of radiance and sheen".

For a more affordable option, try Juvia's Place I Am Magic Velvety Matte Foundation, which offers full coverage that will last all day and night.

Applying Foundation

When applying foundation, always start with a thin layer and then build up with a compact foundation brush. Never start with too much product, as this can make your skin look cakey.

Choosing the Right Concealer

For concealer, a popular option is Nars' Creamy Radiance. This product can be applied to the inner and outer corners of the eyes and blended into the middle, as well as to any spots or red areas.

Applying Concealer

When applying concealer, gently pat the product in and upwards towards the hairline using your index finger.

Contouring and bronzing

How to contour

Contouring mimics natural shadows, so a matte finish is essential. Choose a contouring product that is one or two shades darker than your natural skin tone. Start by deciding where on your face you want to create shadows. For example, to create a fuller lip shape, try applying a small half-moon under the centre of your lower lip, blending well to avoid harsh lines. For other parts of your face, it's about creating believable shading: blend the product under your cheekbones, into the creases of your eyes, under the jawline, and along the sides of your nose.

How to bronze

For a bronzed look, choose products with a bit of shimmer, but not so much that you look like a disco ball. Dust the highest points of your face: the tops of your cheekbones, (lightly) across your forehead, and down the bridge of your nose. You can also sweep the bronzer across your eyelids for a simple monochromatic look.

Tips for fair skin

If you have fair skin, opt for a bronzer that is just a shade or two darker than your skin tone for the most natural result. Look for neutral undertones to achieve the most believable glow.

Tips for light to medium complexions

For light to medium complexions, avoid bronzers that appear overly orange or red-toned, as these will appear more intense when applied.

Tips for darker skin tones

If you have a darker skin tone, choose a bronzer with red undertones to ensure that it shows up. Avoid orange undertones, which won't add a natural-looking glow.

Products to try

For contouring, try the Makeup By Mario Softsculpt Shaping Stick, a 2022 Best of Beauty Award winner. For bronzing, the Make Skin Mimetic Microsuede Bronzer is a great option, with minimal shimmer and a super-smooth texture.

Eye makeup

Products

Before you start, make sure you have all the right products. If you're a makeup novice, this might involve some research and experimentation. You can find recommendations online, on sites like Reddit's /r/MakeupAddiction, Sephora, and Ulta, or on YouTube and TikTok. You can also consult a professional makeup artist, either in-store or via online tutorials.

Practice

Once you have your products, practice, practice, practice! You'll want to be confident in your ability to nail your desired look, so be sure to allow plenty of time for practice and preparation.

Techniques

When it comes to eye makeup, there are many different looks you can create, from natural to dramatic. Here are some popular options:

• Neutral and Naturally Beautiful: For a simple, romantic look, add a darker colour to the base of the lash line and blend until it's soft and subtle. Apply mascara, and skip the false lashes if you think they're too dramatic.
• Matte Lids and Defined Brows: This look pairs deep matte browns on the lid with defined brows. It's a match made in heaven, especially if you have blue or green eyes, as brown eyeshadow amplifies these colours and melts into irises of the same hue.
• Smoked-Out Winged Liner: For a sultry, smoky look, buff out a matte black eyeshadow in the shape of winged liner. Apply a gel or liquid liner over the top for added drama.
• Dark and Smokey with Dramatic Winged Liner: Turn up the drama with a classic winged liner and a bit of smoke. Use velvety browns to smoke out the lid and finish with a big, bold wing. If you want even more smoke, smudge out the eyeliner with a pencil brush and black eyeshadow.
• Minimal and Effortless: If you don't usually wear much makeup, consider keeping your eyes minimal. A swipe of mascara and a sweep of dark eyeliner in the waterline can heighten a barely-there look. Fill in the brows and keep the rest of your face fresh and natural with a sweet blush and nude lip.
• Dramatic 'Look-at-Me' Lashes: False lashes can enhance your natural lashes, making them appear fuller and longer. They help define the lash line and make your eyes pop, especially if the rest of your makeup is minimal.
• Clean, Defined Liner and Luminous Highlighter: Pair crisp, flicked liner with a fresh, glowing complexion for an uncomplicated yet striking bridal look. A whisper of highlight on the cheekbone goes a long way.
• Earth-Toned Smokey Eye: A stunning smokey eye feels grounded and natural with neutral earth tones. Keep the smoke contained to the outer corner of the eyes for gorgeous definition, and finish with a nude pink lip.

