How to Make Wedding Makeup Last All Day: 5 Expert-Approved Tips
Your wedding day is one of the longest and most photographed days of your life, so knowing how to make wedding makeup last all day is essential. From emotional moments to hours on the dance floor, bridal makeup needs to stay flawless from the first photo to the last dance.
The secret to long-lasting wedding makeup lies in proper skin preparation, smart product choices, and professional application techniques. Below, we share five expert-approved bridal makeup tips that will help your makeup stay fresh, polished, and camera-ready all day long.
5 Expert-Approved Tips
1. Start With Proper Skin Preparation
The longevity of your makeup mainly comes from the preparation of your skin underneath. When your base is smooth and hydrated, the products you apply on top will adhere better and therefore last longer. The first step is to apply a hydrating but non-greasy moisturiser; you can get particular moisturisers for different skin types.
Once your skin feels hydrated and skincare is fully absorbed, apply a high-quality face primer to give the first layer of your makeup something to grip onto. Skipping primer is one of the reasons most people’s makeup won’t last, but it is a quick and easy step to get your makeup to last long hours and look perfect all day.
Use a moisturizer suited to your skin type—hydrating but never greasy. Once fully absorbed, apply a high-quality face primer to create a smooth base. Primer is essential for bridal makeup longevity and should never be skipped on your wedding day.
2. Choose Long-Wear and Waterproof Makeup Products
Not all makeup is designed to last all day. For bridal makeup, always choose long-wear formulas, especially for foundation, concealer, and eye makeup.
You would think all makeup is for long wear; however, that isn’t always the case. Most brands tend to do a long-wear foundation, for example, so it is important to do your research and find long-wear makeup for your big day. Not only long-wear but also other formulas should be considered, like waterproof or water-resistant mascaras that hold up against happy tears. You can get testers of different products to try before committing to one to test that they’re right for you and your skin.
3. Apply Makeup Using Layering Techniques
One professional trick for long-lasting wedding makeup is applying products in thin layers. Heavy makeup breaks down faster, especially during emotional moments.
Apply each layer lightly and set it before moving on. For example, use a cream blush first and set it with a matching powder blush to extend wear time. Allowing each layer to settle prevents cracking and creasing.
4. Set Your Makeup Correctly
Setting your makeup properly is key to keeping it in place all day. Use a combination of setting powder and setting spray to lock everything in.
The final stage of your makeup should always be a setting spray to keep your makeup in place. You can also use setting spray after each layer; setting powders and sprays work together to lock each layer in place. You can use a mattifying powder to apply to your t-zone areas to prevent those areas from getting oily, and use a finishing powder more sparingly across your face to create an almost airbrush effect on camera. Finally, once you are done with each layer, do one last spray across your whole face to lock everything into place.
5. Keep a Minimal Bridal Touch-Up Kit
After all these steps, hopefully your makeup is still looking as good at the end of the night as it did at the beginning of the day. However, there is nothing wrong with a few touch-ups throughout the day to keep you feeling fresh and confident. Here’s what I would pack in your touch-up kit:
- Oil-absorbing sheets to remove shine
- Your chosen lip combo (lipliner, lipstick, and lip gloss) for top up after eating and drinking
- Cotton buds to fix any under-eye smudges
It shouldn’t be necessary to have to do heavy touch-ups; however, little ones here and there to stay camera-ready will do the job. Ask a bridesmaid to keep your kit nearby so you can nip out and top up at your convenience.
Bonus Tip: Book a Bridal Makeup Trial
One of the best ways to guarantee your makeup lasts is by booking a bridal makeup trial.
Here’s a little extra tip for you. One way to know your makeup is definitely going to withstand your wedding is to book a bridal makeup trial ahead of your big day. This gives the makeup artist a chance to trial different formulas on your skin and apply different techniques to see what holds up best on your skin.
You can also see how the makeup wears over the day and if there is anything you would change for your wedding day. You can also use the trial to perfect how it looks, not just give you peace of mind that your makeup will last from morning to night.
7 Essential Items for Your Perfect Wedding Day Checklist
With our Perfect Wedding Day Checklist, you can:
Stay organized and on track throughout the planning process.
Make sure every detail is taken care of, so you can relax and enjoy your big day.
Create a wedding that is truly unique and reflects your personal style.
Conclusion
With proper skin preparation, layering techniques, and setting your makeup, your wedding makeup should stay perfect from the first look to the last dance. When your makeup is looking flawless, you can enjoy every moment and only have to worry about how big your smile is in the photos. If you’d like any more bridal makeup top tips, be sure to read our top 5 do’s and don’ts for some more advice.
Photo by Jamie Coupaud on Unsplash
