Makeup for Weddings
Many brides prefer a natural makeup look for their wedding day. This preference embraces an aesthetic that strikes a balance between subtlety and fashion-forward wedding makeup trends. Emphasizing natural features, such a look still retains individuality, enhancing the unique beauty of a day as special as a white wedding. Crafting this wedding makeup look can spark some challenges, especially for those unaccustomed to daily makeup use. However, with the right tools, techniques, and a comprehensive guide, achieving subtle and trendy wedding makeup ideas becomes achievable. As part of this blog, we’ll guide you meticulously through the process of creating a natural wedding makeup look that indeed echoes ‘the best version of you’ as you walk down that aisle.
Prepping the Skin for a Natural Makeup for Weddings
Before delving into the intricate details of makeup application, understanding the paramount importance of skin preparation is essential. Just as an artist requires a clean and primed canvas to ensure the paint adheres well and the colors shine through, the same principle applies to makeup artists or anyone wanting their makeup to sit perfectly on their face.
Cleansing:
Our skin, amidst daily challenges from the environment, accumulates dirt, sebum, and remnants of makeup. No matter how high-end or effective your makeup products might be, applying them over unclean skin will diminish their potential. This is why the first step in any skincare or makeup routine should always be cleansing. A gentle cleanser ensures that not only is every impurity lifted off the skin’s surface but it does so without stripping the skin of its natural oils. With a freshly cleansed face, you’re giving your makeup the clean slate it requires to truly shine.
Exfoliation:
If cleansing is about removing the evidence, exfoliation delves deeper. Dead skin cells, which our skin sheds regularly, often stay on the skin’s surface, leading to a dull complexion and uneven texture. Furthermore, these dead cells can act as a barrier, making makeup application patchy. By introducing a gentle exfoliator into your prep routine, you are ensuring that these cells are sloughed off, unveiling smoother, more radiant skin underneath. Not only does this step ensure a visibly brighter complexion, but it also allows subsequent products to penetrate deeper and work more effectively.
Moisturizing:
Once your skin is clean and smooth, it’s imperative to reintroduce moisture. Every skin type, be it oily, dry, or combination, requires hydration. A lightweight moisturizer serves multiple purposes. It hydrates the skin, creating a plump and youthful base. It also acts as a barrier, preventing makeup from seeping into pores, which can lead to breakouts. Furthermore, moisturized skin ensures makeup products, especially foundations, powders, and a touch of face gloss, glide on effortlessly without clinging to dry patches. The shimmer of the face gloss on your eyes, cheeks, and lips gives a cohesive look. By sealing in hydration, you’re not just prepping your skin for makeup but ensuring its health and vitality with a natural glowing finish.
In essence, prepping the skin is not just a trio of steps; it’s a ritual. A ritual that ensures your skin is at its best, allowing your makeup to complement, rather than mask, your natural beauty.
Creating a Flawless Base
The journey to achieving a natural makeup look rests heavily on crafting an impeccable base that captures the essence of one’s genuine skin while elevating its radiance. This is not about masking but enhancing, and here’s how to nail it:
Primer:
Think of primer as the magic potion that preps your skin, making it the perfect canvas for makeup. It sets the stage for a flawless contour, boosting the effect of your contour product. A well-chosen primer not only blurs imperfections like enlarged pores and fine lines but also ensures that your makeup, especially contouring products like Makeup by Mario’s SoftSculpt Shaping Stick, adheres to the skin, prolonging its longevity. When applying, focus on areas that tend to have more texture or where makeup tends to fade, like the T-zone or under the eyes. A little goes a long way. The result? A refined skin texture ready to embrace the subsequent makeup layers, such as blush and contour, bringing life back into your face.
Foundation:
A natural look demands a foundation that feels almost like a second skin—neither too cakey nor too glaring. The goal is to achieve that ‘your skin but better’ finish. Selecting a lightweight, Glossier foundation that mirrors your skin tone is pivotal. Optimal results can further be ensured by focusing on champagne shades for a subtly golden touch, which can effortlessly enhance your festive beauty look. Always start applying from the center of your face—this is typically where most discoloration and uneven skin tone lie. Using a brush or sponge, blend the product outwards in gentle, stippling motions. For a bronzed look, shop for lightweight and blendable bronzing gels. Applying these gels across the face or sculpting the cheekbones and temples can truly elevate the look. This approach ensures that you don’t end up with tell-tale lines and guarantees an even, seamless champagne-shade coverage that looks and feels breathable, yielding Glossier results.
Concealer:
Even with the most flawless skin, there might be days when blemishes decide to make an appearance or when the under-eye circles are a tad more pronounced. This is where the magic wand, known as concealer, comes in. It takes your natural makeup up half a notch, focusing on targeted application. Using a shade that matches your skin tone—or a notch lighter for under-eyes—dab the product onto imperfections or discolored areas. The key is to be gentle and to blend meticulously using a brush or sponge, ensuring that there are no discernable lines or patches. Remember, moderation is crucial; the goal is to enhance with the help of our friend, concealer, not mask. Hence, even a notch of excessive application might rashly overshadow the entire look.
