Wedding Makeup: Achieving The Perfect Bridal Look

Doing your own wedding makeup can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it's not for everyone. If you're confident in your makeup skills and want complete control over your look, it may be worth considering. However, if you're a novice or unsure where to start, hiring a professional makeup artist is a worthwhile alternative. They can help you achieve a long-lasting, bridal-inspired look and take the stress out of your big day.

If you decide to do your own wedding makeup, here are some tips to help you achieve a flawless and long-lasting look:

- Start with a solid skincare routine leading up to your wedding day. Well-prepped skin will ensure your makeup goes on smoothly and looks its best.

- Choose lightweight, hydrating, and illuminating skincare products that will create the perfect canvas for your makeup.

- Avoid adding shine to the T-zone, centre of the forehead, and cheeks, as this can look too shiny under camera flash.

- Opt for timeless and classic looks instead of following trendy makeup styles that may not age well in photos.

- Consider the weather and choose products that will withstand the conditions, whether it's a hot summer day or a chilly winter ceremony.

- Blend your bronzer well, and make sure your face matches your neck and shoulders, especially if you're using a spray tan.

- Use quality products that will last throughout the day and photograph well. Avoid products with glitter or sparkle, as they can create a white cast in flash photography.

- Practice your wedding day look a few times and take photos in different lighting conditions to see how the makeup adapts.

- Start with your eye makeup, then move on to your complexion, and finish with your lips. This will help you avoid any fallout or smudging.

- Have a wedding-day touch-up kit with essential products like a foundation stick, blotting papers, lipstick, and blusher.

Prep your skin with a light moisturiser

When it comes to wedding makeup, the key is longevity. You want your makeup to last from the ceremony through to the after-party. A light moisturiser is an important step in your skincare routine before applying makeup.

Firstly, you should always wash your face with a gentle cleanser that suits your skin type. Then, pat your face dry with a soft towel. Next, apply a light moisturiser that absorbs into the skin and offers all-day hydration. Even if you have oily skin, don't skip this step—your skin still needs moisture! Gently pat the moisturiser into your skin and allow it to absorb fully before moving on to the next steps of your makeup routine.

If you're doing your own wedding makeup, it's a good idea to practice your desired look a few times before the big day. This will help you identify what works and what needs to be adjusted. You can also experiment with different products to find the ones that work best for you.

On the day of your wedding, start by cleansing your skin, then apply a light moisturiser. Let it absorb, and then follow with a primer. Choose a primer that suits your skin type. If you have oily skin, for example, you might want to use a gripping primer or an oil-controlling, pore-filling primer. If you have dry skin, opt for a hydrating, radiant primer.

After priming, you can move on to your base products, such as foundation, concealer, and bronzer. Remember to blend well to create an airbrushed, professional look. Finish off with a light dusting of setting powder to keep your makeup looking natural and fresh and to prevent creasing.

Even if you usually wear light makeup, remember that wedding makeup needs to be a little more long-lasting and photo-friendly. Don't be afraid to build up your products gradually and set your look with a setting spray to make it last.

Choose the right foundation for your skin tone

Choosing the right foundation for your skin tone is essential for creating a flawless makeup look. A foundation that matches your skin perfectly will enhance your complexion and create a natural, polished finish. Conversely, wearing the wrong shade can result in an unnatural, uneven appearance. Therefore, understanding your skin tone and undertone is crucial for selecting a foundation that blends seamlessly into your skin.

Skin Tone vs Undertone

Firstly, it is important to distinguish between skin tone and undertone, as these are two distinct factors in determining your ideal foundation match. Skin tone refers to the surface colour of your skin, which can generally be categorised as light, medium, or dark. Undertone, on the other hand, is the subtle hue beneath the surface of your skin, which can be cool, warm, or neutral.

