Makeup Tricks For A Flawless Wedding Day Look

Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and you want to look and feel your best. While hiring a professional makeup artist is an option, doing your own makeup can be a great alternative, especially if you want full control over your look and want to save money and time. Here are some tips to make your wedding makeup last all day and night.

Prep your skin: Cleanse, moisturise, prime, exfoliate and apply sunscreen

Preparing your skin is the most important step to achieving long-lasting wedding makeup. Here is a step-by-step guide to prepping your skin for your big day:

Cleanse

Start by washing your face with a gentle cleanser to remove any oils, dirt, or residue. This will ensure your skin is clean and ready for the rest of your skincare and makeup routine.

Moisturise

After cleansing, apply a hydrating moisturiser that suits your skin type. This will help to plump and nourish your skin, creating a smooth base for your makeup. Allow the moisturiser to fully absorb into the skin before moving on to the next step.

Prime

Using a primer will help your makeup go on smoothly and stay in place throughout the day. Choose a primer that matches your skin type. If you have oily skin, opt for a mattifying primer, while those with dry skin should choose a hydrating formula. You can also use a combination of primers, such as applying a radiant primer to the high points of your face (cheekbones, eyebrow bone, and nose) for a glowy effect.

Exfoliate

Exfoliation is an important step to include in your skincare routine a few days before your wedding. Exfoliating 1-2 days in advance will help remove dead skin cells and ensure your foundation applies evenly. This step will give you a smooth and radiant canvas for your makeup.

Sunscreen

If your wedding is outdoors, don't forget to apply sunscreen to protect your skin. Choose a lightweight, non-greasy formula that won't interfere with your makeup.

By following these steps, you will create the perfect base for your wedding makeup, ensuring it lasts from the first kiss to the last dance.

Choose long-wear, waterproof products

When it comes to choosing makeup products for your wedding day, it's important to select long-wear and waterproof options to ensure your makeup stays put through tears, hugs, and a long day of celebrations. Here are some tips to help you choose the right products for a lasting look:

Opt for Long-Wear Foundations and Concealers:

Choose a foundation that is designed to last and provides medium to full coverage. This way, you won't need constant touch-ups, especially if you'll be receiving kisses and congratulations throughout the day. Go for a long-wear formula that matches your skin tone and blends seamlessly with your neck and décolletage. Apply it in thin layers, using a damp beauty sponge or brush for a natural finish.

Waterproof Mascara and False Lashes:

To avoid mascara smudges, opt for a waterproof formula. If you plan on wearing false lashes, choose high-quality lash glue to ensure they stay securely in place.

Long-Wear Lipstick and Lip Liner:

For lip colour that lasts, start by exfoliating your lips and applying a lip balm. Then, use a lip liner to define and fill in your lips, followed by a long-wear lipstick formula. Apply two layers, blotting with a tissue in between to remove any excess.

Waterproof Eye Products:

Prime your eyelids with a quality eyeshadow primer to prevent creasing and fading. You can also use a cream shadow as a base for added longevity. When choosing eyeshadows, go for powder eyeshadows and apply them in thin layers, building up the intensity gradually. For eyeliner, opt for a waterproof formula or a long-wearing pencil that can be smudged for a smoky effect.

Long-Wear Brow Products:

Use a long-wearing brow gel or pomade to fill in and shape your brows. If you've had microblading done, touch up any gaps with a fine pencil. Finish by setting your brows with a clear brow gel to keep them polished and in place.

Setting Spray:

After completing your makeup look, finish it off with a setting spray. This essential product will help lock in your makeup, making it last longer and preventing any caking or transferring onto your wedding outfit. Hold the bottle about 8 inches from your face and spritz in an 'X' and 'T' pattern for even coverage.

Remember, it's not just about the products but also the techniques you use to apply them. Build up your coverage slowly, and don't be afraid to do a makeup trial before your big day to ensure your chosen products and methods work well together.

Pack a touch-up kit with blotting papers, powder and lipstick

To ensure your makeup stays put on your wedding day, it's a good idea to pack a touch-up kit. This should include blotting papers, powder, and lipstick.

Blotting papers are essential for mopping up any shine that might appear throughout the day. They are particularly useful if you have oily skin and can help to refresh your makeup without disturbing it. Simply blot any oily areas, and you're ready to go!

Powder is another must-have for touch-ups. A translucent powder will help to lock your makeup in place and keep shine at bay. Use a small brush or a beauty sponge to press the powder into the areas that need it, such as your T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin).