Powder:
With your skin’s imperfections beautifully evened out and concealed, it’s time to set the masterpiece. A translucent powder, light in texture, is ideal for this. It discreetly sets the makeup, curbing any unwanted shine, and ensures that your base remains undisturbed through the rigors of the day. Apply it with a fluffy brush, focusing on areas that are prone to oiliness, like the T-zone. Afterward, perhaps consider completing your look with a powder blush layered over a cream or liquid blush for a perfectly diffused blush effect, as recommended by numerous makeup artists. However, do be wary of over-application of the powder products as you don’t want to diminish that natural, skin-like luster you’ve achieved with the foundation and concealer.
With these steps, the base makeup is set to perfection, exuding a natural glow that’s both subtle and stunning, laying the foundation (pun intended) for any additional enhancements, including the powder blush, you might wish to add.
Adding a Pop of Colour for Natural Bridal Makeup
Eyeshadow: Glowy Wedding Makeup
The foundation of any eye makeup look lies in the eyeshadow. For a wedding, particularly when choosing a more understated yet beloved look, champagne or even a soft pink eyeshadow will enhance rather than overshadow your innate beauty. Begin by selecting a neutral color wash eyeshadow that harmonizes with your skin tone. This isn’t just about light or dark shades, but picking undertones—be it warm or cool—that align with your complexion.
Starting from the center of your eyelid, apply the eyeshadow gently using an eyeshadow brush and blend outwards, adding a sparkle to your look in a soft gradient. Layer a sheer shimmering champagne eyeshadow over a matte nude on the eyelid and add brown shadow to the crease for a defined yet illuminated look. The objective is to have a seamless transition of color that adds depth to your eyes without coming off as too intense.
And when you’re choosing your eyeshadow palette, remember the idea is subtlety; you want to highlight the eyes without making them the overpowering feature of your face. A natural eyeshadow palette, like makeup artist-beloved NARS Blush, could be a good match offering a mix of matte and shimmering shades, giving you the room to indulge in a touch of sparkle even with your natural look.
Eyeliner: Simple Makeup for Bride
Eyeliner can be the difference between a stark, intense look and a soft, romantic one. Be it a liner, liquid liner, or an eyeliner pencil, the inclusion can potentially define your bridal look. For a natural wedding makeup look, black might feel too harsh. As per notable makeup artist, @nikki_makeup’s advice, a brown liner is recommended for such instances. This particular tone of eyeliner pencil defines the eyes without making them look overly dramatic. When applying, draw a fine line close to your lash line. The aim isn’t to craft a sharp wing but to impart a subtle definition. Post-application, using a smudging brush to seamlessly blend the liner is a great technique. This imparts a smoky, romantic effect, reminiscent of a softly winged-out liner ideal for special occasions. The look resonates with intimacy and warmth, making it absolutely perfect for your big day.
Light Wedding Makeup Mascara:
Mascara is magical; it can transform your eyes instantly. For weddings, particularly, the goal is to achieve eyes that appear open, awake, and emotive. To complement your eyelashes, opt for a mascara that offers both lengthening and volumising properties. Moderation, however, is key. Administer a single coat, allowing it to thoroughly dry before deciding if a second layer is necessary. In doing so, remember to also gently cover your bottom lashes, which not only gives your eyes a proportional look but also ensures that your eyes stand out in all their allure. Since weddings are a roller coaster of emotions, choose a mascara that is both smudge-proof and tear-proof.
Soft Bridal Makeup Blush:
A radiant, joyful flush on the cheeks is every bride’s dream. Achieving this doesn’t require vibrant, bold colors. On the contrary, a peachy-pink cream blush can effortlessly recreate a warm glow, much like that on a cupid’s bow, working wonders on your complexion. Opt for the best cream blushes available, like the coveted Clinique Chubby Stick, which skillfully mimics the natural blush of our cheeks, imparting a candid warmth to the face. But why cream formulas, you ask? It’s because they tend to look more au natural and dewy than powders. Breathe life into your cheeks with the right application technique. When you smile broadly and see the apples of your cheeks taking center stage, start with your cream blush there. Layer a powder blush over your cupid’s bow-like cream blush here for a perfectly diffused effect, and use your brush to harmoniously blend it diagonally towards your temples. This technique promises a natural gradient, sculpting your face subtly yet beautifully while keeping the soft appearance intact.
