Perfect Wedding Makeup: Avoiding Common Blunders

There are many ways to avoid ruining your wedding makeup, from the preparation to the products you use. Firstly, it's important to book a makeup trial to ensure you're happy with the look and that you and your makeup artist are on the same page. You should also avoid experimenting with new products, as you don't want to risk a reaction. Instead, stick to tried-and-tested formulas, and always opt for waterproof and long-lasting options, especially when it comes to mascara, eyeliner and foundation. It's also a good idea to keep a touch-up kit close by, so you can easily fix any tears or smudges.

Always opt for waterproof mascara and eyeliner

Waterproof mascara and eyeliner are essential for avoiding makeup mishaps on your wedding day. Even if you think you're not going to cry, it's always better to be prepared for anything, especially tears!

The eyes are the first part of your makeup that will be affected by tears. As your eyes flood, your eyeliner and mascara will become damp with each blink, and before you know it, you'll have smudged black mascara and disarrayed eyeshadow. The best remedy is to always opt for waterproof mascara and eyeliner. This will prevent the product from smearing across your face as you wipe away your tears.

If you're worried about your lower eyeliner and mascara, you can also use a setting spray to lock everything into place. This will ensure that your makeup stays put, even if you need to touch up other areas of your face.

There are plenty of affordable, high-quality waterproof mascaras on the market. For example, Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Mascara and L'Oréal's Voluminous Volume Building Waterproof Mascara are great options that won't break the bank.

Remember, your wedding day is an emotional event, and you'll want your makeup to last through the tears, hugs, and dances. So, always opt for waterproof mascara and eyeliner to keep your look flawless from the ceremony to the after-party!

Choose a long-lasting foundation

When it comes to your wedding day, you'll want to make sure your makeup stays put, especially your foundation. To avoid your makeup running, choose a long-lasting foundation that's designed for your skin type.

The right foundation will give you a flawless finish that lasts all day. But choosing a cheap or poor-coverage foundation won't protect your makeup from tears or the effects of a long day. So, what should you consider when selecting a long-lasting foundation for your wedding day?

First, identify your skin type—is it oily, dry, combination, or sensitive? This will help you choose a foundation that will give you an "all-day flawless look". If you're unsure, consult a dermatologist or esthetician, or speak to a makeup artist.

Next, consider the coverage, finish, and longevity you want to achieve. Most bridal foundations fall into the medium-to-full coverage category, but you may prefer lighter coverage for a summer or destination wedding. If you have normal or mature skin, less is more. A full-coverage foundation is ideal if you have textured skin or blemishes.

When it comes to finish, this will depend on your skin type. Oily skin types will prefer a matte finish, while dry skin will benefit from something more hydrating and glowy. If you have normal to combination skin, you have the flexibility to choose whichever finish you desire.

To ensure your foundation lasts all day, don't forget to use a primer and setting powder. These products will help to smooth the skin, prolong the wear of your foundation, and prevent unwanted creases.

• Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Flawless Oil-Free Foundation
• Saie Glowy Super Skin Weightless Hydrobounce™ Serum Foundation
• Too Faced Born This Way Natural Finish Longwear Liquid Foundation
• Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter
• L'Oreal Paris Infallible 24HR Fresh Wear Foundation with SPF 25
• Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Liquid Foundation
• Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation
• Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick
• KVD Beauty Good Apple Lightweight Full-Coverage Cream Foundation Balm
• NARS Radiant Longwear Foundation

Keep a touch-up kit close by

Keeping a touch-up kit close by is a great way to ensure your makeup stays flawless throughout your wedding day. It's a long day, and you want to look picture-perfect from the ceremony through to the after-party. A touch-up kit is a simple way to ensure you can fix your makeup quickly in the bathroom if you don't have a professional makeup artist on hand.

So, what should you include in your touch-up kit? Firstly, it's a good idea to have a little bit of everything you used when you first applied your makeup. This way, you can easily fix any smudges or smears and blend your makeup seamlessly. It's also a good idea to include a few key products that will help you maintain your look.

