This is a go-to-guide for brides-to-be looking for tips on how to achieve the perfect makeup look for their wedding day.
1. Schedule your bridal makeup trial at least 3-4 weeks prior to your wedding day but no more than 5 weeks prior ~ The benefit of doing a trial closer to your wedding date is your skin tone & hair length will be closer to your actual appearance on the day of. If you plan on getting a tan for the big day, have a test run before your make-up trial or simply advise your artist that you expect to be a few shades darker on your wedding day.
2. Provide a few makeup references to your artist on your trial date. Select images of individuals who resemble you or have similar features as you. This includes skin tone & hair colour. Identify what it is you like about the make-up in the image and take into account that many images online have been professionally lit or retouched and won’t necessarily translate exactly how the photo looks in real life. If you go with a pro, rest assure that your artist will do his/her best to enhance your individual beauty customized to your specific features.
Above: Makeup by Sherlyn Torres
3. The best bridal make-up is simply the most exquisitely polished version of how you usually look. Discuss which features you’d prefer to enhance and show your artist a reference photo of yourself with your best personal makeup look so you’re both on the same page.
4. Optional: On your trial date, wear a white top so you can have a better idea of how your makeup will look against your wedding dress. After the trial, take a selfie in day light or in similar lighting situations you expect to have during the ceremony or reception. That way, you can see how the makeup will look in various lighting scenarios.
Above: Makeup by Tisa Torres
5. Set aside at least 1hr for your trial and 45mins for your full makeup application on the day of. Also, try to add a 5 minute buffer between the bridesmaids & other bridal party members’ makeup applications to allow the artist to sanitize brushes & re-organize in between.
6. Opt for natural looking false lashes that have a subtle enhancing effect. Individual eyelashes are a great option or ask your artist for a variety of natural strip lashes to try on during the trial run. There are far more options now with varying lengths that create a really natural fluttery & romantic look.
7. Focus on the most important elements of your look, such as beautiful, natural-looking skin, softly groomed brows and feathery lashes. If you get these basic factors right the rest of your make-up will fall into place. Less is more! Especially since a god chunk of photos may be taken in natural light, you’ll want to make sure your skin looks glowy and not cakey.
Photos left: Markus Staley • Makeup Sherlyn Torres | Photos right: Makeup by Tisa Torres
8. Go for long wearing makeup products. Weddings often run from morning until night and if you haven’t booked an artist for touch-ups throughout the day, request for your artist to use professional long-wearing products. Also inquire if they offer a product pick-up service for touch-up essentials for the day of.
9. Keep in mind that bridal make-up needs to have enough colour to compensate for flash photography. Although you may not be used to wearing a full face of makeup on a daily basis, you’ll want to look more a little more vibrant considering this is a special occasion. In terms of flash, ensure that your T Zone is matte - have your maid of honour or a designated bridesmaid carry a mini clutch containing a powder compact or blotting papers + a lipstick to go for touch ups throughout the day when necessary. Your wedding photographer will certainly appreciate it! And you won’t have to pay excessive amounts for photo retouching ;)
10. Lastly, It’s always better to choose a timeless, classically beautiful, non-trendy makeup look when deciding on a style. You’ll be looking back at photos from this special moment many years later so the makeup should transcend over decades.
Above Photos: Makeup by Sherlyn Torres | Featuring: Arisa Cox
