Makeup Tricks For Brides: All-Day Wear Tips And Techniques

There's a lot riding on your wedding day makeup—it has to withstand tears, cake, and dancing. Here's how to make your makeup last all day, from skincare prep to setting sprays. First, don't experiment with new products right before your wedding. Stick to a trusted skincare routine and prep your skin the night before with a gentle exfoliator and a good moisturiser. On the day, start with a clean, fresh canvas by cleansing and exfoliating. Use a primer to create a gripping effect and enhance the longevity of your makeup. Opt for long-wearing, matte products that match your skin type and tone. Layer cream blush and contour products with their powder counterparts for extra staying power. Use waterproof eye makeup to avoid any smudging. Finish with a setting spray to make your makeup last through the heat and humidity. Keep blotting papers and a touch-up kit with your lipstick, concealer, and powder handy for any necessary touch-ups throughout the day.

Prep skin with a face wash or oil cleanser, then use a hydrating face mist and moisturiser

Preparing your skin is key to achieving a flawless, long-lasting base for your wedding makeup. Here are some detailed tips to help you prep your skin effectively:

Cleanse your skin

Start by cleansing your skin with a face wash or an oil cleanser. This step will help break down any oil and dirt on your skin, creating a smooth base for your makeup. It is important to choose a cleanser that suits your skin type. If you have oily skin, go for an oil-free option to avoid grease build-up throughout the day.

Exfoliate

The night before your wedding, gently exfoliate your skin to remove dead skin cells. This will ensure your skin is smooth and ready for makeup application. Be careful not to over-exfoliate, as this can irritate the skin. Stick to a gentle exfoliator, and avoid using a face mask close to your wedding day, as it may cause unexpected breakouts or blemishes.

Hydrating face mist

After cleansing, spritz your skin with a hydrating face mist. This will add a boost of hydration and prepare your skin for the next steps. Look for a face mist that also acts as a setting spray to help extend the wear of your makeup.

Moisturiser

Follow up with a moisturiser to lock in hydration. Choose a moisturiser that suits your skin type. If you have oily skin, opt for a water-based or oil-free moisturiser to avoid excess grease. For drier skin, you may need something richer and more nourishing. If your wedding is outdoors and the weather is warm, don't forget to apply sunscreen as the final step before your makeup.

By following these steps, you will create an ideal canvas for your wedding makeup, ensuring it goes on smoothly and lasts all day. Remember to stick to a consistent skincare routine in the months leading up to your wedding and avoid experimenting with new products right before the big day to prevent any unexpected reactions.

Use a primer to smooth skin and enhance makeup longevity

Using a primer is an essential step in ensuring your makeup lasts all day on your wedding day. Primer helps to smooth the skin, creating an even base for your foundation and enhancing the longevity of your makeup. It creates a gripping effect, improving the coverage of your makeup and ensuring it stays put for longer.

There are different types of primer to choose from, depending on your skin type. If you have oily skin, a mattifying primer will help to control shine and keep your makeup in place. If you have dry skin, a hydrating primer will provide a dewy base and ensure your makeup doesn't look cakey. You can also use an eye primer to prevent your eyeshadow from creasing and enhance the colour pigments.

When choosing a primer, look for a product that will suit your skin type and help you achieve the desired finish. For example, if you want a matte look, choose a mattifying primer. If you want a dewy finish, opt for a hydrating primer. You can also find primers that offer additional benefits, such as colour correction or pore minimisation.

To apply primer, start by cleansing and moisturising your skin. Then, take a small amount of primer and gently massage it into your skin, focusing on areas where you want your makeup to last the longest, such as your T-zone. Allow the primer to absorb into your skin before moving on to the next step in your makeup routine.

Using a primer will create a smooth canvas for the rest of your makeup, ensuring it goes on evenly and lasts all day. It will also help to prevent your makeup from sliding or creasing, giving you a flawless finish that will last from the aisle to the dance floor!

