That moment when you put on your wedding veil, your first kiss as husband and wife the wild dance with your favorite cousin that leaves you breathless and flushed. What do these magical wedding moments all have in common? They wreak havoc on your makeup! So what’s a savvy bride to do? Relax.
We have all the insider tips you need to keep your powder puffed, your lipstick stuck and your mascara on your lashes and not running your blush pink cheeks no matter WHAT you do. So go ahead. It’s your party and you can cry if you want to, and still look your bridal best.
The Canvas
It all begins with your skin. We know that you take care of your face, drink plenty of water, and stay out of the sun. Follow these steps to get your face makeup-ready for the big day:
- Start using a lip balm or moisturizer — color fades unevenly on dry, chapped lips.
- Don’t use harsh treatments on oily skin — you could actually increase the oil in your skin. Instead, create a skincare routine using cleansers and balancers that have been customized for your skin type.
- The months before your wedding are the days to experiment with makeup — take the time to choose a custom makeup palette that is perfect for your complexion. Still, make sure you have made your selections at least one month before your big day, that way you’ll avoid any potential reactions to new products.
- Get your last regular facial a week before the wedding.
- If you rarely have facials, don’t get one within a month of the wedding.
The Base
You’ve done your homework. Your skin glows. What comes first? Foundation? Powder? Concealer? Relax. Try these tips for a flawless complexion:
- Apply moisturizer twenty minutes before starting your makeup — to minimize slide.
- Use concealer under your eyes. If you think you’ll be a teary bride, look for an oil-based concealer.
- If your foundation wears away easily, try a formula with a little oil — sounds strange, but it works.
- Finish your foundation with face powder.
The Cheeks
For a blushing bride look that doesn’t dissolve during the ceremony, try these great techniques:
- Use a powder-based blush — it will last longer than a cream blush.
- Alternatively, try a cheek stain — just be sure to blend fast. Once the stain sets, it stays put.
The Eyes
The eyes are the mirror of the soul and, on this day at least, your eyes will probably be brimming with joyful tears. Try these tips to keep your eye makeup in place through the waterworks:
- Prep your eyelids with an eye shadow base or a little face powder.
- Use waterproof mascara — allow each coat to dry for a few seconds before applying the next layer.
- If you expect to cry a lot, leave your lower lashes clean — this minimizes smudging.
- Try an eyelash perm — the French swear by this spa technique. Results last for about nine weeks.
The Lips
Kissing is probably the only thing you’ll do more than crying on your wedding day, so you’ll need lip color that lasts, without constant touchups. Try these steps for a lasting, kissable smile:
- Skip your lip moisturizer, or apply it at least an hour before starting your makeup.
- Prep your lips with a little foundation — to give the color a base.
- Using a lip liner, first outline your lips, then fill them in for an extra layer of color.
- Apply your lipstick with a lip brush.
- Apply one layer of lipstick, blot with a tissue, and apply the second layer.
- For color that really lasts, try a lip stain. This is a particularly good choice if you want a bright, high maintenance lip color, like ruby red.
- Moisturize your lips in the days before the wedding — lip stain can be drying.
- Apply lip stain directly to lips — skip the foundation and lip liner steps.
- Be sure to have makeup remover ready for mistakes — lip stain won’t just wipe off.
Test Drive Your Makeup
You should test your makeup at least two weeks before your wedding, to leave time to make any adjustments. Give your finished makeup a few minutes to set, and then mist your face with water from a spray bottle. The spray will simulate tears and give you a good idea of how your makeup will hold up to a good cry. If you pass the waterworks test, get your fiancé into the act and have him kiss and hug you repeatedly (we know, this is such hard work).
Keep your makeup on through at least one meal, and see how you look after a few hours. If you’re still picture perfect with just a few minor touch ups, you’ve got a winning routine. Now get out there and smile!