Determining Your Skin Tone

To identify your skin tone, follow these steps:

• Examine your skin in natural daylight, as artificial lighting can alter its appearance.
• Observe the area around your jawline, as it is less affected by sun exposure and is a more accurate indicator of your true skin tone.
• Consider how your skin reacts to sun exposure. If you tend to burn easily, you likely have a lighter skin tone, while skin that tans easily suggests a medium to darker skin tone.

Determining Your Undertone

To determine your undertone, try the following methods:

• Vein Test: Look at the veins on the inside of your wrist. If they appear blue or purple, you have cool undertones. If they appear green, you have warm undertones. If you see a mix of both, you have neutral undertones.
• Jewellery Test: Try on gold and silver jewellery. If silver looks better, you likely have cool undertones. If gold makes your skin glow, you have warm undertones. If both look good, you probably have neutral undertones.
• White Paper Test: Hold a pure white sheet of paper next to your face in natural light. If your face appears more pinkish, you likely have cool undertones. If your skin looks more yellowish, you have warm undertones. If your skin doesn't change much or has a mix of both hues, you likely have neutral undertones.
• Sun Exposure Test: Consider how your skin reacts to sun exposure. If your skin burns easily and rarely tans, you probably have cool undertones. If your skin tans easily and rarely burns, you likely have warm undertones. If your skin burns first and then tans, you may have neutral undertones.

Foundation Labels

When selecting a foundation, look for labels that specify both the skin tone and undertone information. For example:

• Cool undertones: "Cool", "pink", or "rosy".
• Warm undertones: "Warm", "golden", or "yellow".
• Neutral undertones: "Neutral" or "beige".

Some foundations use letters or numbers to indicate undertones, such as C for cool tones, W for warm tones, and N for neutral tones. The depth of the shade may also be indicated by numbers, with lower numbers for lighter skin and higher numbers for deeper tones.

Testing Foundation Shades

When testing foundation shades, always swatch the shades on your jawline, as this is the best place to match your face and neck for a seamless look. After swatching, step into natural light to see how the shade appears, as artificial lighting can distort the colour. Wait for 5-10 minutes to see if the colour changes, as some foundations tend to darken after a few minutes due to oxidation.

Apply concealer to hide dark circles and blemishes

Applying Concealer to Hide Dark Circles and Blemishes

Applying concealer is a crucial step in achieving flawless bridal makeup. It helps to hide dark circles, blemishes, and other imperfections, giving you a well-rested and radiant look. Here's a detailed guide on how to apply concealer effectively:

• Choose the Right Shade: Select a concealer shade that closely matches your skin tone. For under-eye circles, opt for a shade that is one or two tones lighter than your skin to brighten the area. If you have warm skin undertones, go for concealers with yellow or orange undertones. If you have cool undertones, choose concealers with pink or peach undertones.
• Prepare Your Skin: Before applying concealer, ensure your skin is well-moisturized and primed. This creates a smooth base and helps the concealer blend seamlessly. Allow your moisturizer and primer to absorb completely before moving on to the next step.
• Apply Foundation First: While some people prefer to apply concealer before foundation, experts recommend applying foundation first. This helps you assess how much concealer you truly need and prevents over-application. Choose a long-lasting foundation that matches your skin tone and blend it well, especially along the jawline and neck.
• Dot and Blend: Using a concealer brush or your ring finger, gently dot a small amount of concealer under your eyes, following the curve of the dark circles or shadows. Start from the inner corner and work your way outwards. Gently pat and blend the product into the skin, taking care not to tug or rub the delicate under-eye area. You can also use a small, fluffy brush for blending.
• Color Correct: If you have severe dark circles or pigmentation, consider using a color corrector before applying concealer. Use complementary colors from the color wheel to neutralize the darkness. For under-eye circles, opt for sunny colors like peach, yellow, or orange. Apply the color corrector in a "V" shape and blend it into your under-eye area.
• Set with Powder: To ensure your concealer stays in place and to minimize the appearance of texture or creasing, set it with a light dusting of translucent powder. Use a brush or sponge to "stamp" the powder onto the skin instead of dusting it on to prevent streaking.
• Opt for Waterproof Formulas: Since weddings are often emotional affairs, choose waterproof or long-wearing concealer formulas. This will help your makeup stay put through any happy tears or celebrations.
• Practice Makes Perfect: Don't be afraid to practice your concealer application beforehand. Experiment with different techniques, products, and shades to find what works best for you. This will give you confidence and ensure a flawless finish on your wedding day.

