As the spotlight shines bright on your special day, you’ll want your makeup to exude radiance, sophistication, and longevity. Building upon the skincare foundation established in our previous post, these 10 bridal makeup rules serve as a valuable guide for both you and your trusted makeup artist.
By understanding what to expect during your trial and utilizing these tips, you’ll not only guarantee a stunning wedding day look but also create a beautiful canvas for a flawless rehearsal dinner or day two appearance.
Trial Your Look
When it comes to creating a unique wedding day look, it’s essential to do your due diligence. Start by gathering inspiration on platforms like Pinterest or Instagram, curating a mood board that reflects the style you’re aiming for. If there’s a specific look that catches your eye, but isn’t part of your everyday routine – think bold lip colors or dramatic eyeliner – schedule a mini trial before your main event to test its feasibility.
Similarly, if you’re in the market for new makeup, take advantage of in-store services that allow you to try out products with the assistance of knowledgeable counter staff. Most brands offer this courtesy at no extra cost, giving you valuable insight into how certain looks will hold up throughout the day.
Layer Your Skincare
When it comes to ensuring your wedding day makeup stays in place, the quality of your skincare plays a crucial role. To prevent pilling or slippage, focus on building a solid foundation with layers of lightweight products rather than relying on one rich cream. While intense moisturizers may be necessary for very dry skin, most people can get by with a serum, a gentle moisturizer, a broad-spectrum SPF, and an optional primer.
The key is to let each layer settle for at least a minute before moving on to the next step. This allows your skin to fully absorb the products and sets the stage for a flawless makeup application.
We recommend exploring formulas that are transparent and designed specifically for use under makeup, such as [Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Serum, Clinique Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator, Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer, and Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free Suncare Emulsion SPF 30], which all provide excellent results. A photo by Nina Val Photography via One Fab Day
Use Colour-Correcting Concealer
Achieving a flawless complexion on your special day is largely dependent on having a reliable concealer that can effectively neutralize skin tone imperfections. Discolouration can stem from various sources, including dark circles, redness, sun damage, and hyperpigmentation. To combat these issues, it’s essential to have the right colour-correcting concealer at your disposal.
These products come in a range of shades, from peachy tones for lighter skin types and dark circles, to yellow, orange, and deeper pink hues for deeper skin tones and hyperpigmentation. If you’re dealing with redness, a green-tinted concealer is the way to go. To ensure a seamless finish, apply your colour-correcting concealer first, followed by your regular concealer, and then blend it all in with your foundation for a picture-perfect result.
Wedding Day Foundation
For a wedding day look that lasts all day, it’s not about layering on thick makeup, but rather choosing products that provide long-lasting results. Oil-free formulas with lightweight textures are the key to flawless, heat-resistant coverage that won’t budge. These foundations are designed to withstand sweat and oil, so you can enjoy your special day without worrying about reapplying throughout the day. We recommend trying NARS Radiant Longwear Foundation (€39.
50/32 shades), Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation (€49.50/44 shades), Laura Mercier Real Flawless Weightless Perfecting Foundation (€49/30 shades), or YSL All Hours Luminous Matte Foundation SPF 39 (€44.45/20 shades) for a radiant, long-lasting look that’s perfect for your big day.
What to Consider For Your Bridal Base
When planning your wedding makeup look, consider the time of year and the type of foundation you’ll need. If you’re opting for self-tan, make sure to get colour-matched beforehand to achieve a natural-looking finish. In the winter months, a full-coverage foundation is often a better choice due to dry skin and harsh weather conditions.
To combat unwanted shine and pesky tears, be prepared with blotting papers in your handbag and mini beauty sponges on standby for quick touch-ups throughout the day. Don’t forget to pack a compact face powder for further adjustments as needed.
Setting Your Base
To achieve a flawless and long-lasting makeup look that photographs beautifully on your big day, it’s essential to set your base with a light dusting of loose powder. This step is particularly important for the T-zone area where oil tends to accumulate quickly. Start by using a brush to gently sweep over these areas, followed by a light dusting over the entire face. When selecting a loose powder, opt for finely-milled products that won’t alter the appearance of your foundation.
