For brides who prefer a DIY approach to their wedding day beauty routine, doing one’s own makeup can be a great option. With the ongoing challenges posed by Covid-19, some couples may find it necessary or desirable to limit vendors. To help make this process smoother and more successful, we’ve enlisted the expertise of experienced makeup artist Alice Shaw.
In her step-by-step guide, she shares valuable insights on understanding one’s skin type, as well as tried-and-true tips and tricks that professional makeup artists use themselves.
Understanding your skin type…
To achieve a flawless makeup application that translates well from in-person to digital, it’s crucial to understand your skin type. To determine yours, observe your skin throughout the day and pay attention to how your makeup looks at different times. Additionally, take note of your skin’s appearance after washing your face in the evening. By doing so, you’ll be able to identify characteristics such as pores, fine lines, or areas of oiliness that are characteristic of certain skin types.
If you don’t notice any defining features, it’s likely you have normal skin, which can benefit from following tips designed for dry skin to achieve a radiant complexion.
Oily:
One of the most noticeable drawbacks of using a foundation that’s too oily is its tendency to leave an unappealing sheen on your skin. The oily texture can make your complexion look dull and lifeless, rather than radiant and smooth. Moreover, this type of foundation tends to lose its hold throughout the day, causing it to slide off your face, leaving you with uneven coverage and a messy appearance.
In addition to these aesthetic issues, an oily foundation can also exacerbate common skin concerns like enlarged pores and blackheads, as the excess oil can clog pores and lead to further irritation.
Dry/Sensitive:
When you have dry or sensitive skin, even the thought of applying makeup can feel daunting. One of the most noticeable symptoms is a flaky texture that can appear anywhere on your face, but commonly shows up around the nose, cheeks, and forehead. This dryness can cause foundation to cling to the affected areas in an unflattering way, making you look like you’re wearing a mask. But that’s not all – if you have sensitive skin, things can get even more uncomfortable.
Not only will your skin be dry and flaky, but it may also turn red and become so sensitive that it hurts when you touch it. It’s no wonder that dealing with these issues can make you feel like giving up on makeup altogether.
Combination:
Combining characteristics, combination skin is the most prevalent skin type, boasting a unique blend of both dry and oily traits. Typically, one area – often referred to as the T-Zone ( forehead, nose, and chin) – exhibits oily tendencies, while another section of the skin displays dryness. This harmonious coexistence of two contrasting conditions sets combination skin apart from other types.
Step by step guide…
Skincare/Primer:
When it comes to achieving flawless makeup, many artists agree that skincare and primer are the foundation (pun intended) of a successful application. A smooth base sets the stage for a long-lasting finish, and ensures your hard work doesn’t fade away after a few hours. To get started, make sure your skin is clean and refreshed by cleansing and toning. For most skin types, we recommend using Mac Softening Lotion as a gentle exfoliant to remove texture and even out the surface.
Simply spray it onto a cotton pad, wipe all over the face, and use circular motions on any stubborn areas. Next, it’s time to quench your skin’s thirst with some much-needed hydration! All skin types benefit from moisture, especially underneath makeup and primer. Our go-to product is Bobbi Brown Hydrating Water Fresh Cream, which provides long-lasting hydration without feeling greasy.
For oily skin, this moisturizer will actually help reduce shine by providing the dehydrated skin with the moisture it desperately needs. For dry or sensitive skin, it helps to minimize dry areas and leaves a radiant glow. Finally, primer is your best friend when it comes to keeping makeup in place all day. Silicon-based primers like Benefit POREfessional are perfect for oily skin, as they blur pores and help foundation stay put.
For dry or sensitive skin, look for non-irritating moisturizing primers like Mac Moisture Infusion. And if you have combination skin, focus on deeply moisturizing your skin and use a primer to target oily areas. To apply, simply massage the primer onto your face with your fingers, starting in the center and working your way outwards.
