How to Do Your Own Wedding Makeup
For the royal wedding, Duchess Kate Middleton did her own makeup (Photo: Getty Images)
1. Look for visual inspiration: Whether you scour Pinterest or go through a stack of bridal magazines, it helps to have a picture of how you want your makeup to look. Search for models with similar skin tone and hair color to have a truer idea of how different colors will look on you.
2. Think timeless and stick to your style: You will be looking back on these pictures for decades to come, which is why I recommend going with a look that’s timeless. Trying to pull off the latest makeup trend (like contouring) will only end up looking dated in the future.
3. Learn how: Many makeup counters provide makeup applications for a small fee or for free. Since words like “pretty” or “sophisticated” mean different things to different people, it is better to bring along your inspiration pictures as a reference. The makeup artist can show you how to apply the products, give you a chart, and then you can purchase the products you like the best.
4. Do an at home test run at home: You always want to do a practice run or two before the big day. You’ ‘ll see what’s difficult, what works, and what you would rather skip. Don’t forget to take pictures in daylight and after dark, to see how the makeup looks on camera.
5. Avoid self- tanner: It seems like a good idea to add a little extra glow, but self- tanner or spray- tanning can easily turn you an unnatural shade. Plus, once you do it, it’s impossible to take off. Better to go with a little bronzer on chest, neck, forehead, and cheekbones — wherever the sun would naturally hit.
6. Have an emergency kit: Have solutions on hand for whatever beauty or fashion emergencies you might have. Inlclude clear nail polish, Q-tips, eye makeup remover, eye drops, wardrobe tape, and safety pins.
7. Don’t tweeze your brows yourself: A few months before, find a good eyebrow groomer and have your brows done. Have them done again a week before the event, but don’t try to do them yourself. It is too easy to get carried away and over- tweeze.
8. Use long-wear makeup: Keep touchups to a minimum by investing in makeup that has staying power. You can find long-lasting versions of all your makeup, from foundation and concealer to eye shadow and liner to lipstick.
9. Choose makeup with a yellow undertone: Yellow toned foundation or tinted moisturizer a must. It’s the only way your foundation will look like skin when you are photographed.
10. Set foundation and concealer with powder: A light dusting of sheer powder in a color that matches your skin tone will set foundation and concealer. Your makeup will last longer and the powder will help control shine. Use blotting papers to calm down shine for the rest of the night.
11. Waterproof mascara is a must: Getting teary-eyed on your wedding day is a big possibility, so avoid streaking mascara with a waterproof version.
12. Layer two blushes : To create a pretty glow that lasts, try layering your blush. Go with a natural shade of blush on cheekbones. Then add a pop of brighter color, either a powder or cream blush, on top. This will keep your cheeks flushed for longer than if you just went with one color.
13. Make your lipstick last: Kissing your new husband, kissing your guests, sipping champagne—your lipstick will get a lot of wear. Make it last longer by layering lipstick, followed by pencil in the exact shade as your lipcolor.
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