Creating A Natural Wedding Makeup Look

Doing your own wedding makeup can be a great way to save money and achieve a look that is uniquely yours. However, it's important to consider the time and skill required to execute this task successfully. If you're thinking of doing your own wedding makeup, here's an introduction to help you decide if it's the right choice for you and some tips to help you achieve a flawless look.

First, assess your comfort level with makeup application. If you regularly do your own makeup and feel confident in your skills, doing your own wedding makeup may be a good option. On the other hand, if you're a novice or don't typically wear makeup, hiring a professional might be a better choice.

Next, consider the time commitment needed for DIY wedding makeup. It's not just about the application on the big day but also the practice and preparation beforehand. You'll need to dedicate time to research, product selection, and multiple trials to perfect your look.

If you decide to do your own wedding makeup, here are some key steps to follow:

- Start with skincare: Prepare your skin by cleansing and moisturising.

- Prime your face: Use a primer to create a smooth base and help your makeup last longer.

- Apply foundation: Choose a foundation that matches your skin tone and apply it evenly.

- Conceal and contour: Use concealer to cover any imperfections, and consider contouring to define your features.

- Set your makeup: Use a setting powder to lock everything in place and control shine.

- Enhance your eyes: Apply eyeshadow, eyeliner, and mascara. Don't forget to define your eyebrows.

- Add colour to your cheeks: Use blush to add a natural flush, and consider bronzer for a sun-kissed look.

- Highlight: Apply highlighter to the high points of your face for a radiant glow.

- Finish with lips: Choose a lip colour that complements your overall look, and consider using a lip liner for longer-lasting results.

Remember to practice your look multiple times before the wedding and allow extra time on the day for any touch-ups. With careful planning and execution, you can achieve a beautiful DIY wedding makeup look that makes you feel confident and radiant.

Skin prep

Cleanse and Moisturise

Start by cleansing your skin to remove any dirt and oils. It is important to choose a gentle cleanser suitable for your skin type. After cleansing, apply a hydrating moisturiser to ensure your skin is smooth and ready for makeup. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Cream and Bobbi Brown's Hydrating Moisturizer are recommended for plumping and hydrating the skin. Additionally, don't forget to use an eye cream to prevent any flakiness or dryness under the eyes. Eborian Ginseng Eye Cream is an excellent option.

Prime your Skin

Priming your skin is crucial for creating a smooth base and helping your makeup last longer. A combination of Charlotte Tilbury's Wander Glow Primer and Nars' Radiance Primer can give you a glowing, streak-free canvas for your makeup. Apply the Wander Glow Primer all over your face, followed by the Nars Radiance Primer on the high points of your face, such as your cheekbones, eyebrow bone, and nose.

Foundation

When it comes to foundation, opt for a product that will give you a glowing, natural look. Armani Luminous Silk Foundation provides a subtle matte finish that looks amazing in photographs. If you prefer more coverage, try Glow Wish by Huda Beauty, but remember to build up the product gradually to avoid a cakey appearance.

Concealer and Eye Primer

Choose a creamy concealer, such as Nars' Creamy Radiance, to hide any imperfections and brighten your under-eye area. Apply it to the inner and outer corners of your eyes, blending upwards towards your hairline. You can also use a small amount of concealer on your eyelids to create an even base for eyeshadow.

Contouring

Contouring is a great way to define your facial features and give them a more chiselled appearance. Charlotte Tilbury's Contour Wand is a liquid formula that blends easily and looks natural when applied correctly. Remember to use a light hand and build up the product gradually. Apply the contour to the hollows of your cheeks, temples, and jawline for a sculpted effect.

Setting Powder

Setting your makeup is crucial for wedding makeup to ensure it lasts all day. Charlotte Tilbury's Airbrush Flawless Finish powder is an excellent option for reducing shine and preventing the 'shiny forehead' effect in photos. Apply this powder under your eyes and in your T-zone to keep your makeup looking fresh.

By following these steps, you will have well-prepared skin that is ready for the rest of your wedding makeup look. Remember to choose products that suit your skin type and always practice your makeup look a few times before your big day to ensure perfection.

