DIY Wedding Make-up: Tips and Tricks

We’re not saying its easy, but if you can master this art yourself, then think how proud you will be when you admire your glowing face on your wedding photos. To give you some pointers and a bit of encouragement, we’ve answered the most common questions most brides-to-be worry about.

Question: Should I use this opportunity as a chance to experiment?

Answer:

Although it will potentially be the biggest occasion of you life, it’s one where you want minimal risk. So the answer is no! Photographs remain forever, as do your memories of the day. The last thing you want to do is experiment with a deep blue smokey eye and bold lip, and then find yourself recognizable to all the guests. The goal is to look like the best version of yourself, not a completely different person.

If you are happy with the make-up products you currently own, then great, there is no need to go changing anything up too dramatically. Just look to invest in some key items, such as a primer, or go a shade richer/darker than your everyday neutral bronze eyeshadows. It’s always handy to invest in an eyeshadow palette which has complementing neutral-to-dark tones, such as this bareMinerals Ready Eyeshadow Palette in Sexy Neutrals Bronze. 

Question: Why do people say I should avoid an SPF in my bridal foundation?

Answer:

This is a good question – and an important one at that! Foundations loaded with SPF give your face a white cast in photos, and also add shine when under a bright flash of light (such as the camera!). Also, HD powders and anti-aging concealers are great when used minimally, but if you use even the slightest bit too much, the particles in the products act as mirrors and reflect, making you look paler.

The best tip here is to skip foundation with SPF altogether for your wedding day, to prevent the possibility of a face that’s too light for your body, and one that shines in the photos. The best one we recommend is the 37 Actives Performance Anti-Aging Treatment Foundation, which covers dark spots and blemishes while providing over 30 anti-aging actives to treat the skin. It’s also long-lasting too!

Question: How do I prepare my make-up base?

Answer:

Firstly, give yourself lots of time when applying your make-up for your wedding day. The best base is to moisturize first, and then apply your primer second, but make sure both have had time to settle and absorb before applying your make-up. Makeup artists can’t stress enough how important it is to have properly moisturized skin for the day of your wedding. If your skin is too dry, it will absorb the products and the makeup will settle into your fine lines and wrinkles, making them obvious. Use an oil-free moisturizer all over your face such as Juice Beauty’s Oil Free Moisturizer, and a long-lasting primer. We personally love the Boots No.7 Photo Fix Wrinkle Filler and Primer

Question: What's the overall look I should be aiming for with my eyes?

Answer:

The aim here is to achieve an enhanced version of you -so don’t go crazy and opt for dark colors if you don’t usually ever do this. If you normally wear nude, browns or light grey shadows, bump it up with a shimmery bronze shadow, and lay off the darker shades if that’s not what you’re used to. Line eyes with a dark brown shades and use highlighter in the corners of the eyes and under the brow to illuminate. Anastacia’s Highlighting Duo Pencils have some lovely brightening shades which easily apply and melt into the skin.

If you keep your eyeshadow quite light, then try using individual false lashes to accentuate your eyes. Strip lashes can look obvious in person and in photos, but individuals lash clusters allow you to choose the areas you want to accentuate, like the outer corners.

Question: How do I ensure my face won't have 'faded' by the time of the reception?

Answer:

The answer to this is simple: set, set, set! Once your long-lasting foundation and concealers are applied, use a fluffy brush (bareMinerals have the best Flawless Application Powder Brush!) and lightly tap your face with a sheer, matte powder, such as Jane Iredale Pure Pressed Base Powder. Although you want to avoid carrying too much make-up around with you on the big day, the one you will need with you is powder (or pop it in a bridesmaids bag). Bringing this with you in your purse lets you touch up your face if it gets sweaty and shiny throughout the day, and gives your face make-up longevity.