Bridal beauty: Tips to ensure your wedding day make up lasts all day

Panda eyes and shiny foreheads are something you don’t want to deal with on your big day. Thankfully, there’s plenty of ways to ensure your makeup goes the distance.

Whether you’re doing your own wedding day makeup or having it done by a professional makeup artist, you want to ensure that you look gorgeous all day long. With a few little insider tips and tricks, you can ensure that you’re still glowing while enjoying that last dance with family and friends – here’s how…

1. It’s all in the prep

Ensure you give your skin a thorough cleanse beforehand. Follow up with a moisturiser made for your skin type. Don’t try anything new on the day though – you don’t want to break out in a rash!

Before you reach for the foundation, choose a good primer suited to your skin concerns. If you tend to be on the oily side, we love Bobbi Brown’s Primer Plus Matifier, which helps control oil, ensuring foundation lasts longer. For a dewy look Charlotte Tilbury’s Wonderglow is wonderful and if your skin needs a drink, you can’t go better than Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Hydrating Primer, which was designed by Rhianna herself.

2. Building the foundation

If you’re having your wedding day makeup done professionally, ask if they can use a silicone foundation, preferably with an airbrush. Not only will this ensure an even coverage, but it will also last longer.

If you’re doing it yourself, build the foundation up in layers – many light layers will last longer than one heavy application.

Don’t forget powder. Some makeup artists even mix a little bit of setting powder in with the foundation for extra longevity. Alternatively, brush over your face after you’ve applied the foundation, with special emphasis on the T-Zone, which produces more oil. A translucent, lightweight power is your friend – like Laura Mercier’s Setting Powder – as it won’t change the colour of your foundation and blends really easily.

3. Think waterproof

Yes, we know you’re not going for a swim, but as well as lots of tears, things make get a little sweaty when you hit the dance floor later! Waterproof eyeshadows, eyeliners and mascaras have real staying power and means minimal top ups throughout the day.

A popular waterproof mascara with makeup artists is the very reasonably priced L'Oréal Voluminous Lash Paradise Waterproof Mascara – at just £11.99, it's guaranteed to last throughout any emotional moments.

While you can also buy long-wearing lipsticks, they can be quite drying so only choose this option if you’re not worried about having kissable lips!

4. Entertain the stain

When it comes to your cheeks and lips, liquid stains last forever.  They’re also far more flattering and romantic than any heavy Kim Kardashian contouring may be.

Dab them on the apple of your cheeks for a fluttering flush or use on lips for kissable lips that won’t transfer. You can always add a touch of gloss if you want some shine. Clean Sheen Cheek + Lip by Gen See comes in three gorgeous shades perfect for all skin tones and has the added bonus of being vegan and sustainable.

5. Get, set and go!

With your makeup applied, it’s time to spritz on the setting spray. Urban Decay’s All Nighter Setting Spray is one of the best and uses a vegan formula to ensure your makeup is going nowhere!

And finally – don’t forget to pack some essentials in your bridal clutch…

To ensure that you look as good at midnight as you did at midday, create a mini touch-up set. Most products come in travel sizes (and some brands like Charlotte Tilbury have their own sets) so grab a powder, eyeliner and lippie in small sizes, alongside a mirror, and you’ll be good to go whatever the day throws at you!