Use a setting powder to lock in your base

Setting powder is an essential step in your wedding makeup routine. It will help your makeup stay put all day and night long, and it will reduce shine, which is very important for photographs.

• Choose the right setting powder: Avoid products with silica, as these can create a white cast or flashback in photographs. Opt for a setting powder that is suitable for your skin type. If you have oily skin, go for a mattifying setting powder. If you have dry skin, choose a sheer, lightweight powder formulated with moisturising ingredients.
• Prepare your skin: Before applying any makeup, make sure your skin is clean and moisturised. If you have a blemish, dab something appropriate on it, but otherwise, leave it alone.
• Apply your base products: Start with a primer to smooth out your skin and help your makeup last longer. Then, apply your foundation, followed by any concealer, blush, or bronzer.
• Set your base: Use a light dusting of setting powder to seal your base and control shine. Apply the setting powder with a brush or a powder puff, focusing on the areas that tend to shine, such as the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin).
• Consider baking: If you want full coverage and want your makeup to last even longer, try the baking technique. Apply a thick layer of setting powder to the areas you want to highlight, such as under the eyes, and let it sit for a few minutes before dusting off the excess.
• Reapply throughout the day: Keep your setting powder handy, so you can reapply it as needed throughout the day, especially before taking photos.

Choose a lipstick that suits your complexion

Choosing the right lipstick shade is essential to complement your complexion and complete your bridal makeup look. Here are some tips to help you select a lipstick that suits your skin tone and personal style for your wedding day:

• Understand your skin's undertones: Look at the veins on the inside of your wrists. If they appear bluish, you have cool undertones, and pink-based lipsticks will suit you best. If your veins look greener, you have warm undertones, so opt for orange or coral-based shades. If you can't tell, you likely have neutral undertones, and most shades will work well for you.
• Consider your skin tone: Fair skin often pairs well with berry shades and soft pinks, while olive or tan skin is flattered by coral or nude lipsticks. Brides with dark skin can make a statement with deep reds, plums, or even vivid colours like deep cocoa or rust.
• Match your lipstick to your wedding attire: The colour of your wedding dress can influence your lipstick choice. A stark white dress is beautifully contrasted by bolder lipstick shades, while cream or off-white gowns are better complemented by softer hues.
• Stick to your style: Opt for a lipstick that aligns with your personal style and the theme of your wedding. If you don't usually wear red lipstick, your wedding day is not the day to experiment. Choose a shade that enhances your natural beauty and makes you feel comfortable and confident.
• Trial and test: Before finalising your lipstick choice, trial different shades. Wear them on different occasions and see how they perform over time. Ask for feedback from friends, and take note of how people respond to each shade.
• Consider the finish: The finish of your lipstick can also make a difference. Matte lipsticks offer a long-lasting, shine-free finish but may be drying. Satin or cream lipsticks provide a balance between matte and gloss, with a slight sheen and hydrating properties. Glosses give a fresh, dewy look with light to medium coverage.
• Daytime vs. evening: The time of your wedding can also influence your lipstick choice. Neutral and nude lipsticks are popular for daytime and outdoor weddings, while richer, bolder shades are often chosen for evening celebrations.
• Location and theme: Your wedding location and theme can also play a part in your lipstick choice. Beach weddings often call for breezy, nude tones, while ballroom weddings may be the perfect opportunity to add a touch of drama with deeper shades.
• Hydrate and prepare: To ensure your lips look their best, prepare them in the days leading up to your wedding. Exfoliate and hydrate your lips, and consider using a lip primer or lip liner to enhance the longevity of your lipstick.

Frequently asked questions