How to Create a Wedding-Ready Makeup Look in 10 Simple Steps
1. Prep Your Skin
Healthy, prepped skin is the basis of any major makeup look. Begin by washing your face to wash away all the dirt and oils. Then apply a hydrating moisturiser so that your skin remains looking fresh and healthy, and your makeup doesn't look patchy. To make it extra special, add some primer; it smooths out your skin and ensures long-lasting makeup, which may be needed for a long wedding day.
Tip: Let the primer sit for a minute or two before applying your foundation to allow it to settle.
2. Choose the Right Foundation
Choose a foundation that suits your skin colour. Liquid foundations suit most skin and give a natural finish. Start with a very light layer and build where you need it. Use a damp makeup sponge or foundation brush to blend it for a smooth, even finish.
Tip: Blend foundation down your neck and onto your ears to avoid any noticeable lines.
3. Conceal and Brighten
For concealer, use one or two shades lighter than foundation and apply under the eyes. It should also follow an upside-down triangle shape and be softly blotted with a sponge or brush. Also, apply concealer on any blemishes or red areas for extra coverage.
Tip: Let the concealer sit for a few seconds before blending to achieve fuller coverage.
4. Set with Powder
Setting your makeup is key for a wedding look. Use a loose or compact powder to lightly set your foundation and concealer, focusing on areas that get oily, like the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin). Avoid applying too much powder to keep your skin from looking cakey.
Tip: If you have dry skin, skip powder on areas that don’t need it.
5. Enhance Your Eyes with Eyeshadow
Now, for the eyes! Choose eyeshadow shades matching your dress or neutrals like gold, brown, or champagne. It's completely gorgeous for the wedding. Start by applying a light shade all over the lid, then add a slightly darker shade in the crease to create depth. And if you want to add that little pop of sparkle, apply a shimmer or glitter shade right in the centre of the eyelid.
Tip: Blend, blend, blend! Seamless blending creates a soft, professional look.
6. Define with Eyeliner
Eyeliner adds definition to your eyes. For beginners, a gel eyeliner can be easier to apply than a liquid one. Line your upper lash line, starting from the inner corner to the outer edge. You can keep it thin for a natural look or slightly wing it out for a touch of glam. Don’t forget to line your lower lash line with a soft brown or black for extra depth.
Tip: If you want a softer look, use a dark brown liner instead of black.
7. Add Drama with Mascara
Mascara brings your eyes to life by putting a volume and length to lashes. Hold the wand at the lash line and wiggle from the base of the eye upwards. You apply one or two coats for fuller effect. You can dare add false lashes for an even more dramatic look but practise first if you're a beginner with these.
Tip: Waterproof mascara is a good choice for weddings to avoid smudging.
8. Shape and Fill Your Brows
Well-defined brows frame your face and complete your eye makeup. Use a brow pencil or powder to fill in sparse areas with light, feathery strokes, following the natural shape of your brows. A clear brow gel can help keep them in place all day.
Tip: Avoid overfilling your brows; natural-looking brows are more flattering.
9. Add a Pop of Colour to Your Cheeks
Blush adds a lovely flush to your cheeks. Choose the shade according to your skin tone; pinks or peaches suit all skins. Smile and apply blush to the apples on your cheeks, filling upwards towards your temples. It gives a lovely glow.
Tip: Start with a light application and build up if needed.
10. Perfect Your Pout with Lip Colour
Finish off with a killer lip colour! A long-lasting matte lipstick is perfect for a wedding day. You can pull it off with a red or berry tone or softer, more romantic with a nude or pink one. You can put some lip liner to trace out the lines of your lips so that it will not feather and make it last longer before lining up to lipstick.
Tip: Blot your lips with a tissue and reapply for extra staying power.
Extra Finishing Touches
For extra glow, you can add a touch of highlighter on the high points of your face, like your cheekbones, brow bones, and the bridge of your nose. Setting your look with a makeup setting spray will help lock everything in place and keep you looking fresh and flawless.
Tip: Blot your lips with a tissue and reapply for extra staying power.
