Creating A Flawless Wedding Makeup Look

Wedding makeup is an important part of a bride's special day. It can be a fun and creative process but also a stressful one, especially for those doing their own makeup. The goal is to create a look that enhances the bride's natural beauty and complements her dress and the wedding theme.

There are many different styles of wedding makeup, from natural and ethereal to bold and maximalist. The chosen style will depend on the bride's personality, skin colour, texture, and wedding theme. It's important to start with a clean, moisturised face and use long-lasting or waterproof makeup products, including foundations, concealers, and eyeliners. Setting spray is also key to ensuring the makeup lasts throughout the day.

For those doing their own makeup, it's crucial to practice the look beforehand and choose products that suit their skin tone and type. There are many online tutorials and step-by-step guides to help brides create the perfect look for their big day.

Skin prep

Start with a thorough cleanse to remove any dirt or excess oil. Celebrity makeup artist Reina Kim recommends using a gentle cleanser. You can also consult a dermatologist or licensed esthetician for a pre-wedding skincare routine.

Next, apply a moisturiser. Beauty expert and editor Yasmin Salmon recommends La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Cream or Bobbi Brown's Hydrating Moisturizer for a dewy finish. For the eye area, use an eye cream to prevent any flakiness or dryness throughout the day. Salmon suggests the Eborian Ginseng Eye Cream.

Primer is also an important step as it helps smooth the skin's appearance and makes your makeup last longer. You can use a combination of Charlotte Tilbury's Wander Glow Primer and Nars' Radiance Primer, applying the latter on the high points of your face, such as your cheekbones, eyebrow bone, and nose.

If you want to look radiant in your wedding photos, consider using a primer with SPF.

Choosing the right products

Start with Skincare

Skincare is crucial in achieving a flawless and long-lasting makeup look. Start by cleansing your skin to create a clean canvas for your makeup. It is important to use a gentle cleanser to remove any excess oil or dirt. Follow up with a moisturiser suitable for your skin type to hydrate and plump up your skin. Some recommended moisturisers include La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Cream and Bobbi Brown's Hydrating Moisturizer. Don't forget the eye cream to prevent any flakiness or dryness under the eyes; the Eborian Ginseng Eye Cream is a great option.

Primer

Primer is an essential step to create a smooth base for your makeup and ensure it lasts longer. A combination of Charlotte Tilbury's Wander Glow Primer and Nars' Radiance Primer can give you a glowing base. Apply the Wander Glow Primer all over your face and the Nars Radiance Primer on the high points of your face, such as cheekbones, eyebrow bone, and nose.

Foundation

The choice of foundation depends on the desired finish. For a glowing, natural look, Armani's Luminous Silk Foundation is a great option. If you prefer more coverage while still achieving a radiant finish, try Glow Wish by Huda Beauty. Remember to apply foundation gradually, starting with a thin layer and building it up.

Concealer

A good concealer can help brighten and perfect your complexion. Nars' Creamy Radiance Concealer is a popular choice, applied to the inner and outer corners of the eyes and then blended towards the hairline. You can also use concealer on other areas of concern, such as spots or red areas around the nose and mouth.

Contouring

Contouring helps define your facial features and create a chiselled look. Charlotte Tilbury's Contour Wand is a great option for a natural-looking contour. Apply the product on 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.

Setting Powder

Setting your makeup is crucial, especially for wedding makeup, to ensure it lasts throughout the day. Charlotte Tilbury's Airbrush Flawless Finish powder is a popular choice for bridal makeup, helping to control shine and create a flawless finish in photographs.

Eyeshadow

When it comes to eyeshadow, choose colours that complement your skin tone and the overall aesthetic you want to achieve. For a soft, romantic look, consider nude and warm colours like the Tom Ford Eye Colour Quad in 'Nude Dip'. If you want something more dramatic, try smokey eye looks with charcoal grey or sultry plum shades.

Eyeliner

Eyeliner can add definition and drama to your eye look. For a soft and smokey effect, consider using a brown pencil liner or a copper eye pencil along the top lash line, which can be smudged for a softer finish. For a bolder look, go for classic wings or graphic eyeliner styles.

Mascara

Mascara helps to open up the eyes and make them pop. For a natural look, opt for thick coats of mascara on the top and bottom lashes. If you want more volume, consider false eyelashes. Waterproof mascara is also a good option for a tearful ceremony.

Blush

Blush adds a pop of colour and freshness to your complexion. Laura Mercier offers a range of blushes to suit different skin tones. For paler skin, try the shade Strawberry, and for darker skin, Sangria is a gorgeous option. Apply blush gradually, starting with a small amount and building it up to your desired intensity.

Bronzer

Bronzer adds warmth and dimension to your face. Tom Ford offers a range of bronzer shades to suit different skin tones. Apply bronzer to areas where the sun naturally hits, such as the cheeks, forehead, and chin.

Highlighter

Highlighter enhances the high points of your face and adds a glowing finish. Hourglass' Highlighter Stick in Champagne is a beautiful option, adding a subtle glow to the cheekbones, brow bones, cupid's bow, and inner corners of the eyes.

