Lyla Dejesus
Doing your own makeup for your wedding can be a great way to save money and ensure you get the look you want. However, it's not without its challenges. Here are some things to consider if you're thinking of doing your own wedding makeup:
- Practice is key. Do a few trial runs beforehand and take photos in different lighting to see how the makeup looks.
- Consider the weather and location of your wedding when choosing products. For example, if you're having an outdoor wedding in the summer, you might need to use different products than if you're having an indoor wedding in the winter.
- Stick to what you know. It's not the time to experiment with new looks or products. Go for a natural look that enhances your features.
- Choose long-wearing and waterproof products to ensure your makeup lasts through the ceremony and celebrations.
- Don't forget to consider the photography. Avoid products with SPF as they can create a white cast in photos.
- Take your time on the big day. Allow plenty of time to do your makeup and do it before you get dressed to avoid any spills or smudges.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Advantages | More control over your look, saves time and money, can be fun |
| Disadvantages | Stressful, requires skill and practice, can be time-consuming |
| Skin preparation | Use lightweight, hydrating and illuminating skincare products, avoid shine on T-zone, cheeks and forehead |
| Makeup products | Long-wear, long-lasting, waterproof, avoid SPF, HD, anti-aging, use setting spray |
| Makeup application | Practice, blend, neutral colours, natural look, avoid trends, avoid black eye shadow, use brow gel, use damp sponge for foundation, blend foundation past jawline, use concealer that matches skin tone, use false lashes, contour subtly, use highlighter, matte formula |
| Other | Consider weather, location, colour scheme, style, do makeup before getting dressed, allow enough time, do makeup before hair |
What You'll Learn
Prepping your skin
Good makeup starts with good skincare. To ensure your skin is prepped and ready for your wedding makeup, there are several steps you can take.
See a Dermatologist
If you can, book an appointment with a dermatologist. They will be able to address any specific skin concerns and create a tailored skincare regimen for you. This might include a face wash, an antioxidant serum with vitamin C, a moisturizer, a zinc-based sunscreen, and a vitamin A or alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA)-based cream. If you have concerns about dark circles, crepey skin, or puffiness around the eyes, an eye cream can also help.
Injectable Treatments
If you are considering injectable treatments like Botox or fillers, it is recommended to start the process at least six months before your wedding. This will give you time to see how your skin responds and make any necessary adjustments.
Peels and Lasers
About six months before your wedding, you can start skin treatments such as peels or lasers that promote cell turnover and give your skin a healthy glow. Antioxidant serums and retinols can enhance the results and speed up recovery.
Exfoliate and Moisturize
One month before the wedding, focus on exfoliating and moisturizing your body. Use chemical exfoliation products with AHA or beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) to break down dead cells and allow better penetration of the moisturizer. Avoid physical exfoliants like scrubs, loofahs, or brushes, as these can damage and dehydrate the skin.
Stick to Your Routine
In the final weeks leading up to your wedding, stick to the skincare routine that has been working for you. Avoid experimenting with new products or treatments to prevent any unexpected reactions.
Final Facial
About a week before the wedding, get a final facial. This should focus on hydration and avoiding any extractions or peels that might irritate the skin. Oxygen therapy, hydrating serums, and ultrasound modalities can help decrease puffiness and ensure your skin looks glowing.
Hydration and Soothing
The day before your wedding, focus on delivering layers of hydration and soothing ingredients to your skin. Look for products with hyaluronic acid or ingredients that support your skin's natural barrier. Calm, moisturized, and firm skin will provide an excellent base for your wedding makeup.
Water-Based Skincare
On your wedding day, use water-based skincare products rather than oil- or silicone-heavy formulas. Water-based formulas are lightweight, non-greasy, and allow for better pigment lock-in for your foundation. They are also less likely to pill or separate your makeup, so you can apply layers of product without interruption.
Simple Morning Routine
On the morning of your wedding, start with a simple, hydrating cleanser. Follow with a water-based hydrating serum, and then lock in the moisture with a lightweight "daytime" moisturizer. Don't forget to apply SPF, even if your wedding is in the evening or indoors. Finish with a primer—opt for a hydrating primer if you have dry skin, or a mattifying primer if your skin is oily.
Extras
To take your wedding morning routine up a notch, consider using a chilled gel under-eye mask to reduce any puffiness. Gua Sha is also a great option for calming the skin and reducing any mental stress.
What to Avoid
In the days leading up to your wedding, avoid exfoliating scrubs and sunless tanners, and do not try any new skincare products. Exfoliating scrubs can be too harsh, while sunless tanners may not give you the desired result. New skincare products could potentially cause a reaction, so it's best to stick to what you know.
