Easy Wedding Makeup: A Step-By-Step Guide For Brides

Doing your own makeup for your wedding can be a great idea, as it's cheaper and no one knows your features better than you. However, it can be stressful, as it's one of the most photographed days of your life. Here are some tips to help you create your own wedding-day makeup look.

First, decide on the look you want to go for. Look for inspiration online or in celebrity red-carpet looks. If you're not sure, opt for a natural look that emphasises the things you like about yourself. Consider the weather and the colour of your dress or suit when deciding how much makeup to wear.

Next, make sure you have the right products. You don't need to buy all new makeup, but you may want to invest in some quality brushes and products that are designed to last, such as long-wear or waterproof options.

In the run-up to your wedding, establish a skincare routine and stick to it. Well-moisturised skin will ensure your makeup goes on smoothly and doesn't settle into fine lines and wrinkles.

Practise your wedding-day makeup look a few times in advance, taking photos in different lighting and with and without flash. This will help you perfect the look and identify any products that might not photograph well.

On the day itself, make sure you allow plenty of time to do your makeup. Start with your eye makeup, then move onto your complexion, and finish with your lips.

Skin prep

Set Skin Goals

It's important to manage your expectations and accept that skin will always have texture and pores. Setting specific goals, such as reducing acne, increasing collagen, or simply hydrating the skin, will help you create an effective and realistic skincare plan.

Consult Professionals

Consider booking an appointment with a dermatologist or aesthetician to help you devise a strategy for achieving your skin goals. They can also recommend specific treatments and products. If you plan on trying injectables like Botox or fillers, it's best to consult a professional at least six months in advance to create a plan and ensure the best results.

Start Early

Many skin treatments and products require time to see results and allow your skin to adjust. For example, retinoids, which are great for treating acne, increasing collagen production, and reducing wrinkles, can cause initial redness, peeling, and even an uptick in acne before you see the benefits. It's recommended to start using retinoids about six months before your wedding.

Exfoliate and Brighten

Exfoliating dead cells from the skin can improve radiance and enhance the absorption of skin-brightening products. Start by exfoliating once a week and gradually increase to twice a week if your skin tolerates it. Pair this with a brightening serum to give your skin a lit-from-within glow.

Focus on Hydration

Well-hydrated skin is key to a calm and glowing complexion. Look for products containing hyaluronic acid, which provides deep hydration, or ingredients that support your skin's natural barrier. A water-based moisturiser will also help to lock in moisture without feeling greasy.

Avoid New Products Close to the Wedding

In the final weeks leading up to your wedding, avoid trying any new skincare products or treatments to prevent irritation or flare-ups. Stick to products that you know work for your skin.

Final Facial

Book your final facial for about a week before the wedding. This treatment should focus on hydration and avoiding any extractions or peels that might leave the skin red or irritated. Oxygen therapy, hydrating serums, and ultrasound modalities are great for ensuring your skin looks glowing.

Skip Exfoliators and Retinoids a Week Before

To avoid any possible skin irritation on your wedding day, some professionals recommend discontinuing the use of exfoliators or retinoids about a week before the event. Opt for hydrating and calming serums, essences, or toners instead.

Sun Protection

Avoid prolonged sun exposure to prevent sunburns, uneven skin pigmentation, and dryness, which can complicate makeup application. Always apply sunscreen and reapply it every two hours, especially if you're outdoors.

Laser Treatments

If you're concerned about sun spots or hyperpigmentation, speak to your dermatologist about laser treatments. These treatments work by sending pulses of highly concentrated light to the affected area, destroying the hyperpigmentation, and revealing brighter, more even-toned skin. It's recommended to start these treatments about four to six months in advance to assess how your skin reacts.

Remember, a consistent skincare routine and early preparation are key to achieving your skin goals for your wedding day.

Choosing products

Choosing the right makeup products for your wedding day is a very personal experience. You may want to go all out with a glam look or opt for a more natural style. Either way, it's important to select products that will make you feel comfortable and confident. Here are some tips to help you choose the right products for your wedding makeup look:

Start with Skin Care:

A good skincare routine is essential to create a flawless base for your makeup. In the weeks leading up to your wedding, focus on hydration and nourishment. Consider incorporating serums, eye masks, and sheet masks into your routine. Drink plenty of water and get enough sleep. It's also recommended to avoid inflammatory foods and focus on eating anti-inflammatory meals to reduce acne and redness.

