Before you even think about mastering your makeup application, the first thing you need to do is get your skin in good condition. (This will help the makeup look better on your skin). That means following a regimen in which you regularly cleanse, exfoliate (remove dead skin cells), tone (or use a freshener to restore the pH balance after cleansing), moisturize and protect your skin (from the sun and the environment). Finding a regimen that helps your skin look its best can take some time, so begin this process months, not days before the event.
Do it yourself or not?
When it comes to makeup application, you can either choose to go to a salon the day of the wedding to have your makeup done for you, or you can do it yourself. If you’re a do-it-yourselfer, then you can benefit from at least getting some advice from the professionals, either by going to a salon or having a consultant come to you. The advantage of learning how to do it yourself is that when the wedding day is over, you will still know how to make yourself look gorgeous. You can even make the professional consultation a group event, getting the bride, bridesmaids and mom together to learn makeup application techniques.
What if you’re not a makeup person? The main purpose of makeup is to even your skin tone and accentuate your natural features. A good makeup artist can accomplish that (or teach you how to do it) and still maintain a natural look.
What’s in your purse?
There are a few products to keep handy on the day of the wedding. These will keep you looking fresh and pretty during picture-taking and beyond.
Eye primer: This is like super glue for your eye colors. Applied before the shadow, eye primer makes the colors appear bolder and helps the makeup adhere longer without creasing.
Oil-absorbing papers: If you tend to get oily, or it’s a hot and sweaty day, instead of reapplying powders to make you feel dry, these little papers will blot up excess oil and sweat without removing your makeup.
Lip primer: Similar to eye primer, lip primer helps your lip color stay on longer. It also prevents feathering along the edges of your lips.
Lip colors: After kissing people all day and eating and drinking all night, you’re going to need to replace your lip color. Keep your products handy and layer the lip liner, lipstick and gloss for bolder color.
If you get a head start on your skin, learn from the professionals and keep your essential products handy, you’ll be glowing on the day of the wedding – and not just from happiness.
by Kari Anderson-Pink
