Wedding season is in full swing and even if the weather isn’t sunny, you can almost guarantee it will be warm – here’s how to keep cool and look great all day
Makeup artists – or MUAs as they are more commonly referred to on social media – have their work cut out for them on any regular wedding day. They are the ones responsible for making sure you look flawless in the photos you will look at, and probably have framed in your home, for the rest of your life.
However, on a hot day, their job becomes even more crucial. The last thing you want is your makeup sliding down your face as you listen to readings, smudging under your eyes as you exchange vows or becoming blotchy as you accept well wishes from friends and family.
Most MUAs will be aware of what’s needed on a particularly warm day but there’s no harm in making sure you know what to ask for as well. These tips from London-based MUA Doey Drummond will ensure you’re prepared for every eventuality:
Make sure your MUA properly preps your skin
“A good canvas will always provide the best outcome, so ensure that your MUA properly preps your skin before applying any make-up products.
“I would recommend asking your make-up artists to begin with a gentle liquid exfoliator, as this will help to get rid of any unwanted dead skin and will create a smoother canvas to work on. Ideally, your MUA will follow with a good moisturiser to keep your skin looking hydrated, and lastly a primer. Applying a primer as the last step in the skincare process will really help your foundation go the distance.”
Ask your MUA to avoid heavy layers
“I would always recommend applying sheer, lighter layers of make-up, instead of thick, heavy layers. Whilst the latter sounds more long-lasting, you run the risk of caking and getting a build-up of products, especially in the heat. Having your MUA apply lighter layers will most definitely look a lot more seamless!”
Powder is essential
“There is no question, you will sweat on your big day, whether it be the weather or the nerves. So make sure your MUA brings out the powder. Using a light dusting of powder in the T-zone – or all over if you have a more oily skin type – really helps to set make-up. It takes away shine in the areas you don’t want it and still keeps a lovely glowy complexion.”
Ensure your MUA sets your make-up
“Finishing with a setting spray tends to be common practice amongst make-up artists. But if your MUA doesn’t seem like they are going to use one, then there is no harm in asking or requesting that they do in your initial trial with them. A good setting spray will help to lock everything in once your MUA has finished, keeping everything in place and increasing the longevity of your make-up.”
Ask your MUA to give you tips on topping up your make-up throughout the day
“Once your makeup artist has gone you might feel a little lost on what to do about maintaining your look throughout the day, so don’t be afraid to ask them for their expert advice on how to top up your makeup throughout the day.
“The main products to top up with are lipstick, setting powder and concealer if needed. I would also really recommend keeping some blotting papers on you to reduce excess oil and not to over-powder, as this will make your make-up look cakey.
“To keep the skin looking fresh and not too powdery, I would blot away any excess oil or sweat away first and then go in with your pressed powder where necessary- a small fluffy brush would be great. In terms of keeping your lipstick on, if you have a matching lip liner, pop this all over your lip first then layer your lipstick over the top to really hold the colour.”
Make sure the right product textures are chosen for your skin type
“Choosing what texture of products to use is important, and will mostly be dependent on your skin type. If you tend to be on the oily side, your MUA is more likely to opt for more powder products, however, if you are more on the dryer side they are likely to go for cream or liquid products.
“I would also recommend layering products, as this can really help with the longevity of your make-up. So suggest your MUA goes in with cream products and then wait 5 minutes and lightly go over with powders. This helps to almost set the cream products underneath.”
Opt for waterproof products
“Waterproof mascara is always a must with humidity and likely some tears! Waterproof mascara is great for longevity. When it’s warm naturally our eyelids become more oily so this really beneficial for avoiding smudging and transferring. Gel eyeliners also have great staying power and will likely last through sweat and tears.”
Stay true to yourself
“I think it’s still so important to feel and look like yourself on your wedding day, so don’t feel like you have to go for layers and layers of make-up just to have a look that lasts all day.
“If you’re someone that prefers a very light, “no-makeup” makeup look then stick to that, it just means you may have to reapply more frequently throughout the day!”
