Your wedding day is full of unforgettable moments, and as you move from ceremony to reception, you’ll want your makeup to reflect the change in mood. A few strategic adjustments can help you seamlessly transition your look without a complete overhaul. Here’s your guide to refreshing and elevating your bridal makeup, complete with expert tips and a handy cheat sheet for each step…
1. Refresh the Base
After hours of wearing your makeup, your skin may need a little pick-me-up. Refreshing the base will help you maintain a smooth, radiant complexion.
Makeup Artist Tip: Use a damp beauty sponge to press in any excess oil before lightly dusting with translucent powder. Finish with a hydrating setting spray to add a natural glow without making your skin feel heavy.
Cheat Sheet: Keep blotting papers in your bridal clutch—they’ll quickly remove shine without disturbing your makeup, and they’re perfect for quick touch-ups throughout the night.
2. INTENSIFY YOUR EYES
Your eyes are the focal point of your makeup, and the evening reception is the time to dial up the intensity with darker shadows or a smoky effect.
Makeup Artist Tip: Cream eyeshadows and gel liners are perfect for evening touch-ups. They’re highly pigmented and longer-lasting. Focus on blending darker shades at the outer corners and avoid applying too much darkness near the inner eye.
Cheat Sheet: To avoid carrying your whole eye kit, pack a small pencil eyeliner and smudge it with your fingertip for an instant smoky effect.
3. SWITCH TO A BOLD LIP
Nothing says "ready for the reception" like a bold lip. If you went for a natural shade during the day, the evening is your chance to switch things up with a vibrant colour.
Makeup Artist Tip: Exfoliate your lips before reapplying lipstick to ensure a smooth surface. Use a lip liner to prevent feathering, and blot between layers to lock in the colour for the evening.
Cheat Sheet: For long-lasting colour, apply a thin layer of concealer over your lips before your lipstick—it acts as a primer, making the colour pop and last longer.
4. ADD A TOUCH OF SPARKLE
Evening celebrations are the perfect excuse to add some shimmer or sparkle to your makeup look, whether it’s on your eyelids, cheekbones, or décolletage.
Makeup Artist Tip: To prevent glitter fallout, spritz your eyeshadow brush with setting spray before applying shimmer to help it stick. For a body glow, use a liquid highlighter to create a subtle but radiant sheen on your collarbones and shoulders.
Cheat Sheet: A multi-use shimmer stick can work on your eyelids, cheeks, and body—perfect for a quick, all-over glow without needing multiple products.
5. LONG-LASTING TOUCHES
As the night progresses, you’ll want to ensure your makeup holds up without constant maintenance.
Makeup Artist Tip: Cream blush is ideal for longevity. Tap a little onto your cheeks with your fingers, then set with a powder blush for extra staying power.
Cheat Sheet: Pack a mini setting spray in your clutch. A quick spritz every few hours will keep your makeup looking fresh and help it last through all the dancing.
By following these easy insider tips, you’ll be able to transition your bridal makeup from day to night effortlessly, ensuring you feel as fabulous at your evening reception as you did walking down the aisle.