For those who choose to eschew the pros in favour of their own talented hands, there are still timeless make-up rules that need to be adhered to. As a make-up artist, skincare consultant, and bride who did her own make-up for her wedding, I’m delighted to share my top five fundamentals of wedding day make-up, as well as my pick of the products that I would use on my face.
It Starts With Skincare
Just like a painter prepares their canvas before creating a masterpiece, every bride should begin nurturing her skin before the wedding to achieve a flawless base. Skin preparation is crucial for enhancing the longevity and vibrancy of your wedding makeup. It involves a comprehensive skincare routine that ideally starts well in advance of your special day, but if that is not possible, start as soon as you can. This will give your skin time to adjust to the products you’re using and to show improvement in texture, tone and overall health. The night before your big day, be sure to exfoliate your skin to remove any dead skin cells that could interfere with the application of your foundation. The morning of your wedding, do a gentle cleanse, use a hydrating mist and serum, an eye cream and a lightweight moisturiser suited to your skin type.
Pro Tip: This is the only day I would advise not applying a separate SPF. Opt for a skincare formula that already includes sun protection to prevent camera flashback.
Try: Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream
Back To Base
Once the skin is properly prepped, it’s time to move on to make-up application. Achieving a flawless foundation is key. Start by choosing a foundation that matches your skin tone perfectly. This may take some trial and error, but it’s worth the effort to find the right shade. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to wear heavy foundation on your wedding day. Start with a sheer layer of sheer foundation and build coverage. Apply with a beauty blender and blend outwards from the centre of the face, finish using your fingers. The heat from the hands will melt the product into your skin leaving a seamless finish. Hide any imperfections, dark circles or blemishes with a creamy concealer that matches your foundation. Apply it sparingly with a small brush or fingertips.
Pro Tip: Powder is your best friend on your wedding day, especially when it comes to photography. Look for a finely milled, translucent powder that should look white in the container but sheer on the skin.
Try: Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk
Get Your Blush On
When it comes to blush, I always recommend layering for a natural, rosy look. Start with a cream blush and stipple into the apples of the cheeks using a cream blush brush. After setting the rest of your face with powder, lightly sweep a powder blush in a similar tone for a seamless finish. It should last all day.
Pro Tip: Contouring is great but can look harsh during daylight hours. Keep it to a minimum if you must at all.
Try: Nars The Multiple in Orgasm
Create Timeless Eyes
Go easy on the eyes. Choose soft taupes with a peachy crease or mid-grey colours for an elegant and fresh look that will stand the test of time. Eyeliner can enhance your eyes, but don’t overdo it as it can make your eyes appear smaller. Use a black shade and draw a thin line along the outer three-quarters of the eye, slightly extending it at the outer corner. This elongates and enhances your natural eye shape. For a softer and more diffused look, gently smudge a darker powder over the liquid line.
Pro Tip: Keep it classic. Opt for a timeless and delicate daytime smokey eye in neutral shades. Avoid heavy or trend-led eye shadow styles that may look outdated in a few years.
Try: Dior Backstage Eye Palette in Nude Essentials
Pay Lip Service
When it comes to lipstick, choose a nude shade that closely matches your natural lip colour. Always use a liner in the same shade to stop any lipstick bleeding over your lipline. It also means if your lipstick wears off, you’ll still have a base coat to carry you through until your new touch-up.
Pro Tip: Avoid the temptation to go strong and matte. Red lips need a lot of attention and you risk looking messy in photos. A fully matte lip can appear flat and feel uncomfortable to wear – a soft focus finish is more flattering for a bride.
Try: Clarins Natural Lip Perfector in Rose Shimmer
- Kellie Billings