
Doing your own wedding makeup can be a great way to save money and ensure you get the look you want. However, it requires careful planning and practice. When doing your own makeup, it's important to consider the style and setting of your wedding, the photographer's aesthetic, and the longevity of your makeup. You'll also want to make sure your makeup photographs well and that you have all the necessary products and tools. Practising your desired look and timing yourself are crucial steps in achieving flawless DIY wedding makeup.
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What You'll Learn

Skin preparation
Consult a Dermatologist
Firstly, if you have any skin concerns or sensitivities, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist. They can recommend special treatments or products to avoid, ensuring your skin prep is tailored to your specific needs.
Set Skin Goals
Before beginning your skincare routine, set specific goals. Are you aiming to reduce acne, smooth wrinkles, or achieve a radiant glow? This will guide your product choices and help you focus on specific areas of concern.
Facials and Masks
In the weeks leading up to your wedding, treat your skin to facials and masks. These can provide your skin with a boost of nutrients and moisture. Ask your esthetician for recommendations to avoid redness and breakouts. Try out different masks a few months in advance, and use the most effective ones in the week leading up to your wedding.
Water-Based Skincare
Celebrity makeup artist Daniel Martin, who did Meghan Markle's wedding makeup, recommends water-based skincare products. These provide lightweight hydration without feeling greasy. Water-based formulas also create an ideal base for your makeup, locking down the pigment of your foundation and allowing for seamless layering.
Hydrating Serums and Moisturizers
Focus on hydration by using hydrating serums and lightweight moisturizers. Hyaluronic acid is a key ingredient to look for, as it provides deep hydration and supports the skin's natural barrier. Apply your serum a few hours before your makeup to allow your skin to fully absorb its benefits, then lock them in with a moisturizer.
Sunscreen and Facial Cleanser
If you plan to spend time outdoors, don't forget to apply a facial sunscreen about an hour before your makeup application. On the morning of your wedding, start with a hydrating facial cleanser and lukewarm water to prepare your skin for the upcoming steps.
Remember, it is important to establish a consistent skincare routine in the months leading up to your wedding. Trial different products and find what works best for your skin. This will ensure your skin is at its best and ready for your wedding makeup!
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Choosing the right products
Firstly, consider the longevity of your makeup. Your wedding day is likely to be a long and emotional day, so you need a look that will last. Opt for long-wearing products that will stay put with minimal touch-ups. A long-wearing foundation is a must, and a good setting spray will help lock everything in place. If you're planning on happy tears, don't forget to choose a waterproof mascara!
Next, think about the finish you want to achieve. Do you prefer a matte or dewy look? For a natural, glowing appearance, a subtle matte finish can be a great option. To achieve this, a primer can be a helpful base product. Try a combination of Charlotte Tilbury's Wander Glow Primer and Nars' radiance primer—the Nars primer also contains SPF, which is always a bonus! Armani's Luminous Silk foundation is another excellent choice for a natural, glowing look.
If you want to add a dewy glow, be mindful of the potential for your makeup to slip and slide, especially if you're not using a powder. A good alternative is to use a setting powder to ensure your makeup stays in place. A contouring product can also help define your features and give you a more chiselled appearance. Charlotte Tilbury's contour wand is a fantastic liquid option that blends easily and looks very natural when applied correctly.
When it comes to blush, don't skip this step! Blush brings life back to the skin and will look gorgeous in person and in photos. As for lipstick, finding the right shade can be a challenge. MAC offers a wide range of colours and finishes, so you can experiment and find your perfect wedding lip colour. If you prefer a glossy look, Iconic London's lip oil is a great option to apply over your lipstick or liner.
Lastly, don't forget to consider the photography aspect. Avoid products that cause flashback with flash photography, and always test this in advance. You may need to apply a little more makeup than usual so that it shows up well in photos.
Remember to allow yourself plenty of time to experiment and practice your desired look. Choosing the right products will ensure you feel confident and beautiful on your wedding day!
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Application techniques
The first step is to ensure your skin is thoroughly cleansed and moisturised. This will ensure your makeup stays on all day and provide a great base to work on. You can use an eye cream, such as the Eborian ginseng eye cream, and a moisturiser like La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Cream or Bobbi Brown's Hydrating Moisturiser.
Primer is the next step, and a combination of Charlotte Tilbury Wander Glow Primer and Nars' Radiance Primer is recommended. Apply the Wander Glow Primer all over your face, then use the Nars Radiance on the high points of your face, such as your cheekbones, eyebrow bone, and nose. The Nars primer contains SPF, which is always a good idea. Use your hands to apply the primer for a plump, glowy, and streak-free look.