Tips

• Waterproof: If you suspect there may be tears of joy, use waterproof mascara and eyeliner to avoid any smudging.
• Eye Primer: Use an eye primer to create a grippy foundation so that your eyeshadow lasts longer.
• Skin Prep: Good makeup starts with skin prep. Devote time before your wedding day to taking care of your complexion. This might include visiting a dermatologist or licensed esthetician for a pre-wedding skincare routine.
• Colour Choice: Choose colours that complement your skin tone, whether it's warm bronze hues or cool blue tones.
• Setting Spray: Use a setting spray to make your look last longer and avoid any caked-on effect.
• Blend: For an airbrushed, professional-level look, thoroughly blend your eyeshadow and any other products you apply to your face. This will eliminate harsh lines and produce a seamless finish that looks flawless in photos and in person.
• Photography: Keep in mind that your makeup should photograph well. You might want to add a little bit more than you usually would so that it shows up in the photos.

Remember, the most important thing is that you feel like the best version of yourself. So, have fun, and happy experimenting!

Lip colour

Choosing a Lip Colour

When it comes to choosing a lip colour for your wedding day, you can go for a bold shade like red or a more neutral hue like nude or pink. Nude lipstick is a classic choice for brides as it is low maintenance and goes with many different wedding makeup looks. It is also a good option if you want something that is easy to reapply throughout the day. If you want to make a statement with your lip colour, a bold shade like red or pink can be a great choice, but it will require more upkeep.

Our Favourite Lipsticks for Your Wedding Day

• Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Look of Love™ lipstick in Wedding Belles: This lipstick is a dreamy, fresh, universally flattering rose-bud pink shade that will give you a gorgeous, just-been-kissed look.
• Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Look of Love™ lipstick in First Dance: For a deeper, bolder pink lip look, this lipstick is a love-blushed, berry-rose shade.
• Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution lipstick in Pillow Talk Original: This iconic, award-winning lipstick is a universally flattering nude-pink shade that will give you sumptuous, pillow-y, lit-from-within lips.
• Charlotte Tilbury NEW! Hollywood Beauty Icon Lipstick in Icon Baby: This lipstick is a warm, nude-rose shade that will give your pout a glimmering, soft-pink flush.
• Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Lip Blur in Pillow Talk: This liquid lipstick is a cool-toned nude-pink shade that suits everyone.
• Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Lip Blur in Pillow Talk Medium Blur: For a deeper, sweeter lipstick look, this liquid lipstick is a berry-rose shade.
• Vieve Modern Matte Lipstick in Promise: This dusky rose nude lipstick is a more neutral take on pink wedding lips.
• MAC Matte Lipstick Velvet Teddy: This dark beige warm nude lipstick is a classic shade that suits everyone.
• Pat McGrath Labs MatteTrance Lipstick in Christy: This pinky nude lipstick is the shade that Adele wore on the cover of Vogue in late 2021.
• Huda Beauty Power Bullet Matte Lipstick in Wedding Day: This lipstick has a highly pigmented formula and a cushiony plush-matte finish.
• Max Factor Colour Elixir Lipstick with Vitamin E in Toasted Almond: This nude lipstick has a satin finish and a hint of pink, for a ‘your lips but better’ look.
• Bobbi Brown Crushed Creamy Colors for Lips & Cheeks in Latte: This lip and cheek formula is a buildable creamy formula that blends in seamlessly for a soft haze of glassy colour. Latte is a peachy brown colour that looks gorgeous on deeper skin tones.
• Charlotte Tilbury Kissing Lipstick in Bitch Perfect: This is a gorgeous nude-toned lipstick with a hint of peach and a subtle satin finish.
• Glossier Ultralip in Villa: This lightweight balm-lipstick hybrid is a comfortable yet chic dusty rose shade.
• Fenty Beauty Icon Semi-Matte Refillable Lipstick in Scholar Sista: This rosy nude lipstick will suit all skin tones.
• Code8 Beauty Colour Brilliance Lipstick in The Met: This lipstick has a long-lasting, vibrant colour payoff and a creamy texture.
• Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector: This gloss-lipstick hybrid is a non-sticky, gently shimmering gloss that makes lips look kissable and plump.
• Estée Lauder Pure Color Revitalizing Crystal Balm in Caring Crystal: This lipstick has a fuchsia meets ruby hue for a bold wash of pink.
• Emolyne Intense Colour Semi-Matte Lipstick in Lagos: This lipstick has a semi-matte hue and comes in stunning glittering gold packaging.
• Dior Addict Lip Glow Colour Awakening Lip Balm in Cherry: This lipstick has a balm-like texture and leaves a pretty glaze of red.
• La Perla Beauty Satin Lip Balm in Bitten Lips: This lipstick feels like a balm but gives the colour of a lipstick bullet.
• NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil Dragon Girl: This punchy red shade is Taylor Swift’s lipstick of choice.
• Dear Dahlia Paradise Dream Velvet Lip Mousse in Teddy: This lipstick has a mousse texture and is a burnt orange shade.
• Lancôme L’Absolu Rouge Intimatte in 888: This is a creamy, wearable red with a hint of pink.
• E.l.f. O Face Satin Lipstick in Vocal: This affordable lipstick comes in 20 different colours.

Frequently asked questions