Written By: Alexandra Sferra
Planning and budgeting for your big day is so much work, and some things may have to lead to a DIY situation. For some people, they may choose makeup as one of those things! If you don’t have a friend or someone you can trust that’s a beauty guru to help you out on your big day, you’ve come to the right place. We will give you some hot tips on what to do when you are doing your own wedding-day makeup! If you are getting your makeup professionally done, still read these tips for any touch-up moments or emergency situations!
1. Figure out what look you are going for, and buy the products!
This part is the most fun in my opinion! Before going on a fun Sephora or Ulta shopping spree, make sure you know what look you are going for to know exactly what type of makeup to buy. Check out Pinterest, Google, magazines, or even other brides from your photographer to see how they photograph. Give yourself time to look around, change your mind and maybe even get a lesson or two at a salon!
2. Buy the GOOD products!
Yes, when it comes to make up and skin care, the price tag normally does matter! Make sure you get makeup that you know is amazing. I have worked at a beauty store for years, so I know there are makeup brands out there that would not be ideal for your wedding day. Get help from an associate who knows their stuff to make sure you are buying the right kind of products. You don’t want your eye shadow to be fading off, your foundation to be cake-y, your mascara to be clumpy or your lipstick to smear.
3. Practice makes perfect!
Seriously, when it comes to your makeup application, practice seriously does make you so much better. If you already are a makeup-savvy person, still practice! You do not want to wait and apply your wedding-day look for the first time on your wedding day. Write down all that you used, how you used it, and when.
4. Get all the facials!
Obviously, to have your ideal wedding-day look, you want your skin at its best! Start getting monthly facials about four or five months before the big day. This way, your skin will be used to the facials and it also will be clean and clear by the time of your wedding! Your skin will be glowing on your big day!
5. Use a primer
Following your fav moisturizer, you will definitely want to apply primer before applying any make up! A primer serves as a corrector that will be filling in pores, smoothing lines, and keep your makeup locked in on your skin. There are different primers too like matte or dewy or illuminating depending on your skin! Also, make sure you use an eye primer as well to keep your shadow on and to diminish the lines and creases that may come up!
6. Plan an ideal space
Doing your makeup on your big day could get stressful, so try avoiding it by doing your make up in a calm environment with all the time in the world. Usually, you will be around all your bridesmaids in the dressing room, but try and distance yourself during this time so you aren’t distracted and can really focus on your look!
7. Choose the perfect foundation
Foundation is probably the most important part of your makeup, being that it is truly all over your face. Get matched by a professional and they will pick out what is best for your skin type. If you need more coverage, you will need a liquid foundation, and if you have an oily skin type, you want to go towards a powder foundation.
8. Avoid SPF
Okay so normally, anyone will tell you to get that SPF smeared all over your face every day but when it comes to photos and your wedding day, avoid it at all costs! Avoid foundations, concealers and primers that contain SPF and make sure it isn’t too thick so it won’t photograph awkwardly. If you absolutely need to, then choose a moisturizer with SPF!
9. Define your brows!
I cannot express enough how important it is to define your brows. Even if you have beautiful thick browns, make sure they are defined.Brows are the defining feature on your face, so if you aren’t gifted with full and perfectly shaped brows (which most of us aren’t), get out a long-lasting brow product and define what you have and work with your natural shape. I usually like a micro-pencil to outline and fill in, then a pomade to darken the brow, fading the inside and waterproofing it! Morphe sells great and affordable brow cream that helps everything stay in place, and the Anastasia micro-brow pencil is amazing!
10. Try and avoid sparkly products
Much like SPF and white powders, sparkles do not shine in photos. Highlighters, eye shadow and face powders that contain sparkles look terrible with flash photography so stick with the matte neutral shadows. Matte shadows stay on easier anyway, so all in all its a safer and smarter route!
11. Waterproof everything!
When it comes to your eyes, your mascara and eyeliner should definitely be waterproof. Not only does it withstand tears and sweat, but it will also fight off the heat or any fallout. Sometimes, peoples mascara or liner can droop under their bottom lashes or melt into the creases, so make sure you purchase a bomb waterproof product.
12. Use a setting spray
Settings spray sets and tones your makeup while locking it in place. Some formulas last up to 18 hours! It prevents makeup from coming off at all, it is waterproof and sweat proof, so it’s an absolute wedding-day must. I highly recommend Urban Decay’s spray called All-Nighter, it's a tad pricey but I promise you it is SO worth it.
13. Bring blotting sheets!
Do not, I repeat do not reapply your powder when you get oily! Always use a blotting sheet to avoid disrupting your look and disturbing your makeup. These are a super small package and can fit literally anywhere. Have your made of honor stash it somewhere safe and blot your face every time you feel like you are getting a tad oily and it will absorb it right up!
