Every girl wants to look her best on her wedding day. That’s why every bride-to-be spends days and sometimes even months looking for the perfect lehenga and the best accessories. But what’s that one thing that keeps all brides worried during the wedding preparations? No guesses there because it has to be the bridal makeup artist and the final look!
Table of Contents
Makeup mistakes are every girl’s nightmare – right from that smudged eyeliner to that flakey lipstick, especially on the wedding day! But we at POPxo understand your woes and are here to rescue you from a possible panic attack. From makeup tips to questions to ask your MUA and putting together the best bridal beauty kit, this article covers all your possible questions and concerns and is your ultimate bridal makeup guide. Feel free to thank us later!
Makeup Tips For The Bride
Eye Makeup
Makeup Tips
Selecting Perfect Makeup Artist
Do’s And Don’ts
Makeup Products In Your Kit
Bridal Makeup Looks
Makeup Tips For The Bride-To-Be
Tips For A Flawless Base
1. Maintain a skincare routine
A very basic tip to remember in order to achieve glowing skin on your D-day is to take good care of it. The blank canvas needs to be maintained well in order for the artist to work his/her magic. Here are some ways you can do that!
a) Pamper yourself: If you think you’re going to take care of your skin for a week before the wedding and magically wake up with clear skin, I hate to burst your bubble. Start at least six months in advance. Fix an appointment with your dermatologist and create a skin care plan best suited for your needs. Your wedding day self will thank you for the same.
b) Exfoliate regularly: The process of exfoliation is meant to get rid of dead skin cells that build up over time. Regularly exfoliating with a mild scrub will help you get rid of that. But remember to do it only 2-3 of times a week. Over-exfoliation may damage your skin.
c) Use sun protection: While we cannot immediately see the damage caused by the harmful rays of the sun, it does cause pigmentation and dullness over time. Whenever you step out, you should always use sunscreen, SPF 30 or above, even in winters!
d) Be as stress-free as possible: Indulge in for spas, facials, pedicures and massages as often as you can in the months leading up to your wedding. Leading a stress-free life shows on your skin too. Leave all the wedding planning worries behind and chill while you can.
e) Eat well: What goes in your body shows up on your skin. Listen to your mom and eat all the veggies and desi delicacies she is preparing for you. Remember, ghee is good! Also, don’t forget to drink at least 2 liters of water in a day!
f) Exercise: The point is to maintain a healthy lifestyle and exercise is a part of it. Make it a habit to work out for at least half an hour, five times a week. Sweating does help get rid of the toxins in your body!
2. Start with a clean base
Before you sit down to do your makeup, cleanse your face well to remove any traces of dirt and oil. Pat dry and apply a moisturiser well suited for your skin type. Makeup does not sit well on dry skin and so it’s important to moisturise.
3. Prime well
The next step after moisturising is using a primer. A primer ensures your makeup lasts longer than it usually would by creating a smooth, and sometimes waterproof base for your foundation and concealer. When it comes to weddings, we need the makeup to last for a good 10 to 12 hours, so this step is a must!
4. Blend your foundation correctly
For bridal makeup, a foundation without SPF is recommended to avoid any flashbacks in pictures. Start at the center of your face and blend your foundation outwards, taking it to your neck and your ears as well. While your fingers work well as a makeup tool, use a makeup sponge or brush to do so for better coverage.
5. Conceal to hide the little flaws
Concealer can not only hide blemishes, pigmentation and acne spots, it can also help brighten up your skin. There is a lot of colour correcting concealers available out there that target different concerns. Did you know you can use a green concealer to cancel out any redness? Pretty cool, right?
6. Bake yo’ face
Baking is the process of setting your makeup with fine loose powder. Apply a layer of loose powder to your under eyes and jawline and wait for a few minutes before brushing it off.
7. Contour to add dimensions
We all love the chiseled, high-cheekbone, strong jawline look. You can totally achieve it by contouring your face. Suck in your cheeks and apply some bronzer from your hairline to the middle of your cheeks, your temples and your jawlines. The trick to nailing contouring is to blend as your life depends on it!