Consider Your Skin Type:

The products you choose should complement your skin type. If you have oily skin, opt for long-lasting, mattifying products. For dry skin, choose hydrating formulas. Sensitive skin will benefit from hypoallergenic and fragrance-free options.

Match Your Complexion:

Select shades and tones that complement your skin complexion. A professional makeup artist can guide you in choosing the right shades to suit your skin tone.

Choose Long-Lasting Formulas:

Your wedding day is a long and emotional event, so choose makeup products that will last. Opt for waterproof and long-wearing formulas to minimise the need for touch-ups.

Trial and Error:

Don't be afraid to experiment with different products and looks. Schedule trials with makeup artists and test out different styles. Take photos of each look and pay attention to how the makeup wears throughout the day.

Highlight Your Best Features:

Choose products that accentuate your favourite features. If you want to highlight your eyes, consider a smoky eye palette and a bold eyeliner. For full lips, select a lipstick shade that enhances their shape and colour.

Complement Your Dress and Theme:

Your makeup should complement your wedding dress and the overall theme of your wedding. If you've chosen a traditional white or ivory dress, soft, neutral tones can create a timeless look. A colourful dress may be paired with a bold lip or a pop of colour on the eyes.

Customise and Personalise:

Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to wedding makeup. Customise your look to suit your personal style and preferences. Whether you prefer a bold lip, a smoky eye, or a natural glow, make sure your makeup reflects your personality.

Seek Professional Advice:

Consult a professional makeup artist who can guide you in choosing the right products and techniques for your special day. They can help you select high-quality products and create a look that enhances your natural beauty.

Remember, your wedding day is about celebrating your unique style and personality. Choose makeup products that make you feel like the best version of yourself, and don't be afraid to embrace your individual beauty.

Longevity

A wedding is a celebration of the union of two people, but it is what comes after the ceremony that determines the longevity of the marriage. Here are some tips for a long-lasting marriage:

Commitment

A successful marriage requires commitment from both partners. This means being realistic during challenging phases and understanding that your needs will not always be met. It also means showing up for your spouse in everyday life and being willing to learn new skills for the well-being of your partner.

Disagree Respectfully

It is normal for couples to disagree, but it is important to maintain respect and fairness during arguments. Listen to your partner's point of view, try not to get angry, and work together to find a compromise. If needed, take a break from the conversation and revisit the issue calmly later.

Communicate Openly

Effective communication goes beyond text messages; it involves being honest about your feelings, listening to each other, and understanding each other's needs. Keep the lines of communication open, and talk often to strengthen your marriage.

Forgive and Move On

Mistakes and misunderstandings are bound to happen, but it is important to forgive and move on without holding grudges or bringing up the past repeatedly. Understand each other's feelings and work through conflicts together.

Build a Strong Friendship

Friendship is the foundation of a successful, long-lasting marriage. It involves understanding your partner's physical and mental health, supporting them in times of need, and addressing situations as they arise. A strong friendship makes navigating the challenges of marriage easier and helps you grow together.

Manage Finances Wisely

While not directly related to the wedding ceremony, financial management plays a significant role in marriage longevity. Discuss financial goals, create a budget, and plan for the future together. Avoid excessive debt, especially when it comes to wedding expenses, as financial stress can strain a marriage.

Focus on the Marriage, Not Just the Wedding

A lavish wedding does not guarantee a successful marriage. Instead of getting caught up in the hype, focus on building a strong foundation for your life together. Prioritize your relationship and work on creating a deep, meaningful connection that will carry you through the years.

Remember, marriage is a journey that requires commitment, communication, and mutual support. By following these tips and continuously investing in your relationship, you can increase the chances of enjoying a long and happy marriage.

Application techniques

Skin Preparation

Before applying any makeup, it's important to prepare your skin. Wash your face and use a light moisturiser. If you exfoliate, opt for a gentle exfoliating cleanser instead of a harsh scrub. If you have a blemish, dab something suitable on it, but otherwise, leave it alone. The focus should be on having a clean and soft palette for your makeup.

Primer

Primer is essential for wedding makeup as it helps the makeup last through the ceremony, dancing, crying and toasting. It also smooths fine lines and disguises open pores. Use a small amount after moisturising but before putting on foundation. Spread it evenly on your face and eyelids to create a smooth base.

Foundation

Foundation should be applied in thin layers, starting from the middle of your face and blending outward using a foundation brush. Pay attention to blending beneath your jaw and on your neck to avoid any visible lines. Don't cake on foundation to avoid an overdone look and to prevent smearing or streaking.

