It’s that time of year again, wedding season!
Every bride wants to look stunning on her wedding day. After all, you’re the centre of attention and you want amazing photographs, because you’ll have them for a lifetime. You should aim to look like a more radiant and polished version of yourself, but at the same time, wedding makeup needs to last for hours and it needs to stand out on photos.
Whether you are having your makeup professionally done or you are doing it yourself, follow these tips for perfect bridal makeup on your big day.
Back to basics: Perfect your skincare routine
Don’t start using new products or having facials the week before your wedding in case any breakouts or sensitivities occur. Start a skincare routine a few months before your big day.
Cleanse, exfoliate and moisturise
Cleansing removes dirt, excess oil and bacteria from your skin which will help to keep your pores nice and clear. Use a toner to remove any residue from the cleanser, but avoid using anything too harsh which can strip your skin of its natural oils.
Exfoliation gets rid of any dead skin cells which can clog the pores and cause breakouts. Use a facial scrub either once per week if you have dry skin, or twice per week if your skin is prone to oiliness or breakouts.
Whatever your skin type, use a moisturiser to hydrate your skin. If you have oilier skin, try a light, water-based moisturiser. Remember to hydrate from the inside too by drinking plenty of water. This is one of the best things you can do for healthy skin.
Before we get on to the makeup…
Be true to yourself
If a more natural look is your thing, don’t ask for bold makeup, because the chances are you won’t like it. Plus, the bolder the makeup, the more retouching it will need. Go with what makes you look and feel amazing, because you still want your groom to recognise you at the altar!
The problem of flash photography
Flash photography is an issue most brides have to deal with. But while it’s true that make up generally needs to be stronger for the camera, it doesn’t need to be caked on. Instead, focus on adding definition around the eyes, lips, and the brow bone. Make sure you have some colour on your cheeks too so you don’t look washed out on photos.
Start with good foundations
Your wedding day is a long day, and so your makeup will have to work extra hard, and last through nervous sweats, tears, and outbreaks of shine. So you need a good quality foundation. Apply a primer underneath to make your foundation last and to create a smooth base for your makeup. For a flawless finish, use a foundation brush and blend it with a sponge.
When choosing a foundation, be sure to test it in natural lighting. Apply some to your jawline and blend it in. The right shade will disappear into the skin. Don’t check the shade on the skin of your hand as it is almost always a different colour from your face.
There are many different types of foundation, so choose one which best provides the coverage you need. Liquid foundation generally gives a light coverage. If you are opting for liquid foundation, look for one with a slightly matte finish so you don’t look shiny in your photos.
If you want more coverage, cream to powder foundations are a good choice.
Apply concealer
Apply a concealer over your eye lids and under your eyes to keep your eyes looking fresh. Apply concealer after your foundation so you won’t wipe it off when you put your foundation on. Set your foundation and concealer with a loose powder, which will banish shine and make your base last. Keep a compact powder handy to touch up any areas that get shiny through the day.
To tan or not to tan?
If you are thinking about getting a spray tan done for your wedding day, make sure that your foundation and powder match your tanned skin, or your face will look too pale on your photos.
Add A flush of blush
Add shape and colour to your face with blusher. A cream blusher is good for a dewy look, but a powder blusher is longer lasting in general. Concentrate the colour on the apple of your cheeks for a healthy glow.
The eyes have it
Shaping and defining your eyebrows can have a dramatic lifting effect on your face, and good eye makeup adds definition to the eyes and enhances your eye colour. A smoky eye can look glamorous, and it doesn’t have to be in a dark colour to look effective either. And the most important point about your eye makeup; wear waterproof mascara!
A perfect pout
If you have thin lips, use a lighter shade of lipstick. Don’t underestimate how strategic application of lip liner and gloss can give the illusion of a fuller pout.
Stay picture perfect all day
Ask your bridesmaids to keep some key makeup items for you, like a compact powder and lip gloss, so you can touch up your makeup throughout the day.
Our 1-day cosmetic makeup course is the perfect way to learn professional makeup application techniques, skin care tips, and how to create different looks for your clients to make them look and feel amazing. It covers day to evening makeup, corrective makeup, and bridal makeup, so you will be well equipped to make any bride look beautiful on her wedding day.
