Total Guide to Weddings: Bridal Makeup

Here at TGtS we're lucky to have our very own makeup artist in the team. Emily Griffin, our Beauty and Content Editor, has brought you her top tips for bridal makeup to make sure you're looking perfect on your big day...

When you're planning your big day it's important to think about your makeup. Having the perfect makeup to compliment your dress, theme, and last all day can be quite a challenge. Your wedding is a day that you'll always remember- and you want to make sure your photos will stand the test of time. As a makeup artist, I know there is a lot to think about. Planning your look is vital to make sure your wedding morning goes off without a hitch and to keep you looking your best all day.

Here are my top tips to get you through your wedding day makeup:

Book A Wedding Trial

If you're hiring a makeup artist, make sure you have a wedding trial prior to the wedding day. Your artist will help you colour match foundation, plan your overall look and prepare for any oversights.  If you are having your bridesmaids makeup done too, opt for a soft look that will complement  a variety of ages.

Prime Time

Make sure you wear primer under your foundation – this will give your foundation the perfect base and help it last longer. Primer helps to smooth out your skin; it can reduce the appearance of fine lines and blemishes.

Powder Power

Use a setting powder! Setting your foundation helps to reduce any shine and keeps your makeup in place for a lot longer. It's also important to consider your climate, if you're getting married in the summer or abroad somewhere warm, opt for a lighter foundation and powder. Hot weather can cause makeup to slip.

Picture Perfect

Make sure you consider photographs! When you apply makeup for a wedding, you'll need to play it up. You will be surprised how soft makeup can look when photographed - so go a little stronger when you are applying your blush and eye makeup.

If you are having a trial, ask your makeup artist to take a picture so you can see how it looks. Be careful with bronzer, and products containing high shimmer, they can end up making your skin look dirty rahter than sun kissed!

Luscious Lashes

False Lashes are a great way to give you the perfect flutter all day long, and they won’t run if your emotions get the better of you! You can opt for strips, individual or clusters to give you a fuller and more defined lash. If you have light coloured lashes, an eye lash tint is another option. Ask your makeup artist, as they may be able to offer you lashes too.

Eye Definition  

Swap your pencil eye liner for a cake liner, they last longer, give more definition and are far more smudge proof – and make sure your mascara is water proof! This will save you from panda eyes and dodgy photos.

Tan Time

If you're opting for a tan, make sure you have this done a few days prior to your wedding - in case there are any streaks or touch-ups needed. Don’t forget, if you're tanning and you have planned your makeup, you may need a darker shade of foundation – so tell your makeup artist in advance!

Correct and Conceal

To give you a beautifully flawless complexion, it's important to use the right concealers. Using a lilac colour corrector under your eye will help to reduce shadows and your trusty green concealer will help to reduce redness. Make sure you apply colour correcting concealers under your foundation, then apply normal concealer on top.

Lovely Lippy

It can be hard to get a lipstick that lasts all day, my advice is to buy a copy of your wedding day lipstick, this way you can touch-up all day and evening! Natural shades are very flattering and can help make your lips look fuller – always remember to apply your lip liner before your lip stick.

Enhancing Eyes

When you are planning your eye makeup, try to use eye enhancing techniques. This will keep your eyes looking bight and beautiful all day. Use a darker shadow from the outside of your eyes, moving to a lighter and brighter tone for the inner eye area. When doing your eye makeup, make sure you don’t forget your brows. A touch of powder or pencil, and a light comb will help keep them looking groomed all day long.