Planning your wedding is easily one of the most exciting times in your life. As part of your prep, we’re sure you’ve started to consider bridal makeup looks for the big day. Perhaps you’re researching a local makeup pro, or maybe you’re even toying with the idea of doing your own makeup (go you!). In either scenario, you’ll want to follow a few skincare and makeup tricks that’ll get your skin glowing and ensure your bridal makeup is truly “I do”-worthy.
Finesse Your Skincare Routine in Advance
Whether your wedding is in a few weeks or months out, getting on a skincare routine now will make all the difference. In addition to a cleanser and moisturizer, consider adding a face serum targeted to your unique skin concerns to round out your routine.
Kirsten Peterson, Senior Regional Education Manager for IT Cosmetics, recommends Bye Bye Dark Spots Serum to “visibly brighten, promote an even skin tone, and minimize the appearance of dark spots or discoloration with 4% niacinamide.”
Hello beautiful, bridal complexion!
Pro Tip: If you’re planning to get any professional skincare treatments, we recommend consulting with your esthetician or dermatologist about when it’s ideal to have your treatment done. For example, strong peels and lasers may leave your face red, so you’ll want to give your skin time to recover.
Prep Your Skin Before Applying Any Makeup
Who needs something borrowed or something blue when you have your newly-perfected skincare regimen to get you down the aisle and beyond? Before applying your wedding makeup, don’t forget to cleanse your skin thoroughly and moisturize.
“Any makeup application is better when the skin you're applying makeup to is perfectly cleansed, treated, and hydrated. This will ensure your makeup goes on smooth, even, and wears longer,” explains Peterson.
Before applying your moisturizer of choice, we also recommend using a concentrated hyaluronic acid serum, such as Bye Bye Lines Hyaluronic Acid Serum. Peterson notes, “It will visibly plump [your skin] and minimize the appearance of fine lines.”
Use Both a Makeup Primer & Setting Spray
Long-lasting makeup is an absolute non-negotiable for your wedding day, so let’s discuss how to get stunning makeup that delivers even after the dance floor is cleared. After all, you’ll want to focus on other things—like exchanging heartfelt vows and cutting that cake! Set yourself up for success by applying a primer before your foundation (or making sure your makeup artist does so).
Your Skin But Better Oil Free Makeup Primer provides a powerful makeup-gripping base for your wedding day makeup to stick to while also helping to refine the look of pores. One reviewer on itcosmetics.com says, “This stuff is great. It's the only thing that actually extends the wear of makeup as well as leaves a nice smooth surface to put my makeup on.”
To double down, finish your wedding makeup look with another bridal makeup product must-have: setting powder or spray. Your Skin But Better Setting Spray+ is a multitasking hero that helps your makeup look fresh for up to 16 hours.
Focus on Flawless Foundation Makeup
Now that you’re equipped to keep your makeup resilient from first looks to way after your last dance—let’s talk foundation.
While sticking to your skincare regimen and doing all the prep work will help your skin look radiant, you’ll want to do some strategic coverage to create a smooth, even complexion. (If your makeup artist is doing this for you, feel free to skip ahead.)
First, choose a foundation that meets your coverage needs. Our CC+ Nude Glow Lightweight Foundation + Glow Serum with SPF 40 is the perfect makeup for brides if you want medium coverage and a glowy finish for your special day.
Brides seeking full coverage with a matte finish will love CC+ Cream Natural Matte Foundation with SPF 40.
Apply one or two pumps of your choice of foundation to prepped skin, then buff and blend with your Heavenly Luxe Complexion Perfection #7 Makeup Brush. Follow up with carefully placed concealer to further camouflage redness, imperfections, or dark under eyes.
Nail Down Your Wedding Day Makeup Look
If there’s one thing that sets bridal makeup apart from your everyday look, it’s that it’s meant to stand the test of time. Think natural glamour that highlights your beauty instead of distracting from it. While we’re not going to tell you not to wear lime green eyeshadow (hey, it's your day!), our advice is to stick to ultra-flattering, classic wedding makeup looks for your big day.
Let your personality and beauty shine through with a hydrating lip gloss that lasts. You'll love the high-impact color payoff and the fuller lip look it delivers (shout out to hyaluronic acid).
As for other bridal makeup products you’ll want to add to cart for your walk down the aisle, don't forget a mascara that’ll hold up during heartfelt speeches (and give your lashes some much-appreciated drama). Create naturally flushed cheeks that pop just enough in photos and top it all off with a pair of perfectly-shaped brows.
Do Several Test Runs of Your Makeup Look
Whether you’re doing your own wedding makeup at home or plan to hire a professional makeup artist, practice makes perfect. You’ll definitely want to do two to three trial runs to ensure that your vision comes to life on the big day. Take this time to refine your bridal makeup look, test out lighting, stock up on supplies, and get a feel for what touch-ups you’ll require throughout the night. When you finally get to the day-of, you’ll nail it—just like you’ll nail that bouquet toss!
Keep a Makeup Bag by Your Side Day-Of
Make routine touch-ups a breeze by putting together a small makeup bag with all your essentials. We recommend packing your foundation of choice, which you can pour into a smaller bottle if you prefer. (A pro makeup artist tip is to keep a small amount in a contact lens case.) Throw in your cosmetic brush, setting powder or spray, and your lip gloss, and you’ll always be prepared for those impromptu closeups. Keep this handy, or ask one of your bridesmaids to be the official “makeup touch-up” person for the day! That’s what they’re there for, after all.
For more makeup application tips, check out our guides on eye and brow makeup, lip makeup, and face makeup and foundation tips.