For example, if you're wearing false eyelashes, pack a small tube of lash glue in your touch-up kit. This will ensure that you can easily reattach any errant lashes without having to do a full eye re-do. Similarly, if you're wearing lipstick, pack a lip liner and a sheer coat of lipstick to maintain your pout throughout the day. If you're wearing lip gloss, a lip gloss-specific lip balm can help you maintain a glossy look without having to reapply the gloss itself.

Blotting papers are another great addition to your touch-up kit. They will help you control any shine that may appear throughout the day, especially in photos. You can also use them to gently blot away any tears without disturbing your makeup. If you're wearing foundation, a beauty sponge is a must-have for touch-ups. This will help you blend any additional foundation or concealer seamlessly into your skin.

Finally, don't forget to pack a small compact mirror in your touch-up kit. This will allow you to make precise adjustments to your makeup and ensure you look flawless from every angle. With a well-stocked touch-up kit, you can confidently enjoy your wedding day, knowing that any makeup mishaps can be easily fixed.

Avoid too much blush

Blush is a key part of any bridal makeup look, but it's easy to go overboard. Here are some tips to avoid using too much blush on your wedding day:

• Opt for a soft shade of pink or a universally flattering shade like coral. These colours will give you a natural-looking flush that complements your skin tone.
• Use a stippling brush to apply your blush. This type of brush picks up a small amount of colour and blends it seamlessly into your base makeup, helping to create a subtle, natural look.
• Remember that you'll likely have a natural flush on your wedding day due to nerves. Take this into account when applying blush, and consider starting with a small amount, then building up if needed.
• If you feel you've applied too much blush, use the foundation brush you used for your base to tone it down. This will help create a more subtle, natural look.
• Practice your bridal makeup look a few times before the big day, including the blush. This will help you perfect the application and ensure you don't use too much on your wedding day.
• Consider the lighting and setting of your wedding. If you're having an outdoor wedding in the middle of the day, for example, you may want to use less blush to avoid it looking too bright in natural light.
• Ask for feedback from a trusted friend or family member after doing a trial run of your bridal makeup, including the blush. They can give you an honest opinion on whether you're using too much or if it looks natural.
• If you're still unsure, consider booking a professional makeup artist for your wedding day. They will have the experience to know how much blush to apply and can create a natural, radiant look.

Book a makeup trial

Booking a makeup trial for your wedding is a crucial step in achieving your dream bridal look. Here are some detailed tips and suggestions to guide you through the process:

Timing is Key

It is recommended to schedule your makeup trial three to six months before your wedding day. This allows enough time to test different looks and make any necessary changes. While you might be eager to book immediately after getting engaged, it's best to first finalize your wedding date, venue, and dress. The style of your dress and the setting of your venue will influence the formality and overall aesthetic of your makeup.

Research and Communication

Finding the right makeup artist for your wedding is essential. Bridal makeup artists are in high demand and often book up months in advance, so early planning is crucial. Ensure that your chosen artist specializes in bridal makeup and understands the unique considerations of wedding day makeup. Communicate your expectations clearly and ask questions to understand their process, products, and experience.

Bring Inspiration

Before your trial, gather some inspirational images of makeup looks that you admire. Consider creating a mood board or a collection of photos that speak to the style you want to achieve. This will help your makeup artist understand your vision and make tailored suggestions.

Prepare for the Trial

On the day of your trial, arrive with clean skin and a fresh face. Wear a white top similar to your wedding dress, and bring along any accessories you plan to wear, such as earrings or a headpiece. If you have specific makeup products that you love and want to use on your wedding day, bring them with you to the trial.

Be Open and Honest

During the trial, be open and honest with your feedback. If there's something you would like to change or adjust, speak up. A good makeup artist will listen to your opinions and work collaboratively with you to create your dream bridal look. Remember, the trial is the perfect opportunity to ensure you are happy and confident with your wedding day makeup.

Consider the Cost

The cost of a makeup trial can vary depending on the artist's experience and location. On average, trials range from $50 to $200 or more. Generally, the trial should not exceed half of the wedding day price. Some artists may include the trial in their bridal package, while others may charge separately for it.

Booking a makeup trial is an important step in achieving your desired wedding day look. It ensures that you and your makeup artist are on the same page and allows for any necessary adjustments. By following these tips, you can confidently create a beautiful and memorable bridal look.

Frequently asked questions