Lipstick

Lipstick is the final touch to complete your wedding makeup look. Charlotte Tilbury's Pillow Talk is a popular choice, as it suits almost every complexion. For a bold statement, opt for a classic red lip, choosing a shade that complements your skin tone.

Remember to choose products that suit your skin type and tone, and always do a trial run of your desired look before the big day to ensure you are happy with the results.

A natural look

Here's how to create a natural bridal makeup look:

Skin

Start with a thorough skincare routine. Cleanse your skin, then apply a moisturiser to plump the skin and give it a dewy look. You could try La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Cream or Bobbi Brown's Hydrating Moisturizer. Don't forget an eye cream to prevent any flakiness or dryness throughout the day—Eborian Ginseng Eye Cream is a good option.

Next, apply a primer. You can use a combination of Charlotte Tilbury Wander Glow Primer all over the face, followed by Nars' Radiance Primer on the high points of the face (cheekbones, eyebrow bone, and nose). The Nars primer also contains SPF, which is always a bonus.

For foundation, you want something that will give you a glowing, radiant look that mimics natural skin. Armani Luminous Silk Foundation gives a lovely subtle matte finish that looks amazing on camera. Apply it gradually, starting with a thin layer and building it up with a compact foundation brush.

Eyes

For a natural look, focus on soft eyeliner and light mascara. You can also add false lashes for a bit of extra wow factor. When it comes to eyeshadow, neutral, nude shadows are a great place to start. Try darker shadows in the crease to shape the eyes and help them pop, and perhaps add a touch of shimmer to the inner corners of the eyes for a memorable, abstract element.

Brows

Bold, full brows are a feature of the natural look. You can fill them in lightly or go for a bolder statement brow, depending on your preference.

Cheeks

Add a touch of colour to your cheeks with a soft pink blush. Apply it to the apples of your cheeks and across your cheekbones towards your temples for a youthful glow.

Lips

For your lips, a clear gloss or a soft pink lipstick will give you a subtle, natural finish. You can also try lining your lips with a deep brown liner and adding a clear gloss for a bit of definition while keeping things understated.

Finishing touches

Set your makeup with a finishing powder to lock in all the products and get rid of any shine. Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish is a great option for this.

There you have it—a natural, glowing bridal makeup look that will have you looking and feeling like yourself on your big day.

Long-lasting makeup

Long-Lasting Wedding Makeup

Skin Prep

The key to long-lasting makeup is to prep your skin. Start by exfoliating a couple of days before the wedding to get rid of any dry, flaky patches. On the day, cleanse your skin with a face wash or oil cleanser to remove any oil and dirt. You can then spritz your skin with a hydrating face mist and apply a water-based moisturiser. If it's going to be warm, add sunscreen as a final step.

Primer

Use a primer to create a smooth surface for your makeup and to help it last longer. Celebrity makeup artist Melissa Hernandez recommends the Giorgio Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Hydrating Primer, which adds a subtle glow to the skin.

Foundation

For long-lasting foundation, go for a medium or full-coverage base. You can then add concealer to any areas that need extra coverage, such as under the eyes or around the nose. For a natural, radiant finish, use a dewy foundation like Nars, Laura Mercier or YSL. To ensure your foundation lasts all day, apply it in thin layers and set it with a light dusting of translucent powder, focusing on your T-zone.

Blush and Contour

To make your blush last longer, apply a small amount of cream blush to the apples of your cheeks and then layer a matching powder on top. This will add pigment and seal in the formula. For contouring, use a matte shade and apply it to the hollows of your cheeks, as well as your temples and jawline.

Eyes

Use a cream eyeshadow, as this will withstand heat, oil and perspiration better than a powder. You can also use an eye-shadow primer. Opt for waterproof mascara and eyeliner to avoid any smudging.

Lips

To make your lipstick last, start by applying a lip liner, then use a long-wear lipstick formula to fill in your lips. Wait for it to dry, apply a second layer, and then blot with a tissue to remove any excess.

Setting Spray

Finish your look with a setting spray to make your makeup last longer and to avoid any caking. The Urban Decay All Nighter Vitamin C Setting Spray gives a transfer- and water-resistant finish and makes skin glow.

Practice

Trial and Error

By trialling your wedding-day glam, you'll be able to identify what works and what you need to adjust. Ask yourself: did this makeup application last all day? What did I do differently this time that makes me like this look more? It will help you narrow down what look you want to go for and choose products that you know will last throughout the day. Not to mention, having a few rehearsals will give you the confidence you need to create your look on the day.

Step-by-Step

Before you start practising, it's a good idea to do some research. Look up celebrity red-carpet looks or browse a professional makeup artist's Instagram page for inspiration. You can even consult TikTok or YouTube for full tutorials that you can replicate.

Skin Prep

Good makeup starts with your skin. Devote time prior to your wedding day to taking care of your complexion. You may consider visiting a dermatologist or licensed aesthetician and asking them for a pre-wedding skincare routine. Glowing, healthy skin will make a massive difference when it comes time to apply your makeup.

Frequently asked questions