8. Give yourself a rosy glow
The bridal glow is very real. It is a mix of your happiness and some expertly applied blush. Pick some blush powder with a brush and apply it to the apples of your cheeks in a circular motion. Use it sparingly and build it up as you go.
9. Shine baby, shine!
For a lit-from-within glow, you need to highlight the high points of your face like your cheekbones, centre of your forehead, arches of your eyebrows and cupid’s bow.
10. Set everything in place
You do need to set your base with a compact to prevent it from getting extra shiny as time passes. Try using a powder closer to your skin colour instead of translucent powder as that tends to give a flashback in pictures.
How To Nail Your Eye Makeup
1. Define your eyebrows
Your brows are an important part of your eye makeup and you can’t ignore them since they frame your face. Fill in your eyebrows to get that fab look on your wedding day. Make sure to use a shade lighter than your hair colour.
2. Cover up those dark circles
To make your eyes look noticeably bigger on all your wedding functions, make it a point to conceal those pesky dark circles properly. Use a full coverage creamy corrector to even out the dark circles. Having an even tone around your eyes will make your eyes pop and define their shape as well.
3. Add some shimmer
To add a bit of drama to your eyes, dab shimmery eyeshadow on the inner corner of your eyes. You can do the same with a highlighter and make your eyes look big and beautiful. You are the bride, after all, you are expected to be all glam!
4. Use a nude shade eyeliner too!
To make your eyes appear wider than usual, use a flesh-toned kajal on your lower lash line. Doing this will not only make your eyes look bigger but will also add that extra bit of drama.
5. Don’t forget the crease
To make your eyes look oh-so-pretty and bold on all your wedding functions, it’s essential that you define your crease as well. After you’re done with the light eyeshadow shades, use a brown or any other dark coloured eyeshadow on your crease and blend it well with the lighter shade. It will make your eyes look SO dramatic and pretty!
6. Apply mascara to lower lashes as well
You must have heard that applying mascara on your lower lashes drags the eye down. But, to completely open up your eyes and make them look vibrant, we suggest you apply mascara to your lower lashes as well. Believe us, it will look fab!
7. Curl ‘em up!
Enhance your lashes and make them look beautiful by curling them first. Make sure you pretty them up with a lash curler before applying mascara as it will help give your eyes a wider and bolder look.
8. Thicker outer corners
To make your eyes appear wider than usual, you can blend your kajal/ liner with a dark coloured eyeshadow on the outer corners of your eyes. This will make your eyes look mesmerizing and dramatic. Perfect for the bride who loves that extra bit of oomph!
9. Tightline for a bold look
Tightlining means applying the eyeliner/ kajal to the innermost part of your eyelids. Get as close to the lash line (both upper and lower) as possible. Doing this will help cover the gap and enhance your lashes, giving your eyes a bolder look.
Other Makeup Tips You Need To Remember
1. Prep your lips beforehand
Never apply lipstick without first giving your lips some much needed TLC. Start by removing the dead skin off your lips so that they do not look chapped or dry. All you need to do is wet your toothbrush and in light, circular motions, go over the lips. After you’re done, apply a thick coat of vaseline or lip balm.
2. Always line your lips
A lip liner not only helps you define your lips, but it also acts like a primer to your lipstick and makes it long-lasting. Also, with a lip liner pencil, you can always change the shape of your lips and make them look fuller or thinner according to your preference.
3. Choose a complementary lip shade
Select a lip colour that is complementary to your outfit. Most brides end up wearing red outfits on the D-day and while red on red looks amazing, nudes would look good too. So try a few and settle on the best lipstick.
4. Make your lipstick stay on longer
You can make any lipstick last longer with this little trick. Apply one coat of lipstick and then dab some loose powder on top. Wait a few seconds and then apply a second coat. Your lipstick won’t budge, smear or smudge!