Choosing the right products

Know Your Skin Type

Understanding your skin type is crucial when selecting makeup products. Different skin types have different needs, so tailor your choices accordingly. If you have oily skin, opt for matte products to control shine, while dry skin will benefit from hydrating formulas. Combination skin needs a balance of both, and sensitive skin requires gentle, hypoallergenic products. By choosing products suited to your skin type, you'll achieve a radiant and long-lasting natural makeup look.

Select the Right Tools

Having the right tools, such as brushes and sponges, is vital for a successful DIY wedding makeup look. Invest in good-quality brushes for foundation, concealer, eyeshadow, and blush application. Sponges, like beauty blenders, are ideal for seamlessly blending foundation and concealer. Don't skimp on tools as they play a significant role in the overall finish and application of your makeup.

Choose Long-Lasting Products

For your wedding day, opt for long-wearing and waterproof products to ensure your makeup stays put. Choose a long-lasting foundation, setting powder, and waterproof eyeliner and mascara. A setting spray is also essential to lock everything in place and create a flawless finish. Additionally, consider the weather conditions and select products that will withstand the elements, whether it's a hot summer day or a chilly winter evening.

Practice and Experiment

Give yourself ample time to practice and experiment with different products. Start at least a few months in advance to perfect your technique and make any necessary adjustments. This is also an excellent opportunity to test out different looks and see what works best for you. Practice applying the products, blending, and creating the desired look. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel on your wedding day.

Seek Professional Advice

While you may be doing your own makeup, that doesn't mean you can't seek professional advice. Consult a makeup artist or beauty expert to gain insights into the best products for your skin type and desired look. They can guide you in choosing the right foundation shade, selecting long-wearing products, and creating a natural, radiant finish. Their expertise can help you avoid common mistakes and ensure you look flawless on your special day.

Practice and timing

Doing your own wedding makeup can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it requires practice and careful planning. Here are some tips to ensure your makeup looks flawless on your big day:

• Start Early: Begin practicing your wedding makeup look at least 3-4 months before the wedding. This will give you ample time to perfect your technique, experiment with different products, and make any necessary adjustments.
• Create a Schedule: On the day of the wedding, create a detailed schedule for your makeup application. Allow enough time for each step and factor in extra time for any touch-ups or last-minute changes.
• Practice Application: The key to mastering your wedding makeup is practice. Try different products, techniques, and tools to see what works best for you. Practice applying your makeup in the same order you will on the wedding day, including any touch-ups.
• Consider Lighting: Practice applying your makeup in different lighting conditions to ensure it looks good in photos and in person. Take photos with and without flash to see how your makeup photographs.
• Trial Run: Consider doing a full trial run of your wedding makeup, including timing yourself. This will help you refine your technique and identify any areas that need improvement. Ask a friend or family member to give you honest feedback.
• Skin Care: In the weeks leading up to your wedding, pay extra attention to your skin care routine. Well-prepped skin will ensure your makeup goes on smoothly and lasts longer. Exfoliate, hydrate, and protect your skin to create a flawless base for your makeup.
• Setting Spray: Invest in a good-quality setting spray to ensure your makeup lasts all day. Test different setting sprays to find one that works well with your skin type and makeup products.
• Touch-up Kit: Assemble a touch-up kit with essential products and tools for any last-minute touch-ups. Include items such as blotting papers, translucent powder, lipstick or lip gloss, and a small mirror.
• Stress Management: Doing your own wedding makeup can be stressful, especially if you're short on time. Consider doing your makeup in a quiet space to minimise distractions and give yourself some time to relax and focus.
• Backup Plan: While you may be confident in your ability to do your own makeup, it's always good to have a backup plan. Have a trusted friend or family member on standby who can assist with any last-minute touch-ups or help with any unexpected issues.

Longevity

The last thing any bride wants is for her makeup to slip and slide halfway through the wedding. Here are some tips to ensure your makeup stays put from the aisle to the dance floor.

Skin Prep

Celebrity makeup artist and Maybelline New York U.S. brand ambassador Melissa Hernandez says, "The key to a flawless, long-lasting base is skin prep." She recommends exfoliating one to two days before the wedding to get rid of dry, flaky patches and smooth the skin's surface. However, it's important not to try a new skincare product close to the wedding. Stick to your regular exfoliant or gently rub a warm, wet washcloth in circular motions all over your face to loosen any dead skin.

