Creating the perfect wedding makeup look is a daunting task, but with the right products and a bit of practice, it can be done. The key to achieving a flawless look is to start with a well-prepped canvas – the skin. It is important to establish a solid skincare routine in the lead-up to the wedding and on the day, a light moisturiser is essential. A primer is also a must-have to ensure the makeup stays in place all day. When it comes to foundation, it is best to opt for a product that will give a natural, glowing look, such as Armani Luminous Silk foundation. For a full-coverage look, try Glow Wish by Huda Beauty. Be sure to apply foundation gradually, starting with a thin layer and building up as needed. Concealer can then be used to cover any blemishes or dark circles, and a small amount can also be applied to the eyelids to create a smooth base for eyeshadow. For a defined look, contouring can be applied to the hollows of the cheeks, temples and jawline. Setting powder is an important step to lock in the base and prevent shine, especially in photos. For eyeshadow, warm tones are a good choice for a natural look, and a brown pencil liner can be smudged out to create a soft, elongated eye. Waterproof mascara is a must for a teary wedding day. Blush adds a healthy glow, and bronzer can be used to add warmth to the face. Highlighter can be applied to the high points of the face for an extra glow. Finally, a long-lasting lipstick will ensure the look stays put, with a lip liner to define the shape and seal it all in.

Characteristics of Perfect Wedding Makeup

Prep your skin

Prepping your skin is the most important step in achieving perfect wedding makeup. Start by cleansing your skin thoroughly, ensuring you have a great canvas to work with. This will help your makeup stay on all day. A gentle exfoliating cleanser is a good option, but avoid harsh scrubs.

Next, apply a light moisturiser to plump and hydrate the skin. Eye cream is also a good idea to prevent any flakiness or dryness around the eyes throughout the day.

Primer is a must for wedding makeup. It will help your makeup stay put through the ceremony, dancing, tears and toasts. Apply a small amount after moisturising, using your hands to ensure a streak-free finish.

Tone your skin to dissolve dead cells, and don't forget to wear lip balm in the days leading up to your wedding to ensure your lips are hydrated and smooth.

If you're doing your own makeup, now is not the time to change your skincare routine. Stick to what you know, and if you usually exfoliate, opt for a gentle formula.

Choose the right foundation

Skin Tone and Undertone

Your skin tone and undertone are key factors when choosing the right foundation. Makeup companies use their own terminology to describe their makeup colours, so it's best to think broadly in terms of the range from "fair" to "medium" to "deep".

Your skin's undertones – cool or warm – are also a factor when choosing both matching and complementary colours. A quick trick to determine your undertone is to hold a piece of silver and gold jewellery to the back of your hand. If the silver disappears into your skin, you have a cool undertone. If the gold vanishes, you have a warm undertone.

Application

Primer is required before foundation to ensure your makeup holds up throughout the day. After applying primer, allow it to dry before moving on to foundation. Foundation should be applied in thin layers, starting from the middle of your face and blending outward using a foundation brush. Pay close attention to blending beneath your jaw and on your neck to avoid any visible lines.

The right shade of foundation will disappear into your skin. To test, dip a Q-tip into the foundation and apply it to the centre of your lower jawline.

Don't cake on foundation – it will look overdone and is likely to smear or streak.

Type of Foundation

For a glowing look that mimics the natural appearance of skin, a lightweight foundation such as Armani Luminous Silk foundation is a good option. It gives a lovely subtle matte finish that looks amazing on camera.

If you want more of a full-coverage look that's still radiant, try Glow Wish by Huda Beauty.

For a dewy look that's not too matte in photos, an airbrush foundation is a good option. Airbrush foundation is also water-resistant and transfer-resistant, so it'll last all day.

Longevity

Your wedding day is a long one, so longevity is key when it comes to foundation. A long-wearing foundation such as Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation will ensure your makeup stays in place for the full day.

Practice

Practising your wedding makeup look in advance will help you perfect your technique and choose the right products. It will also give you the confidence to create your look on the day.

Conceal and contour

Concealing and contouring are essential steps in achieving a flawless, glowing bridal makeup look. Here is a detailed guide to help you master these techniques for your wedding day or any other special occasion.

