Congratulations Kate and William! It's never too late for some wedding makeup tips for the perfect look...
If you're getting married soon then here is Jasmine's step by step guide to long lasting natural looking wedding makeup.
Being a bride is stressful. So it's not uncommon for to have an unfortunate zit on the morning of your wedding. Apply the fast acting and colourless Zit Zapper to take down the worst of the redness and swelling.
Next up we have a primer. Primers help to fill in fine lines and pores without blocking them and allow makeup to glide flawlessly over them. Apply a very thin layer of this lightweight gel to powder formula to cleansed and moisturised skin. Only apply to areas of your face where you might be oilier or touch frequently (such as nose and chin).
If you have redness or discolouration such as veins or dark circles then use a colour corrective concealer first. Remember to dab gently trying not to rub, corrective concealers are not meant to blend away as they sit under foundation and your normal concealer blocking out discolouration. Use sparingly, building up in gentle layers until the discolouration is blocked. Your foundation whether powder, liquid or cream will cover the corrective concealer.
Less is more with foundation, only apply it where it is needed and blend along the hair line and down the neck for a flawless look. If you are wearing your hair up, then don't forget to apply foundation to your ears! Mineral foundation is great for combination and oily skins, All Over Cover Sticks are ideal for drier skins.
At this stage you should need a minimal amount of concealer as the corrective concealer and foundation have done most of the work. To look bright and fresh choose a liquid concealer under the eyes (Undereye Concealer & Highligher) and blend with a small fluffy brush (such as the Blending Eye Brush). If you can still see a discolouration or spot use a thicker concealer such as the Studio Concealer or Studio Concealer Pencil & Brush. Use either of these but be very precise and only cover the area needed. Gently blend around the area, careful not to blend away the concealer.
Apply a thin layer of All Over Colour Stick as a cream blush, this lasts much longer than powder blush and adds depth and lustre to your look. You can also apply a little Shimmering Facial Whip to eye brow bone, tops of the cheekbone and cupids bow of the lip. But not too much or flash photography will make you look like a glitter ball!
At this stage you can consider contouring your face, using the All Over Cover Stick in a shade or two darker than your natural skin tone, common places are nose, cheekbones, forehead and jawline. Apply and blend with a damp sponge. This is worth practising until you are comfortable with the look and to avoid harsh lines.
I prefer to use the Mineral Booster as a setting powder, it is very finely milled and gives an airbrushed look and feel as it is so light and long lasting. Gently dust over a light layer, push in to the skin with a clean cosmetic sponge and brush away all the excess to avoid a cakey look.
For a neutral, but emphasised look I use neutral tones such as those from the Every Day or Basic Eyes Beauty Encyclopedia, these tones suit every skin tone and eye colour. Start by using aneye lid primer and set that with your setting powder. This will really lock your eye shadows into place. Pick four eyeshadow colours. First, a neutral satin shade which is one or two shades lighter than your skin tone. Apply this all over the lid and up to the brow bone. Then carefully take a coffee or black cream eyeliner and line very closely to the lash lines going in between the lashes, emphasising the outer corners by making them a little thicker. Now take your second shadow which is a mid-tone brown/grey perhaps one or two shades darker than your skin tone and semi matte. Apply this on the outer corner and slightly above the crease and blend gently. Then take a darker shadow, close to your eyeliner shade and using a precision brush, trace your liner and crease for emphasis. My favourite eyeshadow for adding a bit of lustre to the eyes and looks gorgeous in photography is the Mineral Eyeshadow in Celebrity. Place a small dab on the ball of the eyelid (the roundest part of the eyelid) and blend gently.
Curl your lashes using an eyelash curler and apply two or three coats of mascara, waterproof of course, concentrating on reaching every single lash but the outer ones the most. Comb through to remove any excess and to separate and elongate your lashes.
A lot of brides ignore their eyebrows, but they are essential to pulling together the look. Gently brush the eyebrows into shape and apply a thin layer of the wax from the kit. Using a stencil really helps if you want a defined look or just some guidance! Then apply the powder or a clear eyebrow mascara to set them.
A natural blushing colour is all that is needed, choose something which is one or two shades deeper or more intense than your natural lip colour. The Mineral Lipstick in Rustic Brick or Rosy Tan are excellent choices for all complexions, apply in thin layers up to the desired intensity. Using a lip definer pencil or lip lock pencil will keep it lasting longer. A hint of lipgloss on the centre of the lips helps to make the lips look fuller.
A blush that is less intense than your eye and lip colours will complete the look. I have found that the Mineral Blushes are the longest lasting and most pigmented, Joy is a gorgeous shade that suits most skin tones. If you are unsure of a colour then consider a light bronzer over the cheekbones and temples.
If it is hot, humid or you're prone to facial perspiration, then apply a light layer of Makeup Mist & Set Spray before leaving for your ceremony.
Things to keep with you on your wedding day (give these to your bridesmaids and later your husband for safe keeping):
Translucent powder compact and lipgloss for photography touch-ups!
Things to remember: If you are doing your own makeup, make opportunities to practice your look a few times before the big day so you can tweak colours and refine your techniques. Things will be easier on your wedding day if you can give yourself plenty of time. Any mistakes can be erased easily. Keep a supply of cotton wool buds and makeup remover wipes handy. Apply lipstick and mascara after you have put on your dress, but then cover your dress with a towel or robe to avoid smudges. Clean your hands regularly whilst applying your makeup to avoid smudges on your face and dress.
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