BUDDING ROMANCE
Perfect make-up looks for walking down the aisle. Plus: the best spa treatments for relaxation and rejuvenation
Awise man once said: ‘The course of true love never did run smooth.’ Shakespeare’s sentiment is one that many brides will identify with after the events of the past year, but at long last, we are emerging from restrictions and able to reunite with loved ones for nuptials this summer.
Such intimate celebrations call for a new bridal make-up mood: a natural aesthetic that’s driven by the desire to look fresh and radiant in close proximity, rather than perfect from afar. And with more brides choosing to do their own make-up, the emphasis has shifted from creating a ‘full look’ to improving an existing routine.
Discover our experts’ advice on enhancing your natural beauty for your wedding day and beyond…
THE SKIN
‘To look great close-up, you need to invest time in your skincare,’ says the make-up artist Joy Adenuga. ‘This ensures your skin doesn’t need heavy foundation or powders – the culprits for make-up looking cakey.’
For significant skin concerns, seek your GP’S advice three months before your wedding. Digital consultation services such as Getharley and Renude can provide specialist recommendations on building a personalised skincare regime, but try to avoid experimenting with new options too close to the big day. ‘Stop using retinol products or peels at least three days before the wedding,’ says the skincare expert Ciara Darcy. ‘This will reduce the risk of dryness, which can change how your make-up sits.’
Pro tip Choose products that hydrate and pamper, such as Chantecaille’s Gold Recovery Mask and Alumiermd’s At Home Hydration Kit.
THE BASE
As a general rule, don’t add more than two extra pumps of foundation to the amount you would normally use. Nars and Clé de Peau’s lightweight formulas provide a lit-from-within effect while blurring uneven texture – as does Dior’s Powder-no-powder. Apply liquid bases onto your hand first and then lightly dot onto your face, using a small brush or the heat of your fingers to blend them into skin.
Pro tip Consider using two concealers: one matched to your skin tone to disguise redness or blemishes and another two shades lighter to brighten areas of dullness.
BRIGHT EYES
Soft smoky eyes are sensual and add definition to the face. ‘I recommend using neutral tones with a sheer, barely there wash of complementary colour to make the eyes sparkle,’ says the Dior make-up artist Jamie Coombes. A small amount of cream eyeliner, applied near your tear ducts, will provide radiance too. Just avoid really creamy products – they tend to smudge easily.
Pro tip ‘As a finishing touch, comb a metallic eyeshadow through brows in a similarly matched shade – it catches the light beautifully and draws attention to eyes,’ says Town & Country’s acting beauty director, Evie Leatham.
THE LASHES
For perfectly lengthened lashes, ‘start at the centre to open up your eyes, then apply on the outer corner, the inner corner and the centre again,’ says Sisley’s training manager Lorna Hura. ‘Closing the eyes with each stroke will ensure perfect eyelash separation.’ Try Sisley’s So Stretch Mascara after using Kevyn Aucoin’s eyelash curler.
Pro tip ‘If there are tears, have a clean mascara wand handy to separate your lashes before re-applying mascara. This will stop clumping when you touch up,’ says Coombes.
THE LIPS
This season has seen the launch of a wealth of long-lasting lip colours that are perfect for weddings. Chanel Rouge Coco Bloom and Charlotte Tilbury Tinted Love provide gorgeous lip-enhancing tints, while Jimmy Choo’s Satin Lipstick has the perfect amount of shine. They will all see you through from first kiss to final dance.
Or follow Adenuga’s lip-liner trick: ‘I find lip pencils have more power than lipsticks. Apply all over your lips, blot and reapply three times. All you need is your favourite lip-gloss to add sheen over the top.’
Pro tip Try Lipcote, one of the make-up artist Kay Montano’s favourite products for keeping lip colour in place.
PRIMING & POWDER
For longevity, try a sandwich technique: start with a primer – like the perfect bridesmaid, it will prove to be a stabilising influence – and your base will glide on smoothly and stay put for longer. Apply powder with care. ‘Leave the cheeks alone, but use a light powder on this central area,’ says the celebrity make-up artist Michelle Abels. Switch to blotting paper in your touch-up kit, to keep skin fresh.
Pro tip For effective hold that is not heavyhanded, try the priming veils from Dior or Clé de Peau, teamed with thinly milled powders.
BLUSH & GLOW
When defining your face with blusher or bronzer, don’t just focus on how you look face-on; most of your guests will see your profile just as frequently. Avoid tell-tale harsh lines by swirling powders in circular motions using a fluffy brush and experiment with different hues to find one that lifts your skin tone without creating too much contrast, which can be particularly noticeable in summer light.
Pro tip Modern highlighters now come in balm-like textures that catch the light with little need for sparkle: apply where the sun naturally hits. Westman Atelier’s Lit Up Highlight Stick provides the perfect non-sticky, glossy accent.