Also Read Bridal Makeup Kit Essentials For Ever Girl
5. Take good care of your hair
Your makeup isn’t the only thing that makes your look. Your hairstyle and accessories do too. Just like skin care, you need to put in place a hair care routine so that your hair is healthy, shiny and well-conditioned on your wedding day.
6. Decide on a hairdo in advance
You’ll obviously have a trial run of your makeup. At the same time, try and decide on your hairdo too. Are you a bun girl or do you love open hair? Factor in on everything and settle on one hairstyle. Speak to your hairstylist and go through a ton of inspirations before settling on a hairdo that’ll look good with your outfit and flatter your face shape.
7. Use a good hairspray
Not only will you be sporting that hairdo for a really long time, but you’ll also be dancing, moving around and having a lot of fun. You don’t want your hair to be a mess mid-ceremony. So use a long-lasting, strong hold hairspray that will keep everything in place and make sure it doesn’t look frizzy!
Selecting The Perfect Bridal Makeup Artist
Things To Remember Before Meeting A MUA
1. Is it a day function or a night event?
Your choice of makeup artist will largely depend on when the function is. Your requirements will be different for a day function and a night function. So once you’ve decided on the timings of the event, do communicate the same to your makeup artist because that’s what your look will depend upon. You cannot have glitter eyelids with a bold lip in the day.
2. The kind of look you’re aiming for on your wedding day.
Some MUAs specialize in the all-natural look and some in the glam makeover. So before you settle on an artist, decide what look you’re going for! Make sure you search online and have reference pictures of the kind of look you want to achieve. An image of your outfit is important too!
3. What is your budget for a makeup artist and how flexible are you with it?
Like everything else, you’ve set a budget for your makeup artist as well. Try to stick to it because there will be a lot of unexpected expenses during the wedding too. Plus, for the makeup artist, you need to factor in costs like transportation and lodging if it’s an outstation wedding.
4. Who else is going to be getting ready with you?
Your mom, sisters and other family members will need makeup artists too. Some professionals provide a discounted fees structure if you book for a certain number of people. So find out how many people will be getting ready with you to get the best price.
5. Do you have sensitive or acne-prone skin? Are you allergic to some products or ingredients?
You need to be aware of all the special needs of your skin before you head to meet your makeup artist. Without this knowledge, you wouldn’t be able to communicate your specific needs to her and you might have an allergic reaction later!
If you have acne-prone or sensitive skin, your skin needs will be different from somebody who doesn’t have the same concerns as yours. So make sure you discuss these things with your MUA.
6. Have you checked their social media accounts?
Facebook, Instagram and other review apps are the best way to check if the makeup artist suits your needs or not. You can ask the prospective artist to also send you a portfolio of unedited pictures of the work they’ve done to give you a better idea. Talk to ex-clients and take feedback from them as well. You’ll know everything you need to ask the makeup artist by talking to the previous clients.
7. What type of makeup services do they provide?
There are various kinds of makeup services – from airbrush to HD to mineral. Check the pros and cons of each to see what suits your skin type. Here’s a little help:
a) Airbrush: This style of makeup is strongly recommended for brides with oily skin. The technique uses an air gun to give the brides a matte, even-toned finish without making it look too cakey. It’s totally non-transferable but will cost you a little more as compared to others.
b) HD: This makeup technique is suitable for all skin types and works well to hide all your skin problems, from acne to dark circles. While the staying power is less than Airbrush, HD makeup looks great in photos.
c) Mineral: If you’re more inclined towards a natural and glowing look, then you need to opt for mineral makeup.
Question To Ask Your Makeup Artist
1. Are they going to be giving a trial?
While most makeup artists give a paid trial, they do adjust the amount in your final payment. If they don’t, insist on it as much as you can. Trusting someone blindly for your big day may not be the best thing to do, even if they’re very renowned and well-known for their work.
Also, do not immediately wipe off your makeup because you want to see how it looks after a while and how long it stays. Don’t forget to take pictures to see how it looks in photographs and under harsh lights.
