Your wedding day is one of the single most important days of your life. Your photos will last forever, so it’s important to look “picture perfect” on your special day!

A huge contribution to looking “perfect” is your makeup. Makeup enhances your features and is important for that finishing touch.

Here are a few pointers to ensure you look extra beautiful on your wedding day.

Use a professional makeup artist

It is extremely important to use a professional makeup artist, like myself, on your wedding day. Choose one that specialises in bridal makeup or who at least has had training in bridal makeup.

Using a professional is important as we usually know the ‘tricks of the trade’ – for example, that pink tones are accentuated in flash photography, so it is better to use a yellow-based foundation.

I use professional photographic makeup to ensure that your makeup stays on all day and night, as well as ensuring you look radiant in photos. It’s so important that your makeup artist doesn’t use everyday makeup – your wedding is NOT an everyday event! It’s not every day that you are being photographed constantly!

Organise your makeup trial to take place well in advance of your wedding. It’s a good idea to bring with you some magazine cut outs of makeup ideas you have in mind. Perhaps you could even have your hair styled in the same or similar way that you will have it on your wedding day – although I know this is not always possible. It is important to bring with you a fabric swatch of your wedding dress, or at least a photograph of it, so that colours can be finalised. Your makeup colours can often depend on the colour of your dress. Bringing a swatch of your bridesmaids dresses is also suggested, so that the colours for their makeup can be finalised as well, especially if you want their makeup to somehow tie in with your look.

Keeping it simple

You don’t want to look ‘overdone’ on your wedding day… so keep it simple and natural-looking. If you’re not comfortable wearing heavy shadows, then don’t. Heavy shadows and liners can make your eyes look smaller, so if your eyes are already small your makeup artist will most likely use lighter colours and special blending techniques to make your eyes appear larger.

A smokey eye is breathtaking for night weddings to give that dramatic, striking look.

For a day wedding, natural, neutral tones are appropriate. Makeup artists like myself will know which colours suit you.

It is so important that you leave your makeup trial completely happy with your look – it’s called a ‘trial’ for a reason… if you want something changed, then ask!! I know that I am more than happy to make changes when a client requests it. They are paying for my service and need to be 100% satisfied. It’s also so much better and less stressful to get the desired look right at the trial, so that things can run smoothly on the wedding day.

False lashes are a glamorous way to bring out your eyes. I use individual lashes, and natural human hair strip lashes in various styles. These are usually applied with a latex glue that is extremely easy to remove (or latex-free if you have an allergy). False lashes make SUCH a difference – which is why I include them free of charge to my clients – I just don’t want anyone to miss out!

Neutral, beige and pale lip colours tend to make you look washed out in photographs, so I would recommend choosing a lipstick that’s one to two shades brighter than what you normally wear (even if you hate wearing lipstick). Pinks, roses and plums are great choices for brides.

It is also important to remember that you must place the emphasis on either the eyes OR the lips (never both). So if you are going for a smokey eye look, choose a pale lipstick, like a light pink or rose gloss. If you have chosen a red lipstick, go for a natural light eye with defined liner and accentuated lashes.

Weddings are emotional and sensitive days for all involved, especially the bride. This is why I will ensure that your makeup is waterproof and smudge-proof, including your mascara. This is particularly important for the mother of the bride or groom – where tears often start before they’ve left the house!

Keep in mind that your makeup on your wedding day will always be a tad heavier than your everyday makeup. It is your wedding day, you don’t want to look ‘everyday’! Also, it is important to have ‘that little bit extra’ for photographs (which will last forever). It is often said that photography takes away 50% of your makeup – so expect to wear a little more than usual. Also, once your makeup is applied, give it an hour or two to ‘set’. Bear this in mind if you get a little surprised at how much makeup you have on!

What to pack in your handbag

I highly recommend you take a touch-up lipstick with you for re-application throughout the day. Weddings are long days, and no lipstick will stay on for 12 hours plus! Usually, the lipstick colour is decided at the trial, and I can purchase the touch-up lipstick on your behalf.

It might also be an idea to reapply powder throughout the day, to reduce unwanted shine – especially for summer/spring weddings. Pack a small retractable travel brush filled with translucent powder (I can provide these at a small cost), or instead you can purchase a powder compact (I can also purchase these on your behalf).

Photographs

Take a photo of yourself in different lighting after your makeup trial. This will help you get an idea of how your makeup will look in your wedding photos. Have a look at your makeup indoors, as well as outside in the sunshine.

I make a habit of bringing my camera to all my client’s makeup trials to ensure photos are taken. The photos will then be emailed to the client for them to refer to.

I hope these makeup tips have assisted you. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to email me on info@makeupbyrebekah.com.au

Rebekah Foxe
Makeup Artistry by Rebekah
www.makeupbyrebekah.com.au