Wedding season is in full swing (the most popular months for the big day are May to September, according to Hitched) and while you might have your outfit, shoes and bag sorted, have you thought about your make up?
After all, wedding guest make up is not just your everyday make up. Through tears, hugs, dance floors, temperamental weather and more, it can be a big ask to get your make up to stay in place all day at a wedding. (And not to mention hoping your lipstick doesn’t come off through your munching of many, many canapés).
It's time to celebrate love and unity with a memorable make up look, and who better to ask for product recommendations than a bridal make up artist? Here, we get the low down from Louise Cook (@misslouisemua), who has made up brides for UK and destination weddings, so you can rest assured these formulas truly *work*. We’ve also included our own recommendations too, so it’s that time again... get your baskets at the ready!
LOUISE’S WEDDING GUEST MAKE UP RECOMMENDATIONS
“I love the Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer because it gives a firm grip for your base to evenly stick to and stay set and secure,” says Louise. “I recommend using your hands to apply it, as this allows the warmth of your hands to melt it into the skin like butter!”
What’s the secret? This multitalented formula is brimming with aloe water, cherry blossom, hyaluronic acid andB vitamins to keep skin comfortably hydrated while performing a suction-like grip on your make up. And if you’re wondering about the colour, you have blue agave extract to thank, which provides extra make up-protecting properties. Simply wait for 60 seconds after application to allow the formula to fully absorb, then apply your make up as normal.
SHOP ALL MILK MAKEUP >>>“The Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder is my go-to powder,” says Louise. “It gives a smooth, even finish, and most importantly photographs really well, avoiding flashback in photos. It’s also mattifying, which is ideal to create long-lasting make up and prevent the look of oiliness.”
Suitable for all skin tones, this finely milled formula works to minimise the look of pores, shine and fine lines and wrinkles on the go, without any cakeyness, drying or cracking. Simply dust over your complexion to absorb excess oil, brighten your appearance and smooth skin texture.
“Keeping a travel size lip balm in your bag is essential as it ensures your lips are hydrated and is a convenient alternative to topping up your lipstick throughout the day. The Too Faced Hangover Pillow Balm Lip Treatment delivers a light pink tint and a non-sticky consistency, which is what I’m always looking for when it comes to long wearing make up —and this is my favourite,” comments Louise.
Infused with minerals, fruit oils, nourishing butters and coconut water, there’s no wonder this is Louise’s go-to lip balm. It’s rich, creamy and conditioning, helping your pout be its most hydrated, plump and pillowy self — what’s not to love?
SHOP ALL TOO FACED >>>
Finally, why not heed the make up artist’s top tip: “Buy a small fan to keep in your bag! They’re great at keeping you cool, preventing your make up slipping off and even drying tears!”
OUR WEDDING GUEST MAKE UP RECOMMENDATIONS
Look like you’re bathed in golden hour light with theSaie Dew Bronze Soft-Focus Effortless Liquid Bronzer. Melting seamlessly into your complexion for a soft bronzed glow, the buildable liquid-cream formula is brimming with kind-to-skin ingredients, including glycerin, evening primrose and liquorice root extract to brighten, nourish and protect skin from environmental aggressors. All you need to do is dab it on with your fingers on cheeks, eyes and down the bridge of your nose for an instant gilded glow.
SHOP ALL SAIE >>>SPF is a must come rain or shine (although fingers crossed for sunshine on the big day!) and the Ultra Violette Queen Screen SPF 50 Super Glow Drops in 'Illuminating' gets our vote. A silky-smooth skin care-make up hybrid delivering broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection with a luminescent glow, simply pat on these dewy drops for a melting texture and “have you been away?” compliments.
SHOP ALL ULTRA VIOLETTE >>>A waterproof mascara is vital for an emotional day, and theToo Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara fits the bill. Packed with peptides and porcelain flower extract to condition your lashes, this eye essential is also enriched with collagen and polymers to deliver smudge-, flake- and transfer-proof wear in a deep, dark black shade.
SHOP ALL TOO FACED >>>Charlotte Tilbury has made up many celebrity brides including Amal Clooney and Sabrina Elba, and so you can rest assured that the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish will lock your make up firmly in place. Achieving that sweet spot between smoothing and mattifying, yet still delivering a luminous effect (thanks to the light-reflecting particles), this softer-than-silk powder stars hyaluronic acid, rose wax and almond oil for a nourished, cared-for complexion.
TheUrban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray is renowned for its serious staying power and is beloved by beauty professionals around the globe. It stars advanced temperature control technology to keep your make up in place (even when the weather is boiling or when you’re working up a sweat on the dance floor), keeping your look as intact as when you first left the house... it’s a firm yes from us!
TOP-UP FRIENDLY MINIS FOR YOUR BAG
Dancing the night away and feel your complexion may be looking a tad fatigued? Pop on the VIEVE Skin Dew, a glow-bestowing highlighter for the face and body. Delivering a gold-speckled shimmer, this glossy (but not sticky) formula features squalane, sunflower seed oil and omega fatty acids to nourish and hydrate, while providing other-worldly radiance.
SHOP ALL VIEVE >>>Look in the make up bag of any beauty editor, make up artist or beauty influencer and you’ll likely find the NARS Mini Radiant Creamy Concealer. With a silky-smooth texture, luminous finish and medium-to-high buildable coverage, simply whip out this multifunctional formula whenever you need a quick touch up. Whether it’s adding a quick swipe over dark under-eye circles, dabbing onto a blemish or even-ing out your skin tone, you can count on this concealer to provide a smooth, cake-free and crease-free complexion.
Add a touch of colour with the RMS Beauty Lip2Cheek, a multitasking cream formula that delivers a buildable wash of colour to your lips and cheeks. Enriched with conditioning shea butter and cocoa seed butter, plus antioxidant-rich buriti oil, choose from shades ranging from soft peaches, poppy reds and petal pinks.
SHOP ALL MINI MAKE UP >>>