2. Is there any prep you need to do before you come in for your makeover?
There are some makeup artists who do end up recommending some treatments that they want you to get done before you come in for the appointment. So ask them about the same and also about how they’d like you to come – clean-faced, with moisturiser or with primer.
3. Which brand of makeup products will they be using?
The quality of products they’re going to be using is a huge deciding factor. You can’t splurge on a makeup artist who’ll use low-end brands that may not suit your skin and will cause breakouts or other skin problems. Also, good quality products always last longer and look better on your skin.
4. How big is their team and do they have back up makeup artists on board you can meet?
The makeup artist’s team should ideally have three people – one for makeup, one for hair and one for draping. In some cases, there’s only one hair and draping person but that’s okay.
Also, ask if they have a backup makeup artist in case there is an emergency because of which they might not turn up. Do insist on meeting the backup MUA too!
5. How do they plan to cater to your skin’s special needs?
In case you are allergic to certain ingredients, they will need to make the provisions for the same. Even if you don’t have really sensitive skin, they still need to be sure that they use hypoallergenic products.
6. Do they have other commitments for the day?
If your makeup artist has a lot of other bookings on your D-day, there are things that can go wrong. The MUA will do a hurried job or not turn up to the venue on time. This will leave you in a mess so ask them about their commitments and how they plan to devote enough time to just your appointment so that you can look your best.
Do’s And Don’ts Of Bridal Makeup
1. Do not try new skin care treatments close to the wedding!
We’ve mentioned this before and it is absolutely non-negotiable. You NEED to take care of your skin and start this well in advance. But do not start any skin care treatment or try any home remedy right before your wedding. You never know how your skin will react to it. If you’re trying anything new, do it at least 6 months before the d-day.
2. Wear your blouse before the makeup starts
This help in two ways – one, it won’t ruin your hairdo and makeup while wearing it and two, you’ll be able to find out how exactly your makeup will look with your outfit.
3. Always have references at hand
Put together some makeup references to show the makeup artist before and during the process. Stalk makeup artists on Instagram and Facebook and bookmark your favourite looks.
4. Try and stick to the look decided beforehand
There will be a few minor changes during the process but overall, stick to the look you decided beforehand. Do not make any major changes. You don’t know what the end result will look like!
5. Communicate with your makeup artist during the session
Don’t let the MUA hijack your day. You need to communicate and work together. Give them your feedback and let them know if there is something that you don’t like. Their vision might be different from yours but in the end, you need a middle ground. If you carry a look you aren’t totally comfortable with, it’ll show!
6. Avoid a cake-face
Do not add layer after layer of foundation and concealer. It may look good in pictures but it wouldn’t in real life. Try to achieve a more natural, glowing look instead!
7. All that shimmers is not gold
This is a mistake most brides make. It is your day to shine but not like a disco ball, my dear bride! A glittery eyeshadow, shimmery blush, an overdose of highlighter and lipstick that’s too bright isn’t a good look on anyone, especially not the bride!
8. Classic is always a safe bet
Unicorn eyeshadow may look great today but will it look just as charming a few years later? Trends come and go so it’s better to stick with the classics. Leave the trends for other functions like your sangeet and mehendi.
9. DO NOT RUSH
Your makeup session is going to be a time-consuming process. Do not be late for the appointment. Also, do not rush your makeup artist to complete everything faster. Let them take their own time. The end result will be worth the hours of sitting in that chair.
Must-Have Makeup Products In Your Kit
A large number of brides-to-be spend a lot of time and money putting together their wedding trousseau – pretty ethnic outfits, with bags, shoes and statement accessories to match, for all those post-shaadi dinners. But when it comes to the bridal makeup kit, it gets a little confusing with the numerous products and their variations available in the market. You never know what’s absolutely essential and what you can skip. Plus, it’s so hard to stick to a budget! So, we thought of simplifying this entire process for you. Here’s a bridal beauty kit with every essential item you’ll need. We’ve tried to cover all the basics, but, you can always keep adding more products and new launches whenever your heart desires!