Opt for a medium or full-coverage foundation

Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and you want your makeup to last from the moment you put on your dress until you head off for your wedding night. To achieve this, it's essential to choose the right type of foundation that will provide adequate coverage and last all day.

When selecting a foundation for your wedding day, it's best to go for a medium or full-coverage option. This is because you want to ensure that your makeup lasts through all the hugs, kisses, and tears of joy that will inevitably occur. A medium or full-coverage foundation will provide more coverage than a sheer or light-coverage foundation, meaning you won't have to keep touching it up throughout the day. It will also help to cover any dark circles or redness, ensuring you look flawless in your photos.

There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a medium or full-coverage foundation. Firstly, make sure to select a foundation that matches your skin type and tone. If you have oily skin, go for an oil-free formula, while if you have dry skin, you can opt for something richer. It's also a good idea to choose a long-wearing foundation, specifically designed to last all day. Some popular options include the Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup and the Maybelline New York Fit Me Foundation, which comes in both matte and dewy formulas.

To ensure your foundation lasts all day, it's important to prepare your skin adequately. Start by cleansing your skin to remove any oil and dirt. You can use a face wash or an oil cleanser for this step. Then, spritz your skin with a hydrating face mist, and if you need extra hydration, apply a water-based moisturiser. If it's going to be warm, don't forget to add sunscreen as the final step.

Once your skin is prepped, it's time to apply your foundation. Work in light layers, adding more product only where you feel you need extra coverage. To set your foundation, use a translucent powder, focusing on your T-zone and any other areas that tend to get oily, such as your nose, chin, and forehead. A mineral-based powder is a good option for wedding days, as it allows your skin to breathe while providing coverage.

By following these steps and choosing a medium or full-coverage foundation, you can feel confident that your makeup will last through your entire wedding day, from the "I dos" to the last dance.

Set makeup with a translucent setting powder, focusing on the T-zone

Setting your makeup with a translucent setting powder is a crucial step in ensuring your wedding makeup lasts all day. This technique helps to lock in your foundation and concealer, creating a long-lasting base that can withstand the inevitable emotions and celebrations of your special day.

To do this effectively, focus on your T-zone, which includes your forehead, nose, and chin. These areas are typically oilier and tend to be the first places where shine breaks through. Using a larger powder brush, sweep a layer of translucent loose powder across your T-zone. Ensure your base makeup is dry before applying powder to avoid any caking.

You can also add a little extra powder to these areas by using a smaller brush or a beauty sponge to press the powder into your skin. This technique creates an even more long-wearing base, ensuring your makeup stays put through the ceremony and reception.

Additionally, consider using a mineral-based powder, especially if you think you'll be glowing more than usual on your wedding day. Mineral powders allow your skin to breathe while providing the coverage and longevity you need.

By setting your makeup with a translucent setting powder, you can be confident that your wedding makeup will last from the moment you walk down the aisle to the final dance of the night.

Use blotting papers to manage excess oil

Blotting papers are a must-have in your bridal beauty kit. They are an effective way to manage excess oil and shine without disturbing your makeup. Unlike powder, which can lead to a cakey finish, blotting papers absorb excess oil and keep your makeup looking fresh and radiant.

Blotting papers are especially useful if you have oily or combination skin. Simply blot the areas of your face that tend to get oily, such as the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin). This will help to control shine and give your makeup a matte finish.

There are various types of blotting papers available, such as regular paper sheets or natural fibre sheets made from materials like rice or linen. Some blotting papers also contain charcoal or green tea, which have oil-absorbing properties. Choose a type that suits your skin type and needs.

To use blotting papers effectively, gently press them onto your skin instead of rubbing, which can smudge your makeup. You can also use them throughout the day as needed to touch up your makeup and remove excess oil.

In addition to blotting papers, you can also use a pressed powder for touch-ups. However, be cautious not to over-powder, as this can lead to a cakey appearance. Instead, focus on the areas that need it most, such as the T-zone, and use a light hand.

By following these tips and using blotting papers strategically, you can ensure your makeup stays fresh and flawless on your wedding day, even through the happy tears and dancing.

Frequently asked questions