Look your very best on your big day...
SAM WYLIE-HARRIS GETS ADVICE FROM THE EXPERTS ON BRIDAL MAKE-UP
WITH the spotlight on summer brides, you might be wondering how to get the perfect beauty look for your big day.
Whether you’ve gone for a Bridgerton-inspired wedding gown, rented a lovely little lacy number or chosen a contemporary two-piece bridal suit, you want the very best make-up for the happiest of occasions.
Here’s what you need to consider, according to the pros...
1. The lasting power of primer
“A wedding is a marathon of a day, so to keep the make-up in place use a primer or long-wear base,” says Gia Mills, celebrity make-up artist and founder of Skin In Motion (skininmotion.com).
“Same for the eyes – an eye primer will ensure any shadow doesn’t shift.
“If you have an early afternoon church service, you’ll undoubtedly be wearing the make-up until the final dance, so prep well and you’ll avoid any makeup fails.”
■ Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion, £19.50, Boots
2. Apply your make-up wisely
When it comes to applying makeup, the right lighting is everything.
“Hotel rooms can be terrible for natural light, so make sure you check your make-up in natural light” before heading to the event, advises Gia.
When it comes to skin make-up you can either go for a lighter foundation with a matt finish, which Kerry Hatton, bridal makeup artist at Mii Cosmetics (miicosmetics.com) suggests is “great for all your photography” – or choose a fuller coverage that “lasts all day”.
■ Mii Cosmetics Flawless Face base foundation (left), £19.95, and Mii Cosmetics Absolute Face base foundation (above right), £26.50
3. Focus on your eyes
Melanie Barrese, head of content for Illamasqua (illamasqua.com) and Eyeko (eyeko.co.uk), says: “Most brides like to focus on their eyes, and often this can involve soft brown or warm pink washes of colour – nothing too harsh, like black.”
She also recommends wearing fake lashes as this will “really open up your eyes and pay off in the photos.
“If this intimidates you slightly, don’t worry, there are so many beautiful, soft, natural false lashes on the market now.”
Gia’s top tip? “Wear waterproof mascara. This will help prevent panda eyes if any tears were to run down your cheeks through the emotions of the day.”
■ Skin In Motion Lift It waterproof mascara (right), £20
■ Illamasqua Waterproof Raven mascara (left), £20
■ Eyeko Limitless eyeshadow palette 2 (right), £25
4. Touch-ups will keep your make-up flawless
“Keep a concealer in your bag for quick touch-ups,” advises Gia. “Ideally choose a sweat-proof formula that will last the duration of the wedding, taking you from day to the night – especially if you’re enjoying a workout on the dance floor.”
Melanie adds: “I would recommend making sure you have a pressed powder and lip product with you throughout the day, as these are must-haves for touchups.
“It’s really important to ensure before you take any pictures that the area around your nostrils is matte, even if the rest of your skin is dewy – as this area can look sweaty in pictures.”
■ Skin In Motion Blend It sweat-proof concealer (right), £16
■ Mii Cosmetics Hydraboost Lip Lover lipstick in Summer Lovin’ (left) £17.50
■ Illamasqua Skin Base pressed powder, £30
5. Use a professional – if you can afford it
While it’s not available to everyone, if you have the budget, Gia recommends hiring a professional make-up artist.
Having that moment “to sit, pause and let someone take over to make you feel and look amazing, really is a godsend”, she says.
“As most make-up artists suggest doing a trial before the big day, you know the look you want is road-tested and agreed, so you feel super confident. “A pro can ensure the makeup stays for the day, and creates a look that enhances your face in a way you may not know, or have tried before.”