Along with the dress and wedding hairstyle, wedding makeup is one of the biggest decisions brides will make. Our 20 wedding makeup tips will ensure you’re prepared for the day and looking gorgeous well into the evening, rather than looking back and cringing!
1. Be Comfortable
Choose a wedding look that you feel comfortable in, from colours to the actual feel of the products. You don’t want to spend your day worrying whether the dark blue eyeshadow was a good idea, or touching your face because the heavier than usual foundation doesn’t feel right.
2. Organise A Wedding Makeup Trial
Just like we recommend a wedding hair trial, having your makeup done before the day and making sure the look works with your hair, dress, and overall aesthetic is just as important. Whether you’re going down the DIY route or hiring a professional, having a full practice beforehand enables you to check you’re happy with the look and feel of the makeup, make any changes, and also see how long it takes. Hania suggests booking your wedding makeup trial 3-5 weeks before your wedding, and bring photos of your dress, hair style (if you’re not having a combined trial) and venue with you. You should also take photos of your makeup trial, so you can see how it will look in photos as well as in person.
3. You, But Enhanced
One of the most important wedding makeup tips from professionals is to avoid trying something totally different. Ultimately, you still want to look and feel like you. If that means smokey eyes or a bright lipstick, then factor them into your overall look, but now isn’t the time to try that new trend you’ve seen all over Pinterest. You want to look back at your photos and see you as a bride.
4. Set Everything In Place
You wouldn’t dream of walking down the aisle without a good spray of hairspray to hold everything in place! Using a setting spray while applying makeup, and once it’s all done, will keep your look in place until the carriages come.
5. It’s All About The Base.
To ensure your wedding day makeup goes on smoothly and stays all day, the right base is key:
- Apply a nourishing cream under and around your eyes about 30 minutes before you start your makeup application.
- Use a lip buff or scrub, then a moisturising balm for kissable lips.
- Massage your day cream into your face and neck onto clean dry skin, and allow it to absorb before any makeup goes near your face.
- Use a primer under your foundation
6. Prep Your Skin
Our wedding makeup tips aren’t just for the big day. Healthy, glowing skin makes a perfect base for your wedding makeup. If you don’t already pamper your skin, now is the time to start being diligent about your routine and products. Although facials can be a great way to nourish your skin, avoid having one (or switching products) too close to your big day.
7. Go Waterproof
Between tears, the unpredictable Scottish weather, and the chance of some ladylike nervous perspiration, waterproof products will keep those panda eyes at bay.
8. Get Blotting
Make sure you have blotting paper or face powder to hand to keep your face looking fresh and matte throughout the day. It’s also a great idea to keep a touch up kit handy; ask a bridesmaid to keep a few of your pieces in their bag.
9. Fake It
Even if you’re not going for a ‘fresh back from holiday’ look, having a light fake tan can help blend uneven skin tones. If you want the sun kissed look, consider how long before your wedding day you will have the fake tan done, and whether you will need to trial the tan while also trialling your hair and makeup.
10. Aesthetics
Consider your dress, hair, venue, and the season, when deciding on your wedding makeup look. One of our top wedding makeup tips is to remember that your hair and makeup should complement your wedding dress, not distract from it.
11. Go Pro
There’s a reason why professionals use professional makeup; the finish, wearability and impact it has. If you do your make up yourself, invest in professional brands.
12. Speak Up
If you choose to book a professional for your wedding makeup, don’t let them take over what you’re envisaging. As luxurious as it is to have someone else create the look you’re dreaming of, don’t be afraid to speak up if you don’t like, or feel comfortable with, their suggestions.
13. Time Matters
Don’t rush your makeup. Having a trial with the professional, or trialling the makeup look yourself, will give you an idea of how long it will take. On the day, make sure to add a little extra into your schedule so you’re not rushed!
14. Makeup, Makeup Everywhere
Wedding makeup isn’t just for your face. Applying it on your neck and any exposed skin on your shoulders will ensure consistent colour and texture to create a natural look.
15. Bright Eyes
Enhance your eyes and make them appear bigger and brighter for your wedding photos by using a highlighter in the inner corner of each eye. A sleek line along your upper lashes will lift your face, distract from under eye shadows.
16. Kiss Proof Lips
When you hear the words “you may kiss the bride”, the last thing you want to worry about is how soft your lips feel or whether your lipstick will stay on! Make sure you’ve chosen a lip colour that sets to a long lasting finish. Hint: Putting it on at your makeup trial and practising that first kiss will give you an idea of how durable it is!
17. Stay Hydrated
Both in the lead up to, and on the wedding day, stay hydrated to keep your skin plump and bright.
18. Consistent Colours
Pick a colour family with the same undertones to avoid disrupting the balance of your face with contrasting colours.
19. Matte Is More
A matt finish will work better with photos, so avoid shiny finishes, dewy highlighters, and glitter.
20. Lights, Camera, Action
Remember, you will be under scrutiny all day from your guests and the photographer’s lens(es!) Make sure you have your makeup done in good, bright lighting.
We hope these wedding makeup tips help you prepare for your big day and feel confident and beautiful on the day – let us know if they helped in the comments!
