How To Do Your Own Wedding Makeup

We’re here for the bride who wants to take her wedding day beauty into her own hands. Here is our ultimate guide on how to do wedding makeup for a radiant look that lasts from the ceremony all the way to the end of the after party. 

Wedding Makeup Preparation

Don’t go into your wedding makeup routine without a plan. For the best results, you need to know exactly what look you are trying to achieve. 

Take a look through sources like Pinterest and Instagram to find different bridal makeup looks that fit your style and preferences. Choose a photo or two, and take note of exactly what you like about the looks so you know what you’re trying to recreate. 

As you’re doing your research, make sure to keep your makeup skills in mind. Find the looks that match your artistry – that’s the guaranteed way to feel confident on your big day. 

Stick with Your Usual Skincare Routine

As your wedding day approaches, it can feel tempting to try out new skincare formulas to achieve your best, glowiest skin yet. That said, it’s best to not make any changes to your skincare regimen – especially in the final month leading up to your wedding. You never know what products may clog your pores or cause a negative reaction that you’ll be scrambling to remedy. For now, stick with the formulas you know your skin loves, and leave any new product testing until after the wedding. 

Choosing the Right Products

When it comes to choosing the key products that’ll help you achieve your dream wedding day look, there are some things you should keep in mind:

Foundation: When selecting shades for your wedding day, the Major Skin Hydra-Luxe Luminous Skin Perfecting Foundation is your go-to for a flawless finish. This lightweight foundation offers buildable coverage and a radiant glow, ensuring your complexion looks luminous and even-toned in every light, from ceremony to reception.

Pro tip: pass on any foundation formulated with SPF. This can create a flashback effect (AKA a white cast on your skin) in photos – that’s the last thing you want on your big day. 

Eyeshadow Palette: As you’re looking for your ultimate wedding day eyeshadow palette, look for shadows that complement your wedding theme and colors (and of course, your natural features and eye color). It’s best to stick with a palette featuring versatile shades that’ll help you achieve your desired style, whether that be a rose-tinted vibe or something glamorous and neutral-toned.

Lipstick and Lip Liner: Just like with your foundation, finding long-wear lip formulas is a must. A matte lipstick will give you the longest wear. For the best results, pair it with a lip liner for a gorgeous pout. 

Blush and Highlighter: Blush and highlighter are a must for bringing life to your complexion and enhancing your natural features. For naturally beautiful results, go with formulas in shades that complement your skin tone. 

Setting Products: Setting products (like a setting mist and powder) are non-negotiable. They will extend the life of your overall beauty look and keep your makeup looking fresh until the late hours of the night. 

Step-By-Step Application

Here is a step-by-step guide on achieving a wedding beauty look that will stay looking radiant throughout your entire celebration. 

1. Primer

A primer will create a smooth, even base, and will also give your makeup something to grip onto so it doesn’t budge. Apply an even layer all over your face. Don’t forget to prime your eyelids, as well!

2. Foundation

Using a sponge or complexion brush, melt your foundation into your skin, building to your desired coverage. Take the time to blend in your product – this is the secret to a seamless, airbrushed look. 

3. Blush

Add some color back to your complexion by working blush into the apples of your cheeks. Pro tip: for long-lasting results and a show-stopping, radiant look, try Patrick’s viral cream-over-powder blush application technique with the Major Headlines Double-Take Crème and Powder Blush Duo. 

4. Highlighter

For an ethereal, lit-from-within look, apply highlighter on the high points of the cheekbones. You can use the Major Glow Crème and Powder Light Reflecting Translucent Highlighter Duo to implement Patrick’s cream-over-powder technique for stunning results. 

5. Eyebrows

With an eyebrow gel or wax, brush your eyebrows into your desired shape to freeze them in place all day long. 

6. Eyeshadow and Mascara

Diffuse your desired eyeshadow color into your lids. If desired, you can work a darker shadow into your crease to further define. We also recommend adding a touch of lighter shadow to the inner corners of your eyes to allow your eyes to pop. Finish off your eye look with mascara.

7. Set

Complete the look by setting your face makeup with a translucent setting powder, paying special attention to any areas where you’re prone to oil. As the final step, spray a setting spray all over your face to lock everything in place.

Practice Makes Perfect

Your wedding day should not be the first time you try out your bridal makeup. If you want to feel calm and confident on the big day, you need to practice in the months leading up to your wedding. 

Of course, this will help you finesse your skills to ensure you know exactly what you’re doing. But beyond that, practicing before the wedding will also give you the opportunity to take your beauty look on a test ride to see if you want to make any small tweaks. 

Tips to Ensure Your Makeup Looks Good in Pictures

On the day, carry a few touch-up products to ensure your makeup stays fresh and looks its absolute best in photos. Bring along your lipstick to add color back to your lips after eating, and combat shine with a translucent powder. 

Doing your own makeup on your wedding day may feel intimidating, but you’ve got this. With a concrete plan, the right tools in hand, and a little bit of practice, you’ll have everything you need to create the wedding beauty look of your dreams.