Two top-notch options are Laura Mercier’s Translucent Powder (€31.95) and Huda Beauty Easy Bake Loose Powder (€38.40), both available in multiple shades to suit various skin tones.
Bridal Blush
For a bride’s classic eye and lip look, subtle tones provide the perfect backdrop for a pop of color on the cheeks. This fresh approach is especially well-suited to daytime looks. When it comes to contouring and highlighting, aim for natural results by using gentle strokes and blending thoroughly. For medium to deep skin tones, try warm pinks, reds, or oranges, while lighter complexions look lovely with light peach or pink shades.
To achieve a truly radiant glow, apply a cream blush to the highest points of the cheeks and top it off with a light dusting of powder blush. One final trick to enhance your look: add an incredibly subtle amount of highlighter on top of your blush for a stunning ‘wow’ factor. This adds dimension and creates a beautiful, sun-kissed effect. We’re loving these gorgeous blushes [clockwise from top right]: Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Blush Stick (€52), Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush (€25.
08), NARS Cosmetic Blush (€35.45), and Too Faced Cloud Crush Blush (€31.64). The photo above, courtesy of SOSAC via One Fab Day, perfectly captures the essence of a beautiful blush application.
The Soft Glam Smoky Eye
For many brides, the quintessential eye look is a soft, smoky eye that exudes sophistication and glamour. To achieve this look, opt for matte shadows in subtle shades like charcoal or taupe, as they are easier to work with than shimmery options and photograph beautifully. When it comes to eyeliner, it’s all about definition – but to give the illusion of a ‘lived-in’ eye on day two, simply apply a light layer of powder shadow over the line to soften the look and add a touch of glamour.
Remember, it’s all about subtlety. Don’t forget to pack some eye drops in your bag too – not only do they help to brighten up tired eyes, but they can also provide a refreshing pick-me-up on those long wedding days.
The Ultimate Lash Hack
While a natural curl can be a rare find, there are ways to achieve the same effect without relying on false lashes. A combination of an eyelash curler and waterproof mascara is the key to getting lift, curl, and holding it for hours. The eyelash curler plays a crucial role in adding volume and shape to straight lashes, while the waterproof formula ensures that your lashes remain intact despite moisture or tears.
If you prefer to opt for false lashes instead, look for a more natural-looking set or individual pieces that exude elegance and modernity.
For those who prefer to stick with mascara, we’re fond of [clockwise from top right]: Kevyn Aucoin The Eyelash Curler (€24), Chanel Le Volume Waterproof Mascara (€40), Kiss Falscara Eyelash Wisp Multi – 02-Natural Wispy (€11.95), and Eylure Naturals 003 Lashes (€7.45). Photo by Moat Hill Photography via One Fab Day
The Perfect Bridal Lipstick
When seeking the ideal nude shade for your big day, it’s akin to finding the perfect pair of jeans – a challenge that may involve some trial and error. Most brides tend to opt for rose, nude, or pink undertones. With so many options available, it’s essential to approach the task with patience and persistence. Make sure to prioritize this crucial step in your wedding day makeup routine, as finding the perfect shade can take time.
When you finally find ‘the one,’ don’t forget to complement it with a matching liner for flawless lip definition. On the day of the celebration, be prepared by carrying both products along with a clear lip balm to maintain moisture and prevent dryness, especially if your lipstick has a matte finish. A top tip from experienced brides is to stock up on spare lipsticks in case their beloved shade becomes discontinued.
Setting Spray Is Insurance
To ensure your makeup stays in place throughout the day, incorporate a setting spray into your routine. This versatile product can be used to lock in your look, refresh your makeup if needed, and even prevent smudging. With its ability to withstand heat, sweat, oil, and tears, it’s an essential tool for anyone who wants their makeup to last all day. Some of our top picks include the Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray (€32.95), Huda Beauty Resting Boss Face (€32.
70), MILK Makeup Hydro Grip (€39.50), and MAC Prep & Prime Fix+ Coconut (€30). For more expert advice on hair, skin, fragrance, and makeup, explore our full range of beauty features.
