Many brides decide to do their own wedding makeup on the day. Whether that's due to budget restrictions or you feel confident that you can do just as good a job as a professional, then make sure that you are well versed in these top professional tips. Even DIY makeup requires preparation!
1. Research your look. Pinterest is an absolute must - I have yet to meet a bride that has not already done their homework on this incredible and beautiful inspirational site. If there is a time in your life when you will need to download the app then wedding prep it is! However, this advice also comes with a word of caution.....you may find lots of how-to's with beautiful and perfect imagery but it may not suit YOUR face. Practice, practice and when you think you have the look locked down, practice again. Other resources to check out are professional makeup artist portfolios, and photographers portfolios.
2. Recognise what suits you. What is your current makeup routine? Do you always wear eyeliner? Then don't skip it on the big day! It defines your personal style and it's important that you feel comfortable and your husband recognises you! It's you he's marrying - not this perfect made-up model!
3. If you need some new products - go buy them. There is something so exciting about buying new makeup and it never fails to make you feel special. If you are unsure about the right products then remember that although many companies do not advertise this policy, most reputable brands will offer you a refund if you are unhappy with the product. Alternatively, ask for a sample before you commit to buying it. Most products that are cream or liquid can be sampled so you know what you're getting. When we shop for clothes we try it on right? Exactly the same principle applies to your beauty products. When in doubt try before you buy.
4. Allow enough time to do your own makeup. Trying to perfect that bridal, natural and sultry eye makeup does not happen in 10 minutes. If you are short on time, then it is often reflected in the end result. Also, feeling nervous will make it harder to get that liner straight and you don't want to feel panicked. Quick tip: Breathe when you apply your liner. Most people tend to hold their breath when they do their eyeliner in hope that it will improve their concentration and they will shake less. In fact, holding your breath actually causes less air to circulate in the body and you will most probably feel the affect of a trembling hand!
5. Do your makeup early on the day. Once guests and bridesmaids start arriving, the champagne starts flowing and the buzz and realisation that you are actually getting married sets in, it becomes harder to concentrate and spend time getting your makeup perfect. Relax and do your makeup early on the day. Don't worry that it will wear off - taking the necessary steps for priming the skin and eye makeup will ensure that your makeup looks just as polished 8 hours from application.
6. Keep a picture in front of you. Sometimes we all need some visual references and it will help to keep you on track. Quite often, us ladies get over-excited and after achieving a simple eyeliner with an appropriate wing, we think "Hey, why not try a little longer more sexy wing at the end. " And, there starts the beginning of the end! Before we know it our makeup has spiralled out of control and looks quite different from the look originally intended.
7. Research your wedding theme. If you are having a 20's flapper style dress and hair style you may want to complete the look by wearing a 20's inspired makeup. Work out all the details before the day.
8. Don't be too hard on yourself. Remember that those gorgeous Pinterest looking makeup and hair pics are super retouched and also feature professional models who have been made up by a full professional team. Do the best that you can do and trust that you have managed to do your makeup every other day of your life.
9. Always start off with less and then you can build on it. Its always harder to try to remove makeup so when in doubt add a little by a little - especially on eye makeup. Trying to reduce that dark, smokey colour is near impossible by this point so always level up slowly.
10. Take a picture! Whether that is on your mobile phone or camera so that you can see what your makeup looks like in a photograph. How does the foundation look? Too shiny or just enough luminescence? Some products with SPF are not photo-stable and skin can look white under a camera flash. Get photo-perfect by taking pictures beforehand to correct any imperfections.
Finally, just practice and enjoy. (Ps. Don't forget to BLEND)!!