Planning your makeup for the biggest day of your life may seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be! We’re breaking down some tips and tricks to keep you looking good all day long.
Start with your eyebrows, which frame your face. A week before your wedding, have your brows tweezed or waxed. Avoid redness or irritation by not doing your brows the day before. To make your brows look good without a lot of effort, use a small brow brush or toothbrush to move brows into place, and then hold them there with a tiny drop of hairspray or clear mascara. Colored mascara that matches your hair color will add hold, plus added definition.
Choose muted, neutral eyeshadows that work with your dress and with your other products. To brighten your eyes, use a light or white eyeshadow on your brow bone and on the inside edges of your eyes. Use a darker shade on your lower eyelids. To make eyes appear larger, use shadow along the edges of your eyelids and at the corners of your eyes. Eyeshadows with shimmer or glitter can make your look glow, but remember that they can also make you look shiny in pictures.
For a more natural look, use eyeliner sparingly. Find the color that looks best for you; some might choose brown or gray, rather than black, eyeliner. You will want your eyes to stand out in pictures and across a crowded reception hall without looking too intense.
Use waterproof mascara. Even brides-to-be who don’t think they’ll cry during the ceremony often do. Even if you don’t get misty-eyed or downright torrential, you’ll want your mascara to last and remain smudge-free. Curl your lashes before applying mascara to avoid smudging your makeup. If you like a more dramatic look, false lashes will definitely make your eyes pop. Make sure that the lashes and glue you choose are tough enough to stay put for the entire day.
Keep pressed powder or blotting tissues to avoid looking too shiny. Avoid loose powder which could spill on and stain your gown. Be cautious with mineral-based powders and cosmetics as these tend to deflect light in pictures. If your wedding is being held indoors, you may also want to avoid using sunscreen because it can deflect light from camera flashes and can cause a chalky appearance in pictures.
You might be flushed from the excitement of the wedding, so you may need less blush than you think. If your wedding photos will be in black and white, avoid using blush that is darker than your skin tone.
Your lipstick color should complement your overall look. It’s usually best to choose a shade slightly bolder than your normal color so it will show up in pictures. Try out the lipstick in advance of your wedding and see if it grows on you. If you like a bold lip color, you will be making your lips the focal point of your face. A lip stain may also be preferred since it will give you color without the potential to smear or stain your dress. Whatever you choose, make sure your lips are smudge-proof and ready to withstand all of the kisses!
The most important thing you can do is test your makeup ahead of time. Look at your makeup in natural and artificial light similar to that of your wedding venue. You may even consider having your picture taken so you can get an idea of how your makeup will look when photographed. Whether you do your own makeup or hire a pro, you’ll feel confident and at your most beautiful on your special day!
NM Wedding Expo.