Concealer

• Choose a concealer that matches your skin tone: Opt for a concealer that is either the same shade as your skin or one shade lighter. This will help to brighten and even out your skin tone.
• Apply concealer after your foundation: Start by applying a thin layer of foundation all over your face. Then, use a concealer brush to dot your concealer on the inner and outer corners of your eyes, blending it upwards towards your hairline.
• Use concealer to hide blemishes and dark circles: After applying concealer to your eye area, use it to cover any red areas, spots, or dark circles around your nose and mouth. Gently pat the product into your skin with your index finger or a makeup sponge, blending it outward.
• Set your concealer with powder: If you need more coverage, apply a thin layer of powder on top of your concealer. This will help to set the product and create a smooth base for the rest of your makeup.
• Avoid rubbing or smearing: When applying concealer to blemishes, gently pat and blend the product instead of rubbing, as this can irritate the skin and remove the product.

Contouring

• Choose the right contour product: Opt for a contour product with a liquid formula, as it will be easier to blend and will look more natural. A contour wand or stick is a great option, as it allows for precise application.
• Apply contour to the hollows of your cheeks: Suck in your cheeks to find the hollows, and apply the contour product to this area. This will help define your cheekbones and give your face a more chiselled appearance.
• Work the product around your temples and jawline: Using a large blending brush, gently swirl the brush into the product on the back of your hand, then apply it to your temples and jawline using the same technique. Remember, less is more when it comes to contouring.
• Build and blend: Start with a small amount of product and gradually build up the intensity as needed. This will ensure a natural-looking contour that flatters your features.

By following these steps and practising in advance, you'll be well on your way to achieving a flawless and radiant bridal makeup look that will make you feel confident and beautiful on your special day.

Blush and bronzer

Bronzer and blush are key to achieving a sun-kissed, radiant bridal look. When applying bronzer, start with a light hand and build up the product gradually to avoid a cakey finish. Focus on the hollows of your cheeks, temples, jawline, and forehead, using a large blending brush in small circular motions. This will give your face a natural-looking definition and warmth.

For blush, a small amount goes a long way. Tap off any excess product from your brush before gently applying it to the apples of your cheeks, blending upwards and out towards your hairline. You can also add a small amount to the bridge of your nose for an extra sun-kissed effect. Choose a blush shade that complements your skin tone: fair skin with cool undertones pairs well with soft rose or baby pink hues, while fair skin with warm undertones is flattered by golden apricot or light peach. For medium skin with cool undertones, cranberry or light raspberry adds a pop of colour, and for medium skin with warm undertones, soft coral or sunkissed apricot creates a gorgeous glow. If you have deep skin with cool undertones, plum, grape, and raspberry shades are stunning, while deep skin with warm undertones is enhanced by rich brown suede or deep coral with a bronze touch.

Remember, you can always add more product, so start with a light application and build up to achieve your desired look.

Eyeshadow and eyeliner

Eyeshadow

Start by applying a primer to your eyelids. This will help your eyeshadow last longer and appear more vibrant. You can use a dedicated eyeshadow primer or a small amount of concealer. Next, choose an eyeshadow palette with shades that complement your eye colour. For green eyes, try bronze shades; for hazel eyes, opt for mocha; blue eyes will pop with navy and dark brown shades, while purple and grey shades will enhance brown eyes.

Using a small blending brush, apply a transition shade (a neutral shade that is slightly darker than your skin tone) to the crease of your eye and blend it in a windshield wiper motion. This will serve as a base for the rest of your eyeshadow and help with blending.

Now, it's time to add depth and dimension. Using a darker shade from your palette, apply this to the outer corner of your eyelid and blend it into the crease, focusing on the outer half. You can also bring this shade slightly onto the lower lash line for a smokey effect. Remember to build up the colour gradually, as it's easier to add more eyeshadow than to remove excess.

To brighten the inner corners of your eyes, apply a light, shimmery shade using your finger or a small brush. This will make your eyes appear larger and more awake.

Finally, sweep a large, clean eyeshadow brush across your eyelid to ensure that all the colours are blended seamlessly.

Eyeliner

When it comes to eyeliner, wedding experts recommend using colours other than black, such as brown, grey, or green, to create a softer look. You can use a pencil eyeliner or an eyeliner brush dipped in eyeshadow for a more subtle effect. Start by lining your upper lash line, then smudge the liner with a small brush to create a soft, smokey look. You can also tightline your upper lash line by lining the waterline, which will add definition without looking too harsh.

For the lower lash line, stick to brown eyeliner, as it will look the most natural. You can also use a dark eyeshadow shade and a small angled brush to line your lower lash line for a softer effect.

Finish off your eyeliner by creating a subtle wing or flick at the outer corner of your eye. This will elongate your eye shape and give a beautiful, bridal cat-eye effect.

Remember to practice your eye makeup a few times before your wedding day to perfect your technique and colour choices.

Frequently asked questions