Want to do your own makeup for the big day? First step, schedule a makeup lesson with an experienced makeup artist ahead of time. Not only will this give you the techniques and product knowledge you will need, but it will also take that much more stress off of you on your wedding day.
Here are a few tips to get you started:
Prime your canvas
Before applying a foundation, apply a primer all over the face. This will give the skin a smoother surface and ensure your foundation lasts all day and all night. You also want to invest in a great eye shadow primer. This will keep your eye shadow from creasing and keep it looking fresh throughout the day.
Choose your brushes
Use clean, soft makeup brushes and sponges. Good quality brushes will easily apply and blend your makeup. Keeping them clean is very important. Dirty brushes and sponges can harvest bacteria that will cause you to break out. You can’t get that fresh, flawless look if your old dirty and dried makeup is mixing in with what you’re trying to apply.
>>Mallory's picks: Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer; MAC Prep + Prime Skin; Urban Decay Eye Shadow Primer Potion.
Set the foundation
Get a professional to match your foundation. Make sure to look at the foundation in the daylight. It should be blended from your jawline down the neck, and the color should match closely to your chest and jawline area. If you can, stay away from foundation with an SPF. Many products with SPF contain titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. These common ingredients have light-reflecting properties that will give you a gray/silver cast in photographs. However, if you easily burn and are getting married outside, use a primer with SPF before applying foundation.
>>Mallory's pick: MAC Prep + Prime Face Protect SPF 50
Bring out the light
Use concealer where needed. It will give you an instant face-lift, especially if used under the eye, around the nose and on the chin. Just be sure to blend it in well with your foundation.
Set it and forget it
When using a cream/liquid foundation and/or concealer, finish it off with a face powder to set the makeup. Keep your powder close throughout the day for touch-ups.
Add a little color
When used just under the cheekbones and around the edge of the temples and forehead, a bronzer will give you a little color and prevent paleness in pictures. Just be sure to use a matte bronzer on the face. If you want a little shimmer here and there, apply it separately.
>>Mallory's pick: Urban Decay Baked Bronzer for Face and Body in 'Toasted'
Protect the look
Use waterproof foundation, eyeliner and mascara.
Give the final touch
For lips, use a lip stain or a long-wearing lip color. Keep it close for reapplications as needed.
>>Mallory's picks: Tarte LipSurgence Natural Lip Tint; MAC Pro Longwear Lipcolor
Most importantly, relax and enjoy your day. The way you feel on the inside is the way you’ll look on the outside. Beauty radiates from within.
Mallory Fitzgerald is a freelance makeup artist and is beachblvd’s makeup artist and consultant.