20 Essential Wedding Makeup Tips

1. Use waterproof products

Using the right makeup products can mean the difference between looking gorgeous and having makeup that lasts the whole wedding.  Don’t be regrettably wiping away runny mascara after you’ve shed a couple of tears during the ceremony. If you don’t want to look like you’ve had a beauty meltdown, it’s best to opt for products that are waterproof and long wearing. You will not regret using this wedding makeup tip to save yourself from panda eyes on your special day. We recommend using Maybelline Waterproof mascara as if it rains, or you have a tear do not fear!

2. Have a makeup trial 3 – 5 weeks before your wedding

This is so important! Doing a makeup trial run will give you the opportunity to experiment with different looks and application techniques so you can feel more confident that you’ve selected the right makeup products and will be happy with the end result.

Wearing a t-shirt in a similar colour to your wedding dress during the trial will help give you a good impression of what you will look like on the day.

3. Make sure your foundation is a perfect match

There’s a big difference between every day clothing and a stark white wedding dress – your makeup and foundation should therefore take this into consideration.

4. Research application methods

Be aware that how you apply wedding makeup might differ slightly from your everyday routine. You may need to highlight different areas of your face or use different products altogether from your normal everyday makeup routine so do your research.

5. Take Your Wedding Season Into Consideration

Consider using oil-free moisturisers, foundations and primers to prevent your skin from looking shiny especially when getting married in locations with warmer climates. As an added precaution, you can also carry oil blotting sheets to remove excess oil without disturbing your makeup.

6. Don’t wear an SPF

Wearing sunscreen on your wedding day will result in the camera flash bouncing off your skin making you looked washed out.

7. Always apply your foundation with a sponge or brush

Never use your fingers to apply foundation! This can leave fingerprints behind and create an uneven look which is less than ideal. The less you touch your face the better – this will prevent a build-up of bacteria and dirt on your skin’s surface.

8. Which concealer to use

For flawless skin, you will need to consider what you are covering up as this will largely determine what kind of concealer to use. An emollient and creamy product with more peach in it will help contrast the blues, purples and dark circles under the eyes. For blemishes, red spots or broken capillaries, use a pigmented, thicker concealer with hints of yellow.

9. Highlight above the brow bone

Use a highlighter shade on the brow bone as a finishing touch to make your eyes pop. Go for a light matte shade and pat it onto the outer corner of the brow bone to draw subtle attention to this area of your face.

10. Subtle is better

You want your makeup to look more natural in photos so don’t go for a heavy makeup base. Use translucent powders and blotting powders to ensure your T-zone is matte as this will photograph best.

11. Frame your eye

Use a brow pencil to fill in your eye brow – for best results, choose a pencil that is a shade or two lighter than your own natural colour.

12. Add makeup to other areas

Extend your wedding makeup application past just your face and include your neck and shoulders if required. Exposed areas should look as uniform and natural as possible.

13. Eye shadow primer

Using an eye shadow primer is a sure way to disaster-proof your makeup and prevent any smudges against your white wedding dress.

14. Cake eyeliner

Using a dry cake eyeliner will last all day as opposed to a regular pencil which can potentially disappear and soak directly into your skin as it has an oily, waxy texture.

15. Aim to look like yourself

No matter if you normally wear minimal makeup or prefer to wear a lot on a daily basis, experimenting with a bold, trendy new look on your wedding day is not ideal. Play it safe-you want your photos to be timeless. For guaranteed results, aim for a look that incorporates radiant skin, rosy cheeks and flushed lips.

16. Skin prep early

Be diligent with your skin-care routine and get regular facials if possible. This will make a big difference to your skin’s texture and create the best base for makeup. Aim for at least 3 monthly treatments prior to your wedding to illuminate and firm your complexion.

17. Use professional makeup

The best wedding makeup should provide superior coverage and maximum wear to see you through your wedding day and night. Choose quality products that you know your skin won’t react negatively to for the best results.

18. Use fake lashes

Ideal for special occasions or situations where you’re likely to be photographed, using fake lashes can make your eyes look big and captivating. For a more glamorous look and for those who have thin or spotty natural lashes, use full strip lashes. This must-do wedding makeup tip will enhance your lashes in a subtler way use individual eyelashes.

19. Layer your lips

Choose a lipstick that is not too glossy or too matte. A moisturising lipstick with a satin-like finish is best for a wedding. Apply using several thin layers and blot in between for long-lasting wear. Our huge wedding makeup tip we give our brides is to not wear a lipstick to creamy or glossy. The last thing you want on your wedding day is to have your veil covered in pink or red lipstick. We always recommend using a long-lasting lipstick like LipSense for long-lasting perfect lips.

20. Leave enough time

Failing to allocate an appropriate amount of time to do your makeup on the day can be disastrous. Allow for at least an hour for makeup application on your wedding day to ensure proper application. A good rule of thumb is to add an extra 30 minutes to however long you think it will take to apply your makeup.