Concealer

Whereas foundation evens skin tone, concealers are designed to hide blemishes and dark circles. Dot a liquid concealer the same shade or one shade lighter than your skin tone along problem areas and pat the brush against your skin to spread the concealer. If it's not blended enough, dip the tip of a makeup sponge in water and work the concealer outward.

Highlighter

Highlighter adds glow and a youthful dewy look. Dab it on with a brush after your foundation in the shape of a checkmark, starting near your inner eye, going down towards your nostril, and then up your cheekbone, blending towards your temple. You can also use it above your brows, down the centre of your nose, forehead and chin. If you're using a powder highlighter, apply it after you powder, under your brows, in the corners of your eyes, and on the tops of your cheekbones. Avoid using powder highlighter under your eyes or over your mouth, as it can make you look sweaty in photos.

Setting Powder

Use a translucent powder to set your base and control shine. Dust it lightly over your forehead, the sides of your nose, and chin. Then, use a powder bronzer that's a shade or two darker than your foundation and brush it in the shape of a 3 on both sides of your face, starting at your hairline and moving down the side of your face, under your cheekbone, and then below your jaw.

Blush

Go gently with the blush, as you can always add more. Apply it to the apples of your cheeks and blend upwards and out towards your hairline. Do a small checkmark at your cheekbones. Choose colours that complement your skin tone. For fair skin, soft rose or baby pink with hints of mocha or beige will look nice. For medium skin, try cranberry, light raspberry or rosy pink. For deep skin, blush on shades of plum, grape and raspberry.

Eyeshadow and Eyeliner

Wedding experts recommend avoiding darkly dramatic eyes, opting for eyeliner in colours other than black and paler or muted eyeshadows. Try brown, grey, and green eyeliners, applying them on both your top and bottom eyelids to draw attention to your eyes. Use a cream eyeshadow for the lids and a powder eyeshadow in the crease of your eye. Use a powder highlighter in the corners of your eyes and under your brow.

As for colours, try bronze shades for green eyes, mocha for hazel eyes, navy and dark brown for blue eyes, and purples and greys for brown eyes.

Mascara and Eyebrows

Use waterproof mascara and an eyelash curler, a volumising mascara, and a lengthening mascara. Curl your lashes before applying both mascaras. Start at the root of your eyelashes and wiggle the mascara up from side to side to the top.

Frame your face with a brow powder a little darker than your natural colour. Brush it into the natural line of your eyebrows, working outward to the end of your eyes.

Lips

Moisturise your lips so they aren't dry or cracked before applying colour. Choose a colour that complements your blush. Lip stains are a better option than lipstick for long-lasting wear.

Finishing touches

The finishing touches are all about the little details that make your wedding day memorable and unique to you. From the practical to the decorative, here are some ideas to add the perfect finishing touches to your special day.

Makeup

To ensure your makeup stays put throughout the day, it's important to prepare your skin. Start with a blurring primer to create a clean canvas and reduce shine. Use a full-coverage concealer to address any redness, especially in the under-eye area and around the nose. If you're not confident with eye makeup, focus on defining your brows, and opt for a simple coat of waterproof mascara. Add a light blush to the cheeks, being careful to keep the colour away from the nose, and finish with a spritz of setting spray to ensure longevity.

Stationery and Signage

Calligraphy and signage are often overlooked but essential finishing touches. From elegant place cards to fun koozies, these details can add a touch of class and carry your wedding theme through to the smallest elements. Consider a seating chart or escort cards, where guests can find their names and pick up their place cards. A large sign with the order of events is also a wonderful way to welcome guests and share details, such as a thank you note or fun facts about the bridal party.

Decor and Details

Add a pop of colour or character with some well-chosen decor and details. Custom neon signs with your wedding hashtag or monogram can be a fun addition, and they can even become a statement piece in your home after the wedding. You could also add some unique napkin folds on the dinner table, incorporating a sprig of something pretty or a menu. For a fun twist, ask your waiters to wear the wedding's signature colour, or add a monogrammed drink stirrer for extra impact.

Personal Touches

Incorporate your personality into the day with some thoughtful, personal touches. Choose late-night snacks that hold a special meaning, such as the couple in the example who met at Burger King headquarters. You could also add a surprise breakfast in bed for guests, with coffee, pastries, or a mimosa kit delivered to their hotel rooms. If there are children attending, present them with kid-friendly trays and a meal they'll enjoy, such as chicken tenders, soft pretzels, and fruit. These thoughtful touches will make your wedding day extra special and memorable for your guests.

Frequently asked questions