By following these steps and tailoring them to your specific skin needs, you will be able to achieve a beautiful, glowing canvas for your wedding makeup.
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Choosing the right products
Skin Prep
Start by preparing your skin with the right skincare products. Look for lightweight, hydrating, and illuminating skincare that will create a perfect base for your makeup. Avoid excessive shine in the T-zone, centre of the forehead, and cheeks, as this can be too shiny under camera flash. Consider using a moisturiser, such as Embryolisse Hydra Mat Emulsion, to combat shine throughout the day. If you're prone to oily skin, opt for a gel moisturiser instead of a cream formula. A mattifying primer is also a good idea to create a smooth base for your makeup, like the Smashbox Photo Finish Oil & Shine Control Matte Primer.
Foundation and Concealer
For your foundation, choose a product that promises a flawless, natural matte finish with long-wearing capabilities, like the Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation. Opt for a shade that matches your skin tone, especially if you plan to fake tan for your wedding. You can also mix different shades to create your perfect match. Consider a full-coverage, lightweight formula that will stay in place for hours, like the Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation. As for concealer, the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer is a smooth and long-lasting option.
Blush and Bronzer
When it comes to blush, apply slightly more than you think you need, as it tends to get washed out in photos. A cream blush formula will give you a natural, lit-from-within glow. Milk's Matte Bronzer in Deep Bronze is a great option for contouring, as it's a neutral shade that sets beautifully without moving your foundation.
Setting Powder
To set your liquid makeup, a setting powder like the Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder will give you a soft, glowy look without being overly shimmery. It will also help prevent an overly mattified appearance and reduce the chances of flashback in photos.
Eyes
For a simple, natural eye look, stick to warm-toned shades that are a few shades deeper than your skin tone. The NARS Voyageur Eyeshadow Palette Mini offers super-pigmented shades that blend seamlessly. If you want to define your eyes further, try a liquid eyeliner like the Stila Cosmetics Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner. For lashes, consider using an eyelash curler before applying mascara. You can also add false lashes for extra volume and length, such as the Ardell Wispies Lashes.
Lips
For your lips, start by lining them with a lip liner that matches your natural lip shade or is just a bit deeper. Charlotte Tilbury's Lip Cheat Lip Liner in Pillow Talk is a great option. Then, fill in your lips with a lipstick or lip gloss in your desired shade. For a satin finish and moisturising formula, try the L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Lipcolour.
Finishing Touches
Finally, lock in your makeup with a setting spray, like the Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray. This will help extend the wear of your makeup and give you a radiant finish.
Remember, it's essential to test and practice your full makeup look before your wedding day to ensure you're happy with the products and application.
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Practice makes perfect
Start Early: Give yourself plenty of time to practice your wedding makeup look. This will allow you to experiment with different products and techniques and find what works best for you. Start by doing a few trial runs a few months before your wedding, and then do another trial run closer to the big day.
Know Your Skin: Understanding your skin type and what products work best for you is crucial. If you have dry skin, make sure to moisturize well before applying makeup. If you have oily skin, opt for matte finishes and oil-free products.
Prime and Prep: A good primer will help create a smooth base for your makeup and ensure it lasts all day. Choose a primer that suits your skin type, and don't forget to use an eye primer as well to prevent creasing.
Blend, Blend, Blend: Blending is key to achieving a flawless finish. Take the time to blend your foundation, concealer, and contour to avoid any harsh lines. Pay particular attention to blending past your jawline and down your neck and chest to avoid any noticeable differences in colour.
Enhance Your Natural Features: The goal of your wedding makeup is to enhance your natural beauty. Stick to a look that you're comfortable with and that makes you feel like yourself. If you usually wear nude eye shadows, bump it up with a shimmery shade, but avoid trying a completely new look.
Waterproof and Long-Lasting Formulas: Opt for waterproof and long-lasting formulas to ensure your makeup stays put through tears, hugs, and dancing. Look for products labelled "long-wear", "long-lasting", and "waterproof".
Practice with Photography: Take photos of your makeup trials under different lighting conditions (natural light, flash photography, etc.) to see how your makeup will look in photos. This will help you adjust your look and avoid any unflattering surprises on the big day.
Don't Overdo the Contouring: Contouring can easily go wrong, especially in photos and videos. If you choose to contour, use a powder palette and build the depth slowly to avoid a harsh look.
