Bridal Makeup Tips

Hi All!

Last weekend, I had the great privilege of being matron of honor at my sister-in-law's wedding.  It was such a beautiful wedding, and I had a fun day hanging with the girls and getting ready.  I did my own makeup but had my hair done.  With wedding season in full swing, I thought it would be a good time to share my tips on bridal makeup.  These tips work well for brides and bridesmaids but are also great for wedding guests or any special events where you know you'll be in lots of pictures and want to look your best!

Getting ready with my beautiful sister bride!

Get Your Skin In Top Shape
In the weeks leading up to your event, take extra measures to get your skin in tip-top shape.  I got a facial about a week before her wedding to take care of any blemishes/texture issues I was having.  A couple days before the wedding, I used a facial razor (I've posted about these before--I use the Tinkle razors) all over my face to get rid of any hair/peach fuzz.  This will provide a smooth canvas for your makeup to go on!  And it'll make your skin feel super soft.  I also got my eyebrows threaded a few days before the wedding.

Stay Away From SPF
Makeup or facial moisturizers with SPF in them will cause flashback/white cast in photography.  Stay away from these for a wedding or special event!

Double Check Your Foundation Color
As many brides or bridesmaids do, I got a spray tan a couple days before the wedding.  If you do this, make sure you double and triple check the color of the foundation you plan to use to make sure it matches your neck and chest.  Nobody needs that horrible line of demarcation!

Use Primer and Setting Spray... and Go Big or Go Home
I don't use primer on a daily basis but would never dream of skipping it for a special event.  Setting spray is also a crucial element to keep your makeup lasting through the night.  One thing to also keep in mind is that in photos, you will look like you're wearing less makeup than you actually are.  For that reason, you'll want to go a little heavier with everything than you think you should.  Also, unless you have lash extensions, definitely go for false lashes.  They will make a HUGE difference in pictures!  Lipstick is a bit tricky... you want it to last, but liquid lipsticks can sometimes be very drying and uncomfortable.  My best tip is to have a bridesmaid hold onto your lip color so you can touch up throughout the reception as needed.  I will say that I was a big fan of the YSL lip color I wore.  It stayed on pretty well but wasn’t drying, and it was very easy to touch up.

Don't Try Something New/Something That's Not You
Your wedding day is not the time to experiment or go with something bold if that's not you.  The best look for a bride is something that allows her to still look like herself.  Also remember that pictures of your wedding will be around forever, so you want something timeless and beautiful.

I hope these tips were helpful!  If you're curious about the products I wore, please see the list below.  Items are listed in the order I used them:

Primer: Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base and Bobbi Brown Eye Cream (to prep under eye area)
Eyeshadow: Milani Eye Primer, MAC Eyeshadows: Blanc Type, Soft Brown, Mulch, Embark
Eyeliner: L'Oreal Gel Eyeliner in Black
Mascara: Essence Lash Princess
False Lashes: Eyelure/Vegas Nay Bronze
Foundation: Bobbi Brown Stick Foundation 4.5 Warm Natural
Corrector: Bobbi Brown Corrector in Light Peach
Concealer: Bobbi Brown Full Cover Concealer in Beige and Natural Tan (mixed to create perfect shade)
Contour: Bobbi Brown Stick Foundation 9 Chestnut
Powder: Bobbi Brown Nude Finish Illuminating Setting Powder in Nude
Bronzer: Bobbi Brown Illuminating Bronzer in Bali Brown
Blush: NARS Orgasm
Eyebrows: Anastasia Perfect Brow Pencil in Medium Brown, Bobbi Brown Eyeshadow in Mahogany, NYX Control Freak Brow Gel
Setting Spray: Urban Decay Chill
Highlighter: The Balm Mary-Lou Manizer
Lips: Bobbi Brown Lip Pencil in Pink Mauve and YSL Tatouage Couture Liquid Matte Lip Stain in 25 Beige Secret

xoxo,