For foundation, Armani Luminous Silk is a good option for a glowing, natural look. It gives a subtle matte finish that photographs well. When applying foundation, remember to go a little heavier than usual so that it shows up in photographs.
Contouring is a great way to define your facial features and give them a chiselled look. The Charlotte Tilbury contour wand is a good option for this, as its liquid formula is easy to blend and looks natural when applied correctly. Apply the product to the back of your hand first to control the amount of product, then use a large blending brush to apply it to the hollows of your cheeks, temples, and jawline.
Blush is important as it brings life back to the skin and gives a pretty, natural look. Apply it after your foundation for the best results.
Finally, set and lock in all your products with a finishing powder to ensure your makeup stays in place. If you want a dewy look, be mindful that this can cause your makeup to slip and slide, so consider using a powder to keep it in place.
Remember to practice your desired look and allow yourself plenty of time to get ready on the day.
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Longevity and setting
If you're doing your own wedding makeup, it's important to consider the longevity of your chosen products and application techniques. Wedding days can be long, emotional affairs, and you'll want your makeup to last from the ceremony to the last dance.
To ensure your makeup stays in place, it's crucial to start with a well-prepped canvas. A good skincare routine is essential, and you should begin long before the wedding day. Exfoliate your skin one to two days before the wedding to get rid of any dry, flaky patches and create a smooth surface for your makeup. On the wedding day, after exfoliating, apply a hydrating face mask, followed by a hydrating serum, and finish with a moisturiser. These steps will not only help your makeup last longer but will also provide a barrier between your skin and the makeup, preventing absorption and counteracting any dryness that could cause your makeup to crack or flake.
Primer is another key step in creating a long-lasting base for your makeup. Primers help create a gripping effect that enhances the longevity and coverage of your makeup. Choose a primer that suits your skin type. For example, if you have oily skin, opt for a lightweight oil control moisturiser or a spray moisturiser. If you tend to get dry skin, ensure you use something hydrating. For combination skin, use an oil control product in your T-zone or wherever you get shiny, and a moisture-rich foundation for drier areas.
When it comes to foundation, a matte finish is likely to last longer than a dewy or glowing look. If you prefer a radiant finish, you can still achieve this while maximising wear time by using a combination of primers. For example, apply a glow primer all over your face and a radiance primer on the high points, such as your cheekbones, eyebrow bones, and nose.
After you've applied your base makeup, it's time to set it. Use a light dusting of setting powder to prevent unwanted creases and to keep your makeup looking natural and fresh. If you have oily skin and want to use cream blushes or highlighters, set them with a powder alternative on top. Filling in your lips with a lip pencil before applying lipstick will also give your lips extra staying power.
Finally, lock in your makeup with a setting spray. This will make your look last longer, avoid a caked-on effect, and prevent your makeup from transferring. You can even try spraying it on between steps for extra longevity—after foundation and before powder, then again once your makeup is complete.
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Photography considerations
Makeup for wedding photography differs from makeup for other occasions. Here are some photography considerations for your wedding makeup:
- Lighting and Flash Photography: Understand the lighting conditions at your wedding and whether your photographer will be using flash. Flash photography can react differently with certain makeup products, making reflective products appear brighter or creating a white cast on your face. Consider the products you will be using and how they will interact with light.
- Photographer's Style: The photographer's style and editing approach can impact how your makeup will appear in photos. Discuss their style with them beforehand, and consider adapting your makeup accordingly. For example, if they have a ""light and bright" style, heavier makeup may be necessary to avoid appearing washed out.
- Product Choice and Application: Choose long-lasting products that will enhance your features in photos. Consider using a primer, setting spray, and setting powder to ensure your makeup stays in place throughout the day's events. Additionally, apply your makeup in natural light, and consider adding definition to your eyes and lips to make your features pop on camera.
- Skin Care and Preparation: In the weeks leading up to your wedding, focus on skincare to create a healthy base for your makeup. Exfoliate, moisturize, and use products that suit your skin tone to avoid any unexpected reactions.
- Retouching and Editing: Discuss retouching and editing expectations with your photographer. Understand their retouching policy and communicate any specific requests or insecurities you may have.
- Trials and Tests: Conduct trial runs of your makeup and take test pictures in various lighting scenarios to ensure you are comfortable with the look and how it photographs. This is especially important if you are doing your own makeup or working with a new makeup artist.
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