Primer
A primer is a must-have essential because it ensures that your makeup stays in place. Not only that, it creates a smooth surface for your foundation to blend seamlessly. A good primer can help your foundation stay for hours and will prevent any creasing.
POPxo Recommends: Lakme Absolute Blur Perfect Makeup Primer, a lightweight and waterproof formula. Buy it here for Rs 675.
Foundation
Everyone desires flawless, glowing skin and a foundation is your one-step to achieving that. But if you aren’t a foundation person, you can always opt for a BB or CC cream!
POPxo Recommends: NYX High Definition Foundation’s peptide-infused formula will give you a picture-perfect look. Buy it here for Rs 1900.
Concealer
A concealer is the quickest way to hide that pimple that popped up out of nowhere or any evidence of sleepless nights!
POPxo Recommends: Nykaa SKINgenius Conceal & Correct Palette has multiple shades to not only help you conceal but also colour correct. Buy it here for Rs 1200.
Setting Powder
A setting powder is a must, especially for women with oily skin. It helps set your makeup in place and adds an extra layer of coverage too!
POPxo Recommends: Lakme Absolute Creme Compact has a smooth cream-powder finish that gives you high coverage. Buy it here for Rs 665.
Blush
Newlyweds are called ‘blushing’ brides-to-be for a reason. You absolutely need one in your kit for a natural flush!
POPxo Recommends: L’Oreal Paris Lucent Magique Blush has 3 colour pigments for a rosy, healthy and vibrant glow. Buy it here for Rs 935.
Bronzer & Highlighter
Don’t we all love a just back from a vacay glow? That’s why you need a bronzer. Plus, sculpted cheekbones look gorgeous! And if you’re going to be contouring, you absolutely need to highlight the high points of your face to make them pop.
POPxo Recommends: Makeup Revolution Ultra Bronze, Shimmer and Highlight is a three in one product to solve all your contouring needs. Buy it here for Rs 1000.
Eyeshadow Palette
Eyeshadows add a little bit of drama to your look and it is always better to buy them in a palette rather than individually.
POPxo Recommends: Makeup Revolution Fortune Favours The Brave 30 Eyeshadow has enough shades to cover all your basic needs. Buy it here for Rs 1950.
Mascara
Long lashes immediately open up your eyes to make them seem brighter. Also, don’t we all wish for long lashes that fan our face?
POPxo Recommends: The brush of the L’Oreal Paris Volume Million Lashes Mascara has multiple bristles to separate lashes for a fanned-out lash effect. Buy it here for Rs 875.
Eyeliner & Kajal
No girl can survive without her trusted kajal and eyeliner. It’s funny how a black line across your eyelid can totally change your look (and attitude!)
POPxo Recommends: The non-sticky oil-free formula of the Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner makes it glide on easily and it won’t wear off for a long, long time. You can use it as a kajal too! Buy it here for Rs 525.
Lipsticks
I don’t even want to get into why lipsticks are important. It’s just a universally accepted fact that they are!
POPxo Recommends: If there is any lipstick that can proudly call itself long-lasting, it is Maybelline New York Super Stay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick. Buy it here for Rs 625.
Best Bridal Makeup Looks We Spotted
We are well into the shaadi season and it’s quite obvious that you’re searching for inspiration. So we’ve put together a few bridal makeups looks that we came across on Instagram which you’ll surely love. Check ‘em out!
Anushka’s Classic Pink Look
Image: Instagram
Hello, Princess Sonam
Image: Instagram
Bold on the lips
Image: Instagram
Red Never Goes Out Of Style!
Image: Instagram
A Goddess In Gold!
Image: Instagram
The Fresh-Faced Beauty!
Image: Instagram
The Stand-Out Bride
Image: Instagram
Look At That Glow!
Image: Instagram
The Royal Bride
Image: Instagram
Whatta Natural Beauty!
Image: Instagram
Who Knew Brown Looked So Good!
Image: Instagram
Now that you do know everything there is to ace your beauty look, are you ready to walk down the aisle, bride?!
Internal Images: Shutterstock
This story was updated in January 2019.
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