Wedding Makeup Mistakes Brides Should Avoid, According to a Professional Makeup Artist
Planning a wedding is an exhilarating journey filled with choices big and small, and when it comes to your special day, every detail counts—right down to your makeup look! We know you want to walk down the aisle feeling radiant and confident, so we’ve teamed up with a seasoned pro to dish out some insider tips. In this guide, professional makeup artist Saffron Hughes spills the tea on the most common makeup mishaps brides face and how to dodge them. So grab a seat, maybe pour yourself a cup of something delightful, and let’s chat about nailing that flawless wedding day glow!
Seven Wedding Makeup Mistakes from a Pro MUA
Without further ado, here are seven makeup faux pas brides should avoid to keep your makeup intact during your big day, according to Saffron:
1. Choosing the Wrong Primer
Using the correct primer is the unsung hero of long-lasting wedding day makeup. Think of primer as the glue that holds everything together. A primer not only preps your skin by smoothing out imperfections, but also ensures that your foundation stays put through those joyful tears and inevitable hugs. “Applying primer not only helps in keeping your makeup intact but also prevents it from seeping into your pores, which tend to open up more on a hot day,” Saffron says.
Saffron recommends choosing a primer that suits your skin type; if you have oily skin, opt for a mattifying primer, while those with dry skin might benefit from something more hydrating. “If your skin type allows, opt for a silicone-based primer over an oil-based in the heat to create a matte finish. Alternatively, select an oil-based primer with a lightweight formula, as these are designed to be non-greasy. ” By opting for a matte finish, you will avoid looking shiny in photographs and ensure your look stays in place during a long day.
The Porefessional Primer
This primer helps minimize the appearance of enlarged pores and seals off excessive oil without clogging your skin. Great for creating a smooth skin texture for seamless makeup application!
2. Ignoring the Product Labels
It’s super tempting to grab the first product that promises a radiant glow or a flawless finish, but hold your horses! Diving into the ingredient list is key. Some products contain sneaky little additives that can wreak havoc, especially on sensitive or acne-prone skin. You also want to look for items that are formulated for long wear on a long day like a wedding. Saffron shares, “During the summer months, choose makeup products that specifically mention being waterproof or long-wearing because these formulas are designed to withstand heat and humidity.”
Always do a patch test a few weeks before the big day to ensure no unexpected breakouts or allergic reactions pop up at the last minute. Look out for ingredients that could cause irritation and consider opting for products labeled as hypoallergenic or non-comedogenic. These are designed to be gentle and won’t clog your pores. Remember, a little scrutiny now saves you a lot of stress later—let’s keep that skin happy and glowing!
Super Stay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick
Get ready to fall in love with this amazing liquid lipstick! Its long-lasting formula delivers vibrant, saturated color with a smudge-free, matte finish that keeps you looking fresh all day. Plus, you don’t have to worry about transferring color!
3. Applying a Heavy Base
We all love a good full-coverage moment, but your wedding day might not be the best time to pile on the foundation. A heavy base can look cake-y under natural light and might even start to crease as the day goes on. Instead, strive for a more natural, breathable finish to keep your skin looking fresh and radiant. You want to look like the best version of yourself, not a version hidden under layers of makeup. Opt for a lightweight foundation that allows your natural beauty to shine through!
Saffron advises, “It’s best to apply your base makeup in small, thin layers rather than all at once. Consider using a beauty blender to build up your coverage gradually. Apply a layer, allow it to set, and then add another layer if needed. This method ensures a more seamless and long-lasting finish, as each layer has time to set properly.” Mixing a little foundation with your favorite moisturizer can create a beautiful, sheer effect that’s still picture-perfect. This is especially important for those couples having a mainly outdoor day. Keep things balanced, and you’ll not only look stunning in photos but feel comfortable and confident in your skin.
True Match Nude Hyaluronic Tinted Serum Foundation
Reviewers absolutely adore the natural, lightweight, and creamy texture of this skin foundation concealer! They love how it blends seamlessly with their skin, offering great coverage while feeling light as a feather. Plus, its buildable, effective, and has all-day staying power—talk about a win!
4. Applying too much powder
Sure, we’ve all fallen victim to the mighty powder brush a time or two, but less truly is more on your wedding day! Over-powdering can rob your skin of its natural glow, leaving you with a dull, flat complexion that doesn’t reflect the joy of your special day. Instead, aim for a soft, natural glow that highlights your features without the dreaded cake-face worry.
Saffron’s advice on this is golden: “Once you’ve applied your foundation and concealer, lightly apply a translucent setting powder to set your makeup. This step is crucial as it helps absorb excess oil and prevents your makeup from melting under the sun or looking shiny in photographs. However, be cautious not to apply too much product, as an excessive amount of powder can create a cakey appearance to the skin that is more likely to separate when exposed to sunlight.” Be sure to add powder only where needed, such as the T-zone or under the eyes. Avoid applying it all over the face unless you’re going for an ultra-matte look—and even then, be sparing. Remember, powders with light-reflecting properties can add a touch of radiance without the extra bulk. By keeping the powder light and strategic, you’ll look fresh-faced and naturally radiant from vows to the last dance!
