Not washing your hair on the day, avoiding glittery products and curling your eyelashes are just some of the ways to ensure a bridal look lasts from dawn until dusk.
Online hair and beauty retailer www.hairtrade.com have come up with 15 pointers to make sure wedding day hair and make up stays put. Some of their tips include which products you should invest in and which you should avoid, like leaving sparkly products at bay but making sure you have a good primer to hand.
Other suggestions are more unexpected, such as styling with unwashed hair, not using too much hairspray and avoiding heat when styling.
Some product swaps are also included, such as switching powder blush for a liquid cheek stain and a light moisturiser as opposed to a heavy day cream.
Joanne Dodds, from Hairtrade.com, said: “Your wedding day is one of the best days of your life, but it is also the most photographed as well. You want to ensure your make up and hair do stands to test of time so you look and feel gorgeous all day and it shows in the photos as well. It can be tempting to pile on the make up and hair styling products to make sure your look lasts but this isn’t the case. It’s all about knowing how to apply the products correctly, knowing which ones work for you and making the most out of them. “
Here are the site’s top 15 tips to make your look last from day to night on the day.
1. Get a make up class
If you are doing your own make up or your bridesmaids are, make sure you know what you are doing. Taking a class is a great way to ensure your make up will look and feel professional without the added cost of hiring a make up artist. It can make a great hen do activity too.
2. Think about your moisturiser
If your normal daily moisturiser is quite heavy, leave it as it will encourage your make up to slide off. Opt for a light, oil-free moisturiser but test it out a few days before in case you have any reactions to it.
3. Don’t wash your hair
When you wash your hair on the day it’s much too soft to hold any style. Sleep with dry shampoo in it the night before to keep it clean and volumised.
4. Prep with a primer
Primers aren’t just puff products, they are the real deal. Not only do they act as a magnet to make up but they can also smooth over fine lines and imperfections, like Photoshop in a bottle. Apply after moisturising but before foundation.
5. Apply your foundation correctly
Once you’ve found a foundation that suits your skin type, learn how apply it properly. To ensure your base is still covered by the evening, apply in thin layers using a foundation brush, starting from the middle of the face outwards.
6. Avoid sparkly products
Products with glitter in are not suitable for wedding make up as not only will they create a glare in wedding photos but will collect in unattractive clumps. If you’re after a little sparkle, try products that have a slight shimmer and blend well.
7. Try a cream blusher
Powder blushes can fall a little flat on skin once it’s been on for a few hours. Cream blushers or cheek stains give a flattering flush perfect for any blushing bride.
8. Curl your eyelashes
Wedding day make up needs to withstand tears as well as time. Wear a waterproof mascara and curl your eyelashes to try and prevent panda eyes.
9. Make your updo last
If you’re sporting a fiddly updo on your big day, try applying mousse after your blow dry then drying your hair again. Tease at the roots before sweeping your hair up. The texture and tack of the mousse will help it maintain its shape throughout the day.
10. Curl the old-fashioned way
If you are going for a curly style, make sure to use leave in rollers as opposed to tongs. The curls will set better and last for longer than heated styles. If you have shorter hair, pin curls work just as well.
11. Make your perfume last
Spritz eau du parfum as opposed to eau de toilette as it is more concentrated and stronger. Apply to parts of your skin that aren’t exposed to air as well like the nape of your neck and décolletage.
12. Don’t use too much hairspray
It can be tempting to douse your do in hairspray but this can actually make hair heavy meaning styles fall out quicker.
13. Use an eye shadow primer
Your eyelids can get oily just like your skin, and without primer, the product will slip off and settle into eyelids creases. If you don’t have an eye shadow primer, a light concealer will do the trick.
14. Use translucent powder
It’s going to be a long day so once you’ve finished your make up use a translucent powder on your T-zone to avoid a shiny forehead. Stash it with one of your bridesmaids so you can touch up your face if you start to get sweaty throughout the day.
15. Choose fresh flowers carefully
If you are adorning your do with fresh flowers, try to stick to dryer varieties like baby’s breath, heather or lavender. These are more resistant to wilting and will still keep fresh at the reception.
Main image above credit FreeImages.com/Andras Kovacs
