Working out your makeup look {and what products you’re going to use} before your wedding day is crucial to achieving your perfect bride look. So to avoid on-the-big-day makeup mistakes, check out the expert advice below…
MISTAKE 1: Not doing a test run with your make-up artist
A practice test with your make-up artist before your big day is essential. It will allow you to chat about what you like and don’t like. Plus, you’ll be able to see if you ‘click'. From their personality to their aesthetic to their ability to execute the look you are after - a trial before your big day ensures you find the right match.
MISTAKE 2: Wearing dramatic makeup when you normally don’t
Your wedding day is not the time for your makeup artist to experiment with a full-on new look, especially if you don’t usually wear much makeup. Of course, your make-up needs to look special, but keep it in tune with how you usually do your makeup. You still want to look like you on your wedding day.
MISTAKE 3: Going overboard on the blush
Don’t take the expression “blushing bride” to a whole other level. You want to look radiant, not like you’ve run a marathon. It’s also important to keep in mind nerves can create your own natural flush. Tip: Start with a decent amount of blush on the cheeks, then take the foundation brush that contains a bit of leftover foundation, and go over the blush to tone things down.
Mistake 4: Forgetting to use a finishing powder
Always use a finishing/mattifying powder to set your makeup. Without it, your makeup could separate and start to disappear quickly. Plus, camera lights can make your skin look shiny—a mattifying powder will help control this.
Mistake 5: Experimenting with new products
Never introduce a new product to your face on the day of your wedding. The last thing you want to is risk a skin reaction, redness, or a rash. Tip: Always try the products you intend to use, at least a week or two in advance to avoid any little ‘surprises’.
Mistake 6: Not applying primer
Primers are a must as they smooth the skin’s surface, allowing your face, eye, and lip makeup to last longer. Without them, you increase the chances of your makeup creasing and wearing off faster.
Mistake 7: Choosing products that won’t last
A wedding is usually an emotional all-day, into-the-night, event. The last thing you should be thinking about is fixing your makeup after crying during the ceremony, kissing your relatives, or dancing all night. Tip: Choose long-wearing products to minimise having to do touch-ups, and wear a smudge-proof waterproof mascara containing water-repelling silicones to avoid panda eyes.
Mistake 8: Applying way-too much foundation
Before the digital revolution, brides were advised to be heavy-handed when it came to applying foundation so their skin looked flawless in pictures. But with today's filters and lighting, a ‘less is more’ look translates to glowing skin in photos. Tip: Use a lightweight, long-wearing, foundation for a natural look.
Mistake 9: Over-the-top highlighter
Highlighters that are too glittery or sparkly will create a shiny, greasy look, whereas the right one will give you a light-from-within glow. Tip: Choose a highlighter with either a rosy or golden tone and a super-fine sparkle so it subtly reflects the light. {You don’t want to look like a disco ball.} Another tip, apply a little highlighter to areas, like near the tear ducts, high up on the cheekbones, and on the shoulders.
Mistake 10: Forgetting your ears and chest
High emotions can have a huge unexpected effect on the skin, and can result in a red chest and ears. Not a good look on your wedding day, or in your photos. Tip: After your hair is done, apply a skin-matching concealer to your ears, and a light layer of foundation containing a touch of shimmer to your chest, using a foundation brush. Blend well, then fix with a setting spray so you don’t get make-up on the neckline of your dress.