High Definition Powder, Loose Powder
The skin-perfecting setting powder is your go-to for achieving an insta-ready look, as it subtly blurs fine lines, pores, and blemishes for a radiant complexion. With its loose, light-as-air formula, this powder delivers sheer, natural coverage that blends effortlessly onto your skin, providing a smooth soft-focus finish that won’t cake or crease.
5. Skipping a Setting Spray
We’ve made it this far, so let’s not forget the final flourish: setting spray! This magical mist can be a game-changer for your wedding day look. A setting spray locks in your makeup, helping it withstand everything your big day has in store—from loving tears and belly laughs to the swell of emotions you’ll experience.
Saffron enthusiastically endorses this step, “Adding a setting spray to your bridal makeup routine helps keep it in place, even during long days or in sweaty conditions. Setting sprays create a protective barrier, lock in your makeup, and provide a long-lasting finish. Some sprays control shine and offer a cooling effect. Like your base, choose a sweat-proof or long-wearing setting spray, apply it evenly, and let it dry naturally.”
Lightly mist your face after completing your makeup to help everything stay in place beautifully. Think of it as your invisible shield against the elements. Carry a mini setting spray in your bag for quick refreshes, ensuring you always look as stunning as when you first walked down the aisle. Cheers to a day filled with love, laughter, and luminous beauty!
Makeup Setting Spray
This Matte Setting Spray provides a lightweight solution for achieving a matte makeup look that lasts all day, reducing shine and maintaining a fresh appearance. Compatible with all makeup types, it offers a smooth, long-lasting finish that extends wear for up to 16 hours, perfect for any occasion.
6. Using Standard Formula Mascara and Eyeliner
When it comes to mascara and eyeliner, opting for the standard formulas on a day as emotionally charged as your wedding might not be the best choice. You want your eyes to make a statement, but not because your mascara has run down your cheeks after that heartfelt speech. Waterproof formulas are your secret weapon here—they’re designed to stay put through tears, sweat, and whatever the day throws at you.
Saffron is all about that long-lasting look, and recommends switchig to waterproof mascara and eyeliner to ensure your eye makeup stays sharp and smudge-free throughout the ceremony and festivities. “These products are specifically designed to withstand moisture and are less likely to smudge or run, keeping your eye makeup intact even in the heat,” she adds. Not only do these formulas help withstand tears and humidity, but they also tend to hold a curl better, so your lashes will stay lovely and lifted.
And if you want that extra WOW factor for your bridal eyes, consider adding false eyelashes to your wedding day makeup look. Saffron suggests “applying natural strip false eyelashes directly on your waterline using a strong lash adhesive.” Adding, “For best results, consider applying them in a cool environment and well ahead of the ceremony to ensure they set into place properly.”
Voluminous Waterproof Mascara
This waterproof mascara offers up to 4x thicker lashes for a dramatic look with a clump-free application. Its volumizing brush ensures even thickness while being suitable for sensitive eyes and easy to remove with waterproof makeup remover.
7. Forgetting blotting paper
A helpful tip is to carry blotting papers with you throughout the day. They can absorb excess oil without disturbing your makeup, perfect for keeping you shine-free for photos and touched-up for the dance floor.
“This is the perfect duty for a bridesmaid!” Saffron shares. “Have blotting papers to hand to absorb excess oil and sweat on your face whenever needed throughout the day. Blotting instead of rubbing or wiping your face helps to prevent your makeup from being wiped off whilst removing the residue and keeping shine at bay.”
Oil Blotting Papers
PleasingCare Natural Face Oil Blotting Paper is oil-free and fast-acting, rapidly absorbing excess oils and helping to control facial shine without any powder. This makes it a fantastic addition to your beauty kit, allowing you to refresh and clean your face instantly. Our easy-to-use dispenser ensures that you can access one sheet at a time, minimizing waste while keeping the remaining tissues safe, fresh, and sanitary. We are proud to have pioneered this unique design, which has received design patent certification.
Embracing Your Radiant Bridal Glow
In closing, remember that mastering your wedding day makeup involves a combination of preparation, the right products, and a touch of playful finesse. Embrace these tips from Saffron to achieve a look that’s as radiant and joyful as you feel.
Whether it’s layering your foundation or opting for waterproof eye makeup, these smart choices ensure your beauty shines through every heartfelt moment on your special day. As you walk down the aisle and dance the night away, your makeup will remain fresh, leaving you free to relish every laugh, tear, and smile. Cheers to a day of love, beauty, and memories that will last a lifetime!
Saffron Hughes is a professional makeup artist at FalseEyelashes.co.uk. Find out more about Saffron and follow her on Instagram here.
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