How to Make Bridal Makeup Last

Using just a few little tricks can help you stay looking beautiful and flawless on the most important day of your life--your wedding day. People will be looking at the photos long after your lifetime, so make sure you look your best. These bridal makeup tips will help you prevent oil slicks, smudges, disappearing lipstick and other makeup mishaps.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Water-resistant eyeliner and mascara
• Long wearing lipstick
• Eyelid primer
• Face primer
• Sheer loose powder
• Oil blotting papers
• Cheek stain
• Wash cloth
• Lip liner

1. Use water-resistant liquid liner and mascara to define your eyes. It'll prevent those raccoon-like smudges that occur when crying or sweating. Don't apply mascara to your lower lashes if you're expecting to bawl like a baby throughout the ceremony.
2. Use an eyelid primer before applying eyeshadow for long-lasting, crease-free results that will look freshly applied all night. Apply it from the lash line to the brow and let it set for a minute before putting on your eyeshadow.
3. Apply a foundation primer to your skin after cleansing for an even, long lasting result. Foundation primer fills in fine lines, large pores and other imperfections and is also available in color correcting versions to minimize redness, conceal under eye circles and brighten the complexion.
4. Try a cheek stain for a long-lasting, natural looking flush. Go to a makeup artist well before the wedding to try out different shades and learn how to correctly apply it. If stain is too tricky for you, powder blush lasts longer than cream.
5. Set your concealer and foundation with sheer, loose oil-free powder. It will keep your face from getting shiny, set your makeup, and make your skin appear matte in photographs. Keep oil slicks at bay between your makeup application and the reception with oil blotting papers.
6. Exfoliate your lips with a wet washcloth before applying any lipstick to ensure that color doesn't fade unevenly.
7. Line and fill your lips with a lip liner that closely matches the natural color of your lips before applying lipstick. Stay within the natural borders of your lips; now isn't the time to experiment with lip liner to make your lips appear fuller. You could end up looking like a clown in photos.
8. Choose a long wearing lipstick that has a decent moisture content, so it won't dry your lips out. If you'd prefer to use regular lipstick, apply a thin layer over your lip liner with a lip brush and blot with a tissue; then apply a second layer.
9. Test drive your wedding day makeup a few weeks before the big day to make sure you don't end up with any unexpected mishaps. Some brands of foundation change color after a few hours' wear, and not all long-wearing lipsticks are created equal. Try spraying your face with some water, hanging out in the sun (if your wedding will be outdoors), drinking, and hugging someone with a white shirt on to simulate events you'll experience at your wedding.

Tips & Warnings

• Go to a makeup counter for help choosing the shades that are right for your skin tone. Most women wear the wrong shade of foundation, which looks even more unnatural in flash photography. You can also get application tips and tricks.

Who Can Help:

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