Simple Bridal Makeup Lipstick:
The final touch, and arguably a vital one, is the lipstick. For a natural look, you’re not aiming for bold reds or deep purples. Instead, seek shades that are close to your natural lip color, only enhanced a notch. Consider lip balms or lipsticks in soft pinks, nudes, or light mauves, depending on your skin tone. You may also apply a touch of lip liner for that perfectly sculpted pout. These shades add a touch of elegance without appearing too heavy or overdone. If you’re not a fan of lipsticks, a tinted lip gloss or a glossy lip balm lipstick can work wonders too. Not only does it give a hint of color, but it also endows the lips with a lush, hydrated appearance, perfect for all those wedding day smiles and kisses. These lip solutions echo the subtle sophistication of a soft black liner and berry lips, accentuating the bride’s features naturally.
Tips and Tricks
Less is More: The Essence of Natural Beauty
One of the foundational principles of a natural wedding makeup look is the adage, “less is more. ” The allure of a glamorous, full-on glam look for this special occasion is irresistible for many, yet some brides prefer a more effortless approach to their wedding makeup look. This isn’t synonymous with skimping on makeup or going bare-faced. On the contrary, it involves meticulously selecting where and how to emphasize your best features. Avoid heavy, cakey foundations or overly bold shadows. Instead, opt for sheer, buildable products that enhance your beauty, rather than overshadowing it. Always keep in mind; that your goal is to appear as the finest version of yourself – not an unrecognizable person. As a bride desiring a flawless natural glam look, your innate charisma should gracefully shine through complemented by the makeup, but not hidden beneath it.
Selecting the Perfect Products: Quality Over Quantity
Your skin deserves only the best, especially on your wedding day. Prioritize using high-quality makeup products, ideally those formulated with natural ingredients, as you plan your natural wedding makeup look. Such products are not just gentle on the skin, but also provide a more radiant and natural finish, complimenting the theme of your look, and essentially making perfect wedding photos. Moreover, superior quality products tend to have better longevity, ensuring your makeup stays pristine throughout the ceremony and also in the wedding photos, reflecting the memories of the day even after years. Remember, it’s not about having a myriad of products, but about having the right ones that blend seamlessly and enhance your natural beauty, looking always picture perfect in your wedding photos.
The Importance of a Makeup Rehearsal
Much like a dress rehearsal, doing a trial run of your makeup before the wedding day can’t be emphasized enough. Here, using quality products like the Lancôme Drama Liqui-Pencil Waterproof Gel Eyeliner, an excellent cream eyeliner pencil, can create a lasting impression. It gives you a preview of how you’ll look on the day and provides an opportunity to fine-tune any details. During the trial, for instance, you may choose to line your eyes with a dark brown eyeliner pencil to make your eye color pop. Take into account factors like lighting, as the makeup, pencil eyeliner included, might look different in natural sunlight compared to indoor lighting. This rehearsal also allows you to monitor how the makeup, especially your choice of pencil liner, wears over time—does it smudge, cake, or fade? Any discrepancies can be addressed, ensuring that on your actual wedding day, everything, including your pencil-created eye look, runs smoothly.
Be Prepared: The Art of Touch-Ups
Even with the best makeup application, there’s always a possibility of needing touch-ups as the day progresses. Tears of joy, hugs, kisses, and dance-offs, and even the venue environment can take a toll on your pristine makeup. Once you’ve figured out your wedding style, and dress, and picked your venue, it’s important not to overlook how these factors may impact your makeup over the course of the day. To keep your look intact, pack an emergency kit with essential makeup items. A compact powder can address any shine, while a lipstick can refresh your pout post-meal. Blotting papers can manage oil, and a setting spray can rejuvenate your makeup within the unique setting of your venue. With these at your disposal, you’ll be equipped to handle any makeup mishap and maintain your flawless look throughout the day.
Hydration: The Secret Weapon for Radiant Skin
While makeup can do wonders, naturally radiant skin is achieved from within. In the weeks leading up to your wedding, prioritizing hydration becomes especially vital if you’re lusting after that glowy, natural-looking finish. Drinking ample water purges toxins from your system, leading to clearer skin and beautifully complementing most wedding gowns. Specifically, smooth and well-hydrated skin enhances a pink wedding gown’s appeal, calling for a rosy makeup theme. Moreover, well-hydrated skin provides a smooth, plump canvas, making makeup application, including your eyebrows, easier and the final look, whether it’s for a boho wedding dress or a sexy bridal gown, more radiant. Consider also investing in a good hydrating serum or moisturizer to amplify the skin’s glow. This preparation helps enhance the natural beauty spots and freckles that can shine through on your wedding day while keeping the eyebrows, contour, and lip color relatively minimal.
Beauty Sleep: Not Just a Myth
We’ve all heard of the term “beauty sleep,” and its importance can’t be overstated, especially before significant events like weddings. Aim to get a good night’s sleep in the days leading up to your wedding. Adequate rest reduces the chances of waking up with dark circles, puffiness, or tired-looking skin. A rested bride is a radiant bride, and this natural radiance will not only enhance the efficacy of your makeup but significantly improve the impact of your wedding lipstick choice as well.
