A make-up artist’s top wedding tips

Max Söderberg, who did the make-up for the book *Din nya look*, is a make-up artist and has been working in the industry since 1982. He also does hair styling and fashion styling.
— I find it interesting to keep things varied and take on different assignments within the industry so that I’m always up to date with the latest trends. Over the years, I’ve taken on many assignments for magazines, training programmes for retail chains and product development for various brands, both in Sweden and abroad,” says Max. He has, of course, also done make-up for many brides and has plenty of good advice and experience to ensure everything goes smoothly on the wedding day, especially for those of you planning to do your own make-up.
— The base is the most important part of any make-up look, and that certainly applies on your wedding day too. Don’t skimp on it! Base your decision on your own skin type when deciding how much coverage you need. Most people don’t need full coverage across their whole face; a sheer foundation and a bit of concealer on uneven areas might be enough. The thinner the base, the better it lasts. Ask the sales assistant at the shop where you’re buying your products for advice tailored to your needs.

The base is important!

Max says that when it comes to choosing a foundation, it’s important not to test it on your hand but instead to test it on the lower part of your face down towards your neck, as otherwise you’ll easily end up with a darker shade on your face and a lighter one on your neck, which creates an imbalance. Loose powder is essential, he emphasises – always use it. It helps your make-up last longer. Finish by spraying on a moisturising mist; this will set everything as it dries.

Don’t sunbathe too close to the wedding

A common habit in the run-up to a wedding is to sunbathe intensively to be as tanned as possible on the big day. Max strongly advises against sunbathing any later than five days before the wedding and recommends doing so in moderation, as a sun-tanned complexion makes the make-up sit less well and look shiny. It can also make it harder to make your make-up look natural.

The tools are essential

— Use brushes, not sponge applicators, and apply a little at a time. Gently dab on small amounts and blend frequently. For the lips, a tinted lip gloss is a lovely choice for a wedding as it gives a softer finish than lipstick. A rosy shade of blush brightens up your look. Eye make-up for a wedding takes time to apply; allow about 45 minutes.

Which brands should you use?

Max uses different brands across various price ranges for his make-up products. ‘It’s not possible to say that there’s one particular brand that has the best of everything,’ he says. Sometimes Max finds that a cheaper brand has the best product, and sometimes it’s a product from a more luxurious brand that’s better. Max often starts with colours and experiments his way through the wide range available on the market.

Tips for the wedding:

01. Don’t worry about trends; just make sure you look as beautiful as possible. Don’t overcomplicate things and stick to your own style, even on your wedding day.

02. Match your make-up to the colour palette of the bridal bouquet for the most natural look possible. It can easily look ‘painted on’ if the shade of your make-up clashes with that of the bouquet.

03. Even if you don’t usually wear make-up, you should still, for the sake of balance, have proper make-up as a bride – preferably a natural look – so that it all comes together with the wedding dress, the bridal bouquet and other accessories.

04. If you’re having your make-up done at a salon by a professional, it’s important to be very clear about how you usually apply your make-up and what you’d like. Listen to the professional, who often knows what works, but make it clear if there’s anything you absolutely don’t want, so there are no misunderstandings!

05. Remember to have your bridal hairstyle done before your make-up if you’re going to be sitting under a hairdryer or using heated rollers.