Finish with Setting Spray: Once you're happy with your makeup look, finish it off with a setting spray to ensure it lasts all day.
Remember, the key to perfecting your DIY wedding makeup is to practice, practice, practice. So, give yourself plenty of time to experiment and find what works best for you.
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Blending is key
Blending is a key part of achieving a flawless makeup application. This is especially important on your wedding day, when you want to ensure your makeup looks perfect in person and in photos. Here are some tips and tricks for blending like a pro:
Tools
The tools you use for blending can vary depending on the area of the face and the products you are using. Makeup sponges, brushes, and your fingers can all be used for blending.
Makeup Sponges
Makeup sponges are a popular tool for blending foundation and other liquid or cream products. To use a makeup sponge for blending, run it under water and squeeze out the excess water before use. This will help soften the application and allow the product to blend more easily. When using a sponge, bounce it against your skin instead of dragging it to create a streak-free finish.
Brushes
Makeup brushes are ideal for blending eyeshadow, bronzer, blush, and other powder products. When using a brush for blending, use small circular motions to create a seamless finish. If using a brush for liquid or cream products, apply the product to the back of your hand first to warm up the formula, which will help it blend more smoothly.
Fingers
Your fingers can also be used to blend cream and liquid products. Use less product than you would with a brush or sponge, as your fingers will not absorb any product. Tap and press the product into your skin, avoiding swiping motions, which can cause streaking. Be sure to wash your hands before using them for blending.
Technique
When blending your makeup, be sure to check it from different angles, including from the side, to ensure you haven't missed any lines of demarcation. Pay particular attention to blending your jawline and neck to ensure your foundation looks seamless and natural.
Practice
Blending takes practice, so be sure to allow yourself time to experiment before your wedding day. Try different tools and techniques to see what works best for you and your products. With a little patience and persistence, you'll be blending like a pro in no time!
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The finishing touches
- Setting spray: Use a setting spray to make your makeup last longer and control shine. Spray it between each layer of makeup and again once you've finished your look.
- Blotting papers/sheets: Blotting papers or sheets are a must-have to control shine and absorb excess oil, especially if you have oily skin. They're a great alternative to constantly applying more powder.
- Powder: A light dusting of setting powder will help to seal your makeup and prevent creasing. Focus on areas that tend to get oily, such as the T-zone.
- Touch-up kit: Create a bridal touch-up kit with essential products to freshen up your look throughout the day. Include items such as blotting papers, cotton buds, pressed powder, a powder brush, concealer, lipstick/gloss, eyeliner, blusher, and a multi-use balm.
- False lashes: If you're wearing false lashes, carry lash adhesive in your touch-up kit to fix any misplaced lashes and hold them securely in place.
- Setting powder: A light dusting of setting powder will help to seal your makeup and prevent creasing.
- Waterproof mascara: Opt for a waterproof mascara, especially if you think you'll shed a few tears during the day.
- Lip products: To ensure your lip colour lasts, use a lip liner to fill in your entire lip as a base, then apply your chosen lipstick or gloss on top.
- Body makeup: If you're wearing a dress that reveals parts of your body, such as your shoulders or back, consider applying body makeup to these areas to ensure a consistent and polished look.
- Practice: Finally, practice applying your chosen look several times before the big day to ensure you're confident and happy with the result.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends. If you're confident in your makeup skills and want full control over your look, doing your own wedding makeup can be a great option. However, if you're a novice or unsure where to start, hiring a professional might be a better choice.
Doing your own wedding makeup can save you money and time. It also ensures that you have full control over your look and can create something that makes you feel comfortable and like yourself.
Start by researching and practising your desired look well in advance. Choose lightweight, hydrating skincare products, and avoid too much shine. Stick to classic, timeless looks instead of following trends. Use long-wear and waterproof products to make your makeup last all day. Practise taking photos with different lighting and camera flashes to ensure your makeup photographs well.
Don't stray too much from your usual makeup routine, and avoid using too many new products. Blend your makeup thoroughly, especially your foundation, bronzer, and contour. Avoid using too much highlighter or contour, as it can look harsh in photos. Stay away from HD or anti-aging products, and be cautious with SPF, as they can cause an unflattering white cast in photos.
It's best to stick with products you know and trust. Use a lightweight moisturiser, primer, and foundation. Choose a concealer that matches your skin tone, and set it with a yellow-tinted powder. For eyes, go for a natural look with a wash of colour or shimmer. Use waterproof mascara and consider individual false lashes for a subtle accent. Finish with a matte bronzer, a soft blush, and a lip stain or satin lipstick.
