Common Wedding Makeup Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them!)
Your wedding day is one of the most photographed days of your life. While you want to feel beautiful and confident, wedding makeup can be tricky. Even seasoned makeup users can fall prey to common mistakes that can detract from their overall look. This article highlights the most frequent wedding makeup mishaps and provides practical tips to ensure you look flawless on your big day.
1. Skipping the Trial Run
This is arguably the biggest mistake you can make! A trial run allows you to experiment with different looks, test products for longevity and sensitivity, and ensure your makeup artist understands your vision. Book your trial run at least a month before the wedding. Bring inspiration photos, your veil, and any accessories you plan to wear. Don’t be afraid to speak up and request changes during the trial. Consider scheduling the trial for the same time of day as your ceremony to see how the makeup photographs in similar lighting.
2. Choosing the Wrong Foundation Shade
Foundation that’s too light or too dark can make you look washed out or artificial in photos. Finding the right shade is crucial. Get professionally matched at a makeup counter, or purchase several sample shades to test at home. Consider the lighting of your venue (indoor vs. outdoor) and how it might affect the color. Natural lighting requires a more natural-looking foundation, while indoor lighting allows for a slightly heavier application. Don’t forget to blend down your neck and décolletage to avoid a harsh line.
3. Overdoing the Highlighter
While a subtle glow can enhance your features, excessive highlighter can create a greasy or shiny appearance, especially in flash photography. Use a light hand and focus on highlighting the high points of your face, such as your cheekbones, brow bone, and the bridge of your nose. Opt for a finely milled powder highlighter rather than a chunky or glittery one. A cream highlighter can also provide a more natural-looking radiance.
4. Ignoring Flashback
Flashback occurs when certain makeup ingredients reflect the camera’s flash, resulting in a white cast on your face in photos. Avoid foundations and concealers containing high levels of silica or titanium dioxide. HD powders are notorious for causing flashback. Test your makeup under flash photography during your trial run to identify any problematic products.
5. Not Waterproofing Your Makeup
Weddings are emotional events, and happy tears are inevitable! Use waterproof mascara, eyeliner, and setting spray to prevent smudging and running makeup. Even if you’re not prone to crying, waterproof formulas will help your makeup withstand heat, humidity, and dancing. Test waterproof products beforehand to ensure they don’t irritate your eyes or skin.
6. Forgetting About Your Eyebrows
Well-defined eyebrows frame your face and enhance your overall look. Don’t neglect your brows on your wedding day. Fill in sparse areas with a brow pencil, powder, or gel that matches your hair color. Consider getting your eyebrows professionally shaped a few days before the wedding. However, avoid trying a new eyebrow shaping technique right before the big day to prevent any potential mishaps.
7. Applying Too Much Bronzer or Contour
Bronzer and contour can add dimension to your face, but too much can make you look muddy or unnatural. Use a light hand and build up the color gradually. Choose a bronzer that is only a shade or two darker than your skin tone and apply it to the areas where the sun naturally hits your face: your forehead, cheekbones, and jawline. Blend thoroughly to avoid harsh lines.
8. Neglecting Lip Color
A nude or natural lip color is a classic choice for weddings, but make sure it complements your skin tone. Avoid lipsticks that are too pale, as they can wash you out in photos. If you prefer a bolder lip, opt for a long-lasting formula that won’t require constant touch-ups. Apply a lip liner to prevent feathering and to help your lipstick last longer. Don’t forget to exfoliate your lips beforehand to ensure a smooth application.
9. Overlooking the Setting Spray
Setting spray is your best friend on your wedding day! It helps to lock in your makeup, prevents it from smudging or fading, and controls shine. Choose a setting spray that is specifically designed for long-lasting wear. Spray your face in a “T” and “X” motion, holding the bottle about 8-10 inches away from your face.
10. Making Drastic Changes Right Before the Wedding
Your wedding day isn’t the time to experiment with new skincare products, harsh peels, or drastic makeup techniques. Stick to what you know works for your skin and your personal style. Introduce any new products or treatments well in advance of the wedding to avoid any potential reactions or regrets.
By avoiding these common wedding makeup mistakes and planning accordingly, you can ensure that you look and feel your absolute best on your special day.