I’m so glad I knew about these makeup hacks for my wedding day.
It was the middle of July, and I was asked to shoot a wedding on the Hawaiian coastline. The bridesmaids were getting ready, the decorations were being set, and more coffee was being made. It looked like rain was in the horizon and the sun was fighting for its time in the sky. A warm breeze blew from the beach that sat below. I decided it was the perfect time to capture the bride getting her makeup done, so I walked across the property to the bridal suite. I expected to see the bride, in her silky robe admiring the makeup that the makeup artist had just completed. With a few more touches, she would be glowing and ready for pictures with her bridal party before the ceremony. I walked in, and to my dismay my bride looked at me with those “help me” eyes that you give to your best friend when a date isn’t going well. As the MUA stood back and admired her work, the bride looked in the mirror, trying to find any good angle. She tried not to cry as she stared at her heavy liner (both top and bottom), no lashes, an awful lip color, and splotchy eyeshadow. It was 1 hour before the ceremony and her dreams were crumbling before her eyes.
Here’s how to make sure this ISN’T you on your wedding day or engagement shoot:
This is a more common one, but oftentimes brides get too stressed or overwhelmed to actually plan this out. Schedule a test run with your makeup artist. Oftentimes it’s hard to see what that makeup will look like on your face, and you want to work together with your MUA to make sure you have the dream look you’re going for. It’s not too much to ask, and your MUA should be completely fine doing a test run weeks and even months in advance to your big day.
When in doubt, go darker. If you’ve ever done any acting, you know this rule. Okay, maybe you don’t quite want stage makeup for your wedding. Even if you feel the makeup is a little much, it isn’t. I promise. Here’s why: Especially in the middle of the day, your light and dainty eyeshadow won’t be seen by anyone, or by the cameras. Lots of bronzer ensures that you have the face shape that you want. Make sure you use fake lashes- the photographer won’t be able to capture your natural ones. Of course, this is all up to you, but I promise you’ll be thankful you went darker when you look back at those flash pictures and it looks like you still have a face.
3. Do your research for what looks best on your face! So many brides I know skip this step and think they already know what’s best. If your MUA is really good, she’ll be able to tell you. Otherwise, stop by M.A.C. in the mall or do your own research and figure it out. Here’s what I recommend researching:
Undertones - What undertones do you have? This is the base for all your other makeup choices.
Tones- Based on this, what type of tones look good on your skin?
Foundation- find what foundation matches your skin PERFECTLY. Even if that means mixing two.
Setting- what type of finish do you want/need? Oily skin will have different needs than dry skin.
Eyeshadow- what colors make your eyes pop? This can easily be found online.
Bronzer and Blush shape- yes, I said shape. Too many people don’t know what face shape they have and where/how to place bronzer and blush so it compliments that shape.
Bronzer and blush tone- again, this will be based off your natural undertones. A good MUA should be able to tell you what tones will actually look good on your skin.
Type of eyeliner- This one is a little bit more up to preferences, but again, this has to do with your eye and face shape. Find the one that compliments them best, whether that be winged, half-eye, cat eye, or none at all.
Highlighter tone- I cannot stress enough that your UNDERTONE matters! even so much to affect what type and color of highlighter you should use.
This is a lot of small details, but I promise that it’ll be worth it. All the small details pay off to create one big experience that is well-thought-out and enjoyable.
Remember that story I shared about that bride in Hawaii? Yes, she did end up getting her makeup fixed. She was rushed to Macy’s as soon as possible, we took photos, and then started the ceremony over an hour late. But, it was her day. We’re on her time schedule. And it’s still one of my favorite weddings i’ve ever done.
What type of face do you have? What makeup looks best on your face? Leave a comment below!