When it comes to special occasions such as your wedding day, you most likely want your makeup to be glowing [1], something you're totally comfortable in, and long-lasting. Easy enough, right? We say yes — if you have a few tricks up your sleeve.
We asked the wedding makeup fairy godmother Hannah Martin [2], who is (among many other things) wedding makeup artist to Princess Eugenie [3], for her top tips for ensuring your makeup lasts all night long. "Long-wear makeup is essential for a bride," she told POPSUGAR. "Not only does your makeup need to look fresh all day, but it needs to be able to withstand tears, perspiration, nerves, and many hugs and kisses from partners and excited family members."
Ahead, find out everything you need to know to keep your makeup looking fresh throughout your special day.
Prep With the Right Skin Care
Martin said that "prepping your skin with the appropriate skin care to suit your skin, the right foundation formula for your skin type and setting powder" is vital. It may sound simple, but it's the fail-proof way of ensuring your makeup stay put throughout your day of celebrations. Just make sure you don't use too much, which could cause "your foundation to slip," she said. Use too little and "your base could look dry."
Martin likes Kiehl's Ultra Facial Moisturiser [5] (£17) as a primer. Although there are lots of primers on the market, this moisturiser is her favourite because it's lightweight, hydrating, and "creates just the right amount of slip to the skin before makeup application."
Before a big event, we like to use a sheet mask to give the skin a nice glow, followed by a serum, and a lightweight moisturiser with SPF. If you're going to be in the sun all day, apply protection in the morning and consider keeping an SPF mist on hand for touch-ups to ensure your skin is protected all day.
Consider Your Foundation Formula
Your makeup artist can help you choose a foundation during your trial if you decide to wear one. While dewy finish foundations are gorgeous and super flattering, Martin warned that they're not always particularly long-wearing. Her top tip: "Wear a long-wear foundation formula and then fake the dewy finish with blush and highlighters."
One of her favourites is Bobbi Brown Cosmetics Skin Foundation Stick [6] (£36). While its not a matte formula, when applied with a stippling foundation brush, it creates a flawless base that lasts well. More oily skin types might prefer Estee Lauder Double wear Light [7] (£34) or Mac Studio Fix Foundation [8] (£26).
Set Your Makeