Tips for those of you who are going to do your own make-up on your wedding day

Do you want to do your own make-up on your wedding day?

Are you unsure about what you want your bridal make-up to look like or which products to use? Here, we’ll give you the best tips on how to approach each step.

Skincare

The very first step is well-prepared skin. It’s important not to make any drastic changes to your skincare routine, or to choose very active or exfoliating products just before the wedding. This is because your skin needs at least a month to adapt to new skincare routines and products. A gentle exfoliation and plenty of moisturiser are usually a good approach, ensuring your foundation looks better and sits more smoothly.

Primer

A primer is a product that gives your make-up the best conditions for longevity and finish. There are a range of different primers available, both for the face and eye make-up, and for every conceivable need and skin type. Some are mattifying, whilst others are moisturising.

Foundation

When it comes to foundation, choosing the right product and shade is the most important thing. Your foundation should match your natural skin tone. It should provide a beautifully smoothing yet natural finish. When applying your foundation, it’s best to use a brush, working from the centre of your face outwards.

Highlighter

One of my absolute favourite products for any occasion is a cream highlighter. You apply this to the high points of your face, such as your cheekbones and the area beneath your eyebrows. It accentuates these areas and gives your complexion a naturally beautiful glow. When it comes to bridal make-up, however, you should be a little careful not to overdo the highlighter, as it can easily look very shiny under camera flashes. This makes the skin look greasy.

Powder

Translucent powder is another essential component on your big day. It helps your make-up last longer and allows you to easily mattify any unwanted shine. However, you only need a tiny amount. It’s best to apply the powder with a large, soft powder brush.

Blush

Rosy, healthy cheeks and a beautiful complexion are essential when it comes to bridal make-up. Of course, you can also work on the contours of your face and add a light shadow to your cheekbones. But above all, in this context, you want to give your face a fresh and natural rosy glow. To contour your cheekbones, apply a beige shade right at the lower edge of the cheekbone. The blush, on the other hand, should be applied to the ‘apex of the cheek’.

Eyes

If you want to use eyeshadow, a good tip is to start with a very thin layer of cream eyeshadow. This makes the eyeshadow stand out more and last longer. Bear in mind that cream eyeshadows are usually incredibly pigmented, and that using too much will have exactly the opposite effect. The vast majority of people opt for a fairly natural look on their wedding day, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t wear any eye make-up. Choose a level of intensity for your eyes that you feel comfortable with, but take extra care to blend thoroughly so that you achieve soft, smooth transitions. Most people go for brown or grey, which works well as it defines and enhances without looking too harsh. A good rule of thumb for applying eyeshadow is to apply it to the outer corner of the eye, along the lash line and up to the crease. Then blend upwards and outwards. Blend this shade with a lighter one in the inner corner of the eye and beneath the eyebrow to highlight and open up the eye.

Kajal or eyeliner?

If you want a soft, slightly smoky line around your eye, it’s best to choose a kajal pencil. If you find it difficult to get the line right, rest the pencil on your hand and apply it with an angled brush – this will give you much better control. Then dab a little eyeshadow in a similar colour over the line to set it and achieve a slightly softer finish. Applying a thin line of kajal beneath the eye at the outer corner often creates a very beautiful frame.

Waterproof mascara

When it comes to mascara, it should also be waterproof. Apply it to the upper lashes first, and then, if you like, to the lower ones as well. Separate the lashes well. If you happen to get mascara on your skin, let it dry. You can then easily remove it with a dry cotton bud.

Lips

What you feel comfortable wearing on your lips is a very personal choice. The most important thing when choosing a colour and product is that you feel comfortable with your choice. For weddings, it’s usually recommended to choose a matt finish as it’s the easiest to set. If you do this, it’s also a good idea to apply a lip liner all over your lips. This gives a more intense colour and better staying power. If you’re unsure which shade to choose for your lips, it can be helpful to seek advice from a professional. Ask to try the colour out properly before you make your decision. It often feels a bit easier to choose a lip gloss. The only downside is that it doesn’t stay on quite as well, but on the other hand, it’s easy to touch up.

Setting spray

Once you’re happy with your make-up, finish off with a setting spray. This will ensure your make-up stays fresh and stays in place throughout the wedding.

“Remember to pop a small mirror, some translucent powder and your lip products into your bag so you can easily touch up throughout the day and evening”