Wedding Makeup Do’s and Don’t
So, you've said yes to the dress, wrangled a venue, and even managed to navigate the treacherous waters of the guest list. Not to mention the seating plan, dietary requirements and making sure you don’t run out of champs! Now comes the ultimate accessory to your look – your wedding makeup. It’s a fine art and as a veteran of more nuptial war stories than I'd like to admit, I've seen it all—from the glowing brides to the ones who… erm, let’s just say I’ve seen a few disasters. I personally don’t do wedding makeup – I did my own for my big day 12 years ago and it took me three minutes and 56 seconds (my dad timed it!) – but as a makeup artist I definitely have the skills and experience to dish out a few pieces of advice. So, sit back, grab your makeup sponge, and let's dive into the do's and don'ts of wedding day makeup. Trust me, the last thing you want on your wedding day is a full-faced fail.
The Do’s
Do have a makeup trial. Have it no sooner than 6 weeks before the big day. If you have the trial in January but the wedding is in July, your skin tone could be completely different. If you’re doing your own makeup practice around this time frame too.
Do wear a white T-shirt to your wedding trial. Or a colour nearest to the colour of your dress. The ideal situation would be to take a piece of extra fabric in the colour of your dress to drape around you while having your trial. This way you can see how the makeup looks against the colour you’ll be wearing. (Oh, and on the wedding day, wear a loose t-shirt to easily slide this over your head. You don’t want to ruin your hair and makeup before you wear the dress.
Do use a foundation that you know and love. There’s nothing worse than wearing a base that you don’t feel comfortable in.
Do step into natural light after your makeup trial. Take pictures with and without flash. If your makeup looks great in natural light, it will look great anywhere.
Do prepare. By this I mean get those treatments in way in advance. Don’t be having a random facial the day before. If you’re going to have a fake tan, individual lashes, waxing or a facial, trial them months before. Your hen party would be the perfect occasion for this. Oh, and if you’re having a spray tan and/or lash extensions, do your makeup artist a favour and have them done for the wedding trial too.
Do Have a massage the day before the wedding. This will take away all the tension and stress in your body and, hopefully, stop your mind racing for at least an hour.
Do follow this order on the actual day. If you’re having your hair set in rollers, make sure this is done first. This will give it longer to set while you have your makeup done, meaning the style will last longer throughout the day. Also, make sure the mother of the bride has her hair and makeup done as soon as possible. She’ll probably want to be running around organising things so get her sorted first so that she can help you with any errands. On a separate note but tying in with this: DELEGATE. Try not to be a control freak and let people help you… it will make your life easier on the day!
Do give your bridesmaids your lipstick, powder, blusher and a glittery shadow. These are the three products that might need touching up throughout the day. Add that touch of glitter to the centre of the eye for perhaps along with a brighter or deeper lipstick for the evening do. It’s your biggest party EVER! So why not glam it up?
The Don’ts
Don’t wear a bra or socks when you’re getting ready. The marks are so hard to get rid of. (Imagine a bra strap marks with a strapless dress)
Don’t change your skincare routine too close to the big day. This can cause breakouts and nobody wants that.
Don’t let your makeup artist hijack your big day. Go to the trial with an idea of what you want. Take picture examples with you. Remember they are the expert, but you know your vibe more than anyone and you need to feel your most beautiful today of all days.
Don’t rush! Your bridal makeup can take 45-90 minutes so make sure you plan it into your schedule (unlike me).
Don’t wear too much blusher. You’ll be so excited, nervous, and happy that you’ll have a lot of natural colour in your cheeks.
Don’t forget your brows. Have them waxed and tinted a week before the wedding. Make sure you’ve trialled this prior to this. They frame your face and a groomed brow makes such a difference in photos.
Don’t wear a sticky lip gloss! No one wants that on their first kiss.
Don’t forget your deodorant and perfume. I always thing going wedding perfume shopping with someone you love beforehand is gorgeous. Having a specific scent on the day is just so lovely. And every time you wear it or smell it in future, it will evoke those gorgeous memories all over again.
Don’t forget to eat something and to have a glass of champagne. It’s your special day. Relax and enjoy every second.
To finish, here are a few of my wedding season must-haves. Pick and choose as you see fit.
Primer:
I’m not a huge primer fan but I do love the Milk Makeup Hydra grip. If you’re super oily try Dawny’s fave, the Benefit Professional.
Foundation:
My go-to’s for a healthy-looking, long-wearing complexion are:
It does what it says on the tin. It leaves you with a radiant, long-wear finish.
I can pretty much guarantee you that this is in every bridal makeup artist’s kit.
If you’re after a glowy base, this is for you.
It’s an icon for a reason. It won’t budge no matter how many hours you spend on the dancefloor.
Lisa made these for the red carpet and your wedding day is basically your very own film premiere, sooooo…
Riri used it during her Superbowl performance, need I say more?
This is an essential in my pro kit. It photographs beautifully.
If you prefer a loose powder, this one is fantastic.
Setting Sprays:
These is your finishing touch to keep your makeup in place.
A mix of skin caring and long-hold ingredients, this is a great alcohol-free setting spray.
This is the OG. It won’t budge, whatever the weather.
One of my faves if you like a glowy finish.
Is it the best lip balm ever invented? Potentially.
Full of ingredients to nourish your lips whilst also adding a beautiful hint of colour.
Full colour and full shine. Stunning.
There you have it! With wedding season well and truly here, I hope all you brides-to-be have found this useful. Congrats, enjoy and remember: happiness is the best makeup you can wear on your wedding day.
Cheers to love!
Love,
Lisa xx