Incorporating these tips—and perhaps a berry wedding lipstick for a winter wedding or a smoky eye liquid liner paired with a bold lipstick for a formal wedding—into your wedding makeup routine will ensure you strike the right balance between sophistication and natural beauty. Remember, your wedding day is about celebrating love and togetherness, and your makeup, especially your wedding lipstick, should make you feel confident, radiant, and unmistakably you.
Color Palette for Bride Makeup
Choosing a color palette for bridal makeup is both exciting and important. The colors you choose should complement the bride’s skin tone, hair color, wedding attire, and overall wedding theme. They should enhance her natural beauty, making her feel confident and radiant on her big day.
Here’s a general guide to choosing a color palette for bridal makeup:
Skin Undertone:
- Cool Undertones: Opt for shades with blue or pink undertones like rosy pinks, purples, and soft berry shades.
- Warm Undertones: Go for earthy and golden hues like peaches, warm browns, corals, and gold.
- Neutral Undertones: This type can generally wear a variety of shades from both cool and warm spectrums.
Eye Color:
- Blue Eyes: Taupe, gray, slate, soft pinks, and deep blues.
- Green Eyes: Warm browns, deep purples, mauves, and soft peaches.
- Brown Eyes: Almost any color works, but particularly lovely are bronze, peach, purples, and greens.
- Hazel Eyes: Golds, greens, soft pinks, and light browns.
Hair Color:
- Blonde: Soft pinks, peaches, and neutral tones.
- Brunette: Earth tones, berry shades, and golden hues.
- Redhead: Greens, warm browns, and burnt oranges.
- Black: Deep jewel tones, silvers, and soft neutrals.
Wedding Theme and Dress Color:
- Traditional/Classic: Soft neutrals, pinks, and peaches
- Beach/Tropical: Bronzed tones, golds, and corals.
- Boho: Earthy tones, soft pinks, and mauves.
- Winter: Cool silvers, icy pinks, and deep berries.
- Autumn: Warm browns, deep reds, and burnt oranges.
Additional Tips:
- Lips: A universally flattering shade is a color close to the bride’s natural lip color, but slightly enhanced. For an evening wedding or for brides wanting more drama, a deeper or more vibrant shade can work.
- Blush: Opt for colors that mimic the natural flush of the cheeks.
- Highlighter: Choose a shade that complements the skin tone, whether it’s a champagne hue or a golden bronze.
- Lastly, a trial makeup session before the wedding day is crucial. It helps to see how the colors chosen look under different lighting conditions and how they photograph. This ensures that there are no surprises on the big day.
Remember, the goal of bridal makeup is to enhance the bride’s features and make her feel her best, not to overshadow her natural beauty.
Conclusion: Book for a Natural Vibe Glam Makeup
Creating a natural wedding makeup look can be easy and achievable with the right tools and techniques. One of these tools could be individual falsies which can add volume and lengthen your natural lashes for a more subtle look. By following the steps outlined in this guide and keeping in mind the tips and tricks, you can achieve a beautiful and effortless look that enhances your natural beauty on your big day. At Tina Kristen Weddings, we offer a range of hair and makeup services to fit every bride’s needs and budget. Our experienced team of makeup artists and hair stylists can help you achieve the perfect natural wedding makeup look that is tailored to your unique style and preferences. Contact us today to learn more.
FAQs
Q. What is considered a “natural” wedding makeup look?
A natural wedding makeup look focuses on enhancing the bride’s natural features without using heavy or bold makeup. The goal is to achieve a fresh, radiant appearance that appears effortless, using shades and techniques that align closely with the bride’s inherent beauty.
Q. Why is skin preparation so crucial for a natural makeup look?
Skin preparation ensures that the makeup has a smooth, clean canvas to adhere to. Properly cleansed, exfoliated, and moisturized skin allows makeup to blend seamlessly, lasts longer, and enhances the skin’s natural glow.
Q. How can I ensure that my foundation shade matches my skin perfectly?
It’s advisable to test foundation shades under natural lighting, applying swatches along your jawline to see which one blends seamlessly between your face and neck. Additionally, consulting with a makeup professional can provide insights tailored to your skin tone.
Q. Can I still achieve a natural look if I have skin imperfections like acne or scars?
Absolutely! The key lies in using the right concealer to camouflage imperfections and setting the makeup correctly. Remember, the goal isn’t to hide your skin but to enhance your natural beauty. Everyone has imperfections, and they make you unique.
Q. Is it possible to have a natural wedding makeup look that’s also long-lasting?
Yes. Using a high-quality primer and setting your makeup with a suitable setting spray or powder can ensure longevity. The quality of products plays a significant role in makeup’s lasting power.