Base:
When selecting a foundation, it’s essential to stay within your comfort zone and not venture too far from what you’re used to. If you typically wear lightweight foundations, consider moving up to medium coverage for your special day. For those with dry skin, look no further than hydrating dewy foundations like Charlotte Tilbury’s Airbrush Flawless Foundation. On the other hand, oily skin types will appreciate a mattifying foundation, such as L’Oréal’s Infallible 24hr Matte Foundation.
Combination skin requires a product that addresses both concerns; Clinique’s Beyond Perfecting foundation is an excellent choice, offering semi-matte coverage. Remember to blend your foundation into the skin using either a brush or sponge, rather than wiping motions, for a seamless finish. When it comes to concealer, apply it in a triangular shape under the eye and down to the nostril, then blend with a brush or sponge. This technique can help brighten the center of the face.
For added brightness, consider applying concealer to the forehead, chin, and nose, if you feel confident doing so. When selecting a concealer, choose one that is a shade lighter than your foundation to achieve a radiant glow. For setting powder, it’s crucial to avoid white-based powders, which can cause flashback in photographs. Instead, opt for a powder that matches your skin tone and apply it with a large brush, pressing it into the skin.
Powder foundations are also great for on-the-go touch-ups; simply keep one in your bag and you’ll be ready for any unexpected photo opportunities.
Cheeks:
As you’ve mastered the art of creating a flawless base, it’s time to add some colour and definition back into your cheeks. The key is to start with subtle, buildable strokes that can be easily blended or adjusted as needed. To create a bronzed goddess look, use a medium-sized brush to sweep a small amount of bronzer in the shape of an ‘E’ around your face. Begin at the temple and work your way down to the cheekbones, then along the jawline.
Remember to build up the colour gradually, adding more product as needed rather than applying too much at once. For a blushing bride look, apply a light dusting of blush to the apples of your cheeks (the round area that appears when you smile) and blend upwards towards the cheekbones. You can also use this technique to add some colour to the nose and cupid’s bow for a healthy, rosy glow. Finally, it’s time to add some highlight to give your complexion a radiant, sun-kissed sheen.
Use your finger to press a small amount of highlight into the highest points of your cheeks (just above the blush), down the bridge of your nose, and along the brow bone. For a natural-looking finish, opt for a highlighter with a subtle shimmer rather than glitter.
Eyes:
The crowning glory of any wedding look is, without a doubt, a stunning smokey eye. To achieve this effortless elegance, start with a simple yet effective eyeshadow combination. Apply one all-over brown shade using a fluffy brush to the outer edge of your eyelid, blending it into the crease with gentle windscreen wiper motions and then smooth out any harsh edges with small circular strokes. Build up the colour until you reach your desired level of depth.
Next, press a champagne shimmer shadow into the centre of your eyelid using your finger, which will intensify the pigment. Finally, use the same brush to lightly blend the brown shade underneath your bottom lash line for a subtle smokey effect.
A little-known secret to keeping your eyeshadow in place all day is to apply concealer as a base before applying your shadow. This will help prevent creasing and ensure your look stays fresh throughout the celebration.
And remember, blend, blend, blend – it’s key to a seamless finish.
When it comes to mascara, waterproof is the only way to go. You never know when a heartfelt speech might bring tears to your eyes! We swear by Lancome Hypnose Mascara for its ability to deliver beautiful, clump-free lashes that last all day. To apply like a pro, start at the root of your lash and wiggle the brush all the way to the end – it’s that easy!
Lips:
Just as a stunning dress is elevated by the perfect bouquet, a beautiful lip look is transformed with the right combination of colour and technique. The key to a flawless pout lies in finding your ideal shade of lipstick and defining the edges with a refined line. To achieve a natural nude lip, consider starting with a foundation shade that complements your skin tone. Then, apply a lip primer to create an even surface for your lipstick.
MAC Lip Primer is a great option to keep those lips locked in place. For a more defined shape, use a lip liner to lightly outline the edge of your lips. You can choose a matching shade or one slightly darker to enhance your natural lip shape. Remember to colour in the entire lip area before applying lipstick to ensure it stays in place all day. With these simple tips, you’ll be well on your way to achieving a gorgeous, camera-ready smile.