What look to go for
The style you choose for your wedding make-up will ultimately depend on your personal preference, but there are some other factors to consider:
Are you having a summer or winter wedding? In summer, go for bright, pastel colours. Warm, deeper shades will lend themselves well to a winter wedding.
Keep in mind that your make up should be a little more dramatic than your everyday make-up so that it stands out in the photographs!
Avoid anything too shiny on your skin. If you're getting married in the summer, stick to a coloured lip-gloss but don't wear shine all-over. Light formulas are better as you don't want your makeup melting in the sun.
Face
Firstly, prep your skin with a primer after moisturising. Aside from filling in any fine lines, large pores, and other imperfections, a primer will ensure foundation lasts longer on your skin. Try Estée Lauder PrimeFx Color Neutralizing Primer, R215 for 25ml.
Foundations with yellow undertones work best with flash photography. Keep away from shimmer highlighters as this look will not show up well in photos and give a reflective shine. Alternatively, use a bronzing powder to warm your skin tone and give a natural glow. Apply to the forehead, cheeks and bridge of nose.
If you’re not a big make-up fan, opt for a tinted moisturiser or mix a little foundation with your moisturiser to even out your skin tone. Try Estee Lauder Daywear Plus Multi Protection Anti-Oxidant Moisturizer Sheer Tint Release Formula (R345) – aside from tinting, the formula actively shields skin to help prevent lines before they appear.
To combat shine, dust a loose, oil-free face powder over your entire face, round the eyes as well as your neck. Apply with a large make-up brush to prevent overloading, dusting on lightly. Try Clinique Blended Face Powder and Brush (R215) – it mattes skin without making it appear dull.
Eyes
Mascara/liner – Waterproof mascara is a must for those teary moments on your wedding day as well as to prevent ‘raccoon eyes,’ when your mascara and liner smudges forming black circles under the eyes. Try Dior Diorshow Waterproof Mascara (R285) for a smooth application sans clumps.
Eyeshadow – The eye-area should be soft and natural with no heavy, dark lines. To make your peepers appear wider, apply light coloured shadow on the inner corners of your eyes. Choose eye shadows with a matte or satin finish to prevent caking. Try Maybelline Dream Mousse Shadow (R59,95), available in a range of colours.
Cheeks
For those who are not blessed with a great pair of cheekbones, fake it! Use a matte bronzer below the cheekbones then apply a pink or peach blush on the apples of the cheeks. Try Elizabeth Arden Bronzing Beauty Kit for Face and Eyes (R150).
Lips
Before you apply lipstick, exfoliate your lips with a lip exfoliator. This even out the surface of the lips to better absorb lipstick, making it last longer. Try The Body Shop’s Lipscuff, (R70).
Line and fill in your lips with a lip liner that matches the colour of your lipstick. Then fill in your lips with the pencil. Finally on top of that, apply a long-wearing lipstick with a moisture content, to prevent your lips from drying out. Blot with a tissue and reapply your lipstick – repeat this twice.Try Clarins Joli Rouge (R190) – the soft, creamy formula is said to offer stay-true, moisturising colour.
Remember, it is more flattering to define one area at a time. If you want dark, defined eyes, go for a lighter lip shade and if you want dark/bright lips, go for natural, light eyes.
Touch ups: keep the following on hand
Cotton buds and some make-up remover to wipe away any smudges under the eyes.
Your lipstick, should you need a touch up.
Loose powder to blot away any sweaty patches.
Do you have tips you'd like to share? Are you hiring a make-up artist or will you be doing your own make-up? Let us know in the comment box below.