Finally, lipstick is a must for touch-ups, especially after eating or drinking. To make your lip colour last longer, first line and fill in your lips with a lip liner that matches your lipstick shade. Then, apply your lipstick and blot with a tissue to remove any excess. You can also dust a light layer of translucent powder over your lips before the final coat of lipstick to help seal in the colour.

It's a good idea to ask your maid of honour or a bridesmaid to hold your touch-up kit and remind you to reapply your lipstick throughout the day. That way, you can focus on enjoying your special day!

Set your makeup with powder and setting spray

Setting your makeup with powder and setting spray is an essential step in achieving long-lasting wedding makeup. Here are some detailed tips to help you with this process:

Choosing the Right Powder:

Select a translucent loose powder to set your makeup. This type of powder will help lock your foundation and concealer in place without altering the colour or finish. Use a larger powder brush to sweep a layer of powder on your T-zone, which includes your forehead, nose, and chin. These areas tend to get oily first, so you can add a little extra powder there.

Applying Powder:

Before applying powder, ensure that your base makeup is completely dry. You can use either a smaller brush or a beauty sponge to press the powder into the areas that are more prone to oiliness. This technique will create a long-wear effect for your base and help prevent shine.

Selecting a Setting Spray:

Choose a setting spray that is designed for long-wear and all-day hold. Look for options that can revive your skin and fix your makeup with just a spritz. Some popular options include Urban Decay and Charlotte Tilbury.

Applying Setting Spray:

Hold the setting spray bottle about 8 inches away from your face. Spritz the product in an 'X' and 'T' pattern to ensure even coverage across your entire face. This step will help lock in your makeup and give it staying power.

Touch-Ups:

Throughout the day, you may need to do some touch-ups to maintain your flawless look. Keep a small touch-up kit with you or ask a bridesmaid or family member to hold it for you. Include essentials such as blotting papers, your lipstick, and a powder compact in your kit. If you need to reapply powder, remember to blot away any shine first to avoid caking.

Schedule your makeup application for the middle of the day

Scheduling your makeup application for the middle of the day is a great way to ensure that you, the bride, are not rushed and can truly enjoy your wedding morning. Here are some tips to make the most of this timing and ensure your makeup lasts all day:

Start with Skin Care

Proper skin preparation is essential for long-lasting makeup. In the weeks leading up to your wedding, establish a skincare routine to ensure your skin is in its best condition. Cleanse your skin thoroughly to remove any oils or residue, and apply a moisturiser that suits your skin type. Exfoliate a few days before the wedding to create a smooth canvas for your makeup. On the wedding day, after cleansing and moisturising, apply a primer that matches your skin type – a mattifying primer for oily skin or a hydrating primer for dry skin. Don't forget sunscreen if your wedding is outdoors!

Choose Long-Lasting Products

Opt for long-wearing and waterproof products that will withstand tears, sweat, and a long day of celebrations. Choose a foundation designed to last, and apply it in thin layers with a damp beauty sponge or brush for a natural finish. Use a concealer to cover any problem areas, and set everything with a translucent powder using a pressing motion. Finish with a setting spray to keep your makeup in place.

Focus on the Eyes and Brows

Your eyes will be the focal point of many wedding photos, so make sure your eye makeup is smudge-proof. Prime your eyelids with a quality eyeshadow primer, and apply powder eyeshadow in thin layers, building up the intensity gradually. For a more dramatic look, use cream shadows as a base. Waterproof mascara and high-quality lash glue for false lashes are essential to avoid smudging. For your brows, use a long-wearing brow gel or pomade to fill and shape them, and set with a clear brow gel.

Lips and Cheeks

To make your lip colour last, start by exfoliating your lips and applying balm. Use a lip liner as a base, then apply a long-wearing lipstick. Blot between layers to build up colour, and dust with translucent powder before the final coat. For your cheeks, apply a cream blush for a natural flush, then layer a powder blush on top. Finish with a light dusting of setting powder.

Final Touches and Touch-ups

Now that your makeup is complete, set everything with a good setting spray. Hold the bottle about 8 inches from your face and spritz in an 'X' and 'T' pattern. Pack a small touch-up kit with essentials like blotting papers, your lipstick, and a powder compact. Remember to enjoy your morning and take breaks – you don't want to feel rushed or stressed!

Frequently asked questions