8 Wedding Makeup Tips Every Bride Should Know

April 21, 2022

By: Caitlyn Martyn | Makeup.com by L'Oréal

When it comes to planning your wedding, achieving blushing bride status is probably at the top of your list. What products you should use to do your bridal makeup, however, may not have crossed your mind. We can assure you that it’s not the sort of thing you should leave for the last minute, regardless of whether you’re having a big celebration or a small ceremony.

Between high emotions, lots of attention and flash photography, it’s important to turn to makeup products that will keep you looking your best from the ceremony to the reception and everything in between. Whether you love a bold look or like to keep things more natural, we’ve created a list of makeup dos and don’ts to help you get ready to say “I do.”

Do Apply a Primer

If there’s one thing you should take from this, it’s that skipping out on primer is not an option. Not only does primer help your makeup stay in place all day, but it also ensures makeup goes on smoothly. Some formulas, like the Valentino Beauty V-Lighter Face Base Primer and Highlighter, diffuse the appearance of blemishes and fine lines for a flawless finish that will withstand even the brightest of camera flashes.

Do Pick Foundation Based on the Season

For fall and winter weddings, be sure to wear a foundation that keeps skin from looking (and feeling!) dry. The Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation keeps skin soft and supple while providing flawless coverage.

In the spring and summer, you’ll want to pick a foundation that can withstand heat and humidity, like the NYX Professional Makeup Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Foundation. Bonus: This liquid foundation prevents shininess for a matte look that lasts through hours of photo ops and happy tears.

Don’t Cake On Foundation

Here’s the thing: Bridal makeup should look natural, so the more you look like yourself when walking down the aisle, the better. If you’re typically drawn to a more dewy look, forgo the heavy, matte foundation and opt for a light, illuminating product like a tinted moisturizer. We love the YSL Beauty Nu Bare Look Tint for radiant, natural-looking coverage.

Don’t Forget the Eyebrows

Eyebrows complete every makeup look, so all the more reason to define your brows for the big day. To keep your brows looking their best, reach for something longwearing, like the L’Oréal Paris Unbelieva-Brow Longwear Top Coat, which locks your brows in place for up to 30 hours.

Don’t Get a Spray Tan the Day Before

Sunless tanning is a wonderful thing, but it can also go terribly wrong should you rely on inexperienced hands or untested devices. If you’re going the spray tan route, discuss the timing with your technician and make sure you get a practice round at least a few weeks beforehand. This way, if you don’t like the results, you can choose to tweak the process and try again with plenty of time to spare. The same goes for DIY-ing your faux glow. Practice is crucial.

Do Try Waterproof Mascara

If there’s any day with guaranteed waterworks, it’s your wedding day. From the vows to the speeches to your first dance, we are almost positive the tears will be flowing — but your makeup doesn’t have to be. Stick to waterproof options, like the Maybelline New York The Falsies Lash Lift Waterproof Mascara, since your lashes are closest to the waterworks.

Don’t Wing It

If you want your face to be as flawless as your vows, you need to do a trial run before the big day. Whether you’re doing it yourself or hiring a glam squad, make sure to test out the look so you have one less thing to be nervous about on the big day.

Do Keep Products on Hand

Keep a few products with you throughout your wedding day, like lipstick, blotting papers and setting powder (we love the Dermablend Loose Setting Powder) so you can easily touch up your look.

Photographer: Chaunte Vaughn