On the big day, after applying your skincare, go in with a primer. "Primers truly make all the difference when trying to achieve long-lasting results," says Hernandez. She recommends the Giorgio Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Hydrating Primer, which moisturises the skin and gives a subtle glow.

Long-Wearing Base

On the day of the wedding, assess your skin and choose products accordingly. If you have oily skin, opt for lightweight, oil-free products. If you have dry to normal skin, go for something richer. Maybelline has long-wearing foundation options for all skin types, including the cult-favorite Maybelline New York Fit Me Foundation, which comes in both matte and dewy formulas.

Apply your foundation in light layers, adding more only where you need extra coverage. Set it with a light dusting of translucent powder, focusing on your T-zone.

Layer and Set

To make your blush and contour last longer, apply a small amount of a liquid or cream product, then layer a matching powder on top. This seals in the formula and adds more pigment.

Waterproof Eye Makeup

To avoid smudged mascara in your wedding photos, opt for waterproof mascara and liner. Try the Lancôme Monsieur Big Waterproof Mascara and the Lancôme Idôle Liner, which provide 24-hour wear and inky definition.

Setting Spray

Use a setting spray like the Urban Decay All Nighter Vitamin C Setting Spray, which gives a transfer- and water-resistant finish, enhances the skin's glow, and extends the wear of your makeup by 16 hours. Spray it on after applying your foundation and before applying powder, then again once your makeup is complete.

Touch-Up Kit

Ask a friend or family member to keep a touch-up kit with essentials like concealer, lipstick, powder compact or blotting papers, and a mini setting spray. This will come in handy if you need to freshen up throughout the day.

Other Tips

• Choose a mobile makeup artist who can come to you and apply your makeup as close to the ceremony as possible.
• Stick to your tried-and-true skincare and makeup products. Avoid experimenting with new products close to the wedding.
• Practise your makeup look in the lead-up to the wedding to perfect your technique and identify what works best for you.
• On the day of the wedding, start with a clean slate. Cleanse and exfoliate to create a smooth canvas, and moisturise with an oil-free option to avoid grease build-up.
• Choose matte, long-wearing, and waterproof products.
• Avoid touching your face throughout the day to reduce the risk of smudging your makeup and transferring oils.
• Consider an elegant updo to keep your hair away from your face and reduce the need to constantly brush it aside.
• Keep blotting papers handy to absorb excess oil without disturbing your makeup.

Photography

When it comes to wedding makeup, the most important thing to consider is how it will look in photographs. Even if you're not planning on posing for any photos, chances are that you'll have a photographer capturing your big day, and your guests will likely be snapping pictures too. So, it's crucial to choose makeup that will look great in photos, whether it's a professional camera with a flash or your guests' phone cameras.

Avoid Reflective Products

One of the biggest considerations when it comes to wedding photography and makeup is how the on-camera flash will react with your makeup. If your wedding photographer is using a flash, reflective products on your skin will look brighter and can highlight imperfections. This is especially true for products with a shimmery or dewy finish. To avoid this, it's best to stay away from products that contain titanium dioxide, iron oxide, or zinc oxide, as these tend to reflect light and can make your skin look oily or sweaty.

Another important thing to note is to avoid foundations or powders with SPF, as these can also reflect the light and photograph poorly. Even if the photographer isn't using a flash, your guests' cameras might, so it's essential to choose products that will look good in all lighting conditions.

Choose the Right Colours

When it comes to colours, it's essential to pick shades that complement your skin tone. This could be warm bronze hues or cool blue tones—finding the right shade is crucial. You can mix different shades to create your perfect match, and it's worth asking a professional for advice if you're unsure.

Prepare Your Skin

Good makeup starts with good skin. In the weeks leading up to your wedding, focus on skincare to ensure your complexion is glowing and healthy. Drink plenty of water, exfoliate regularly, and moisturise daily. This will create the perfect canvas for your makeup and ensure it sits well on your skin.

Practice Makes Perfect

Lastly, don't forget to practice your wedding makeup look. Trial your chosen products and application techniques to ensure they last all day and photograph well. You may need to make adjustments or add extra layers for the camera, as makeup can often appear less intense in photos.

By following these tips, you can ensure your wedding makeup looks flawless in person and in photographs, creating lasting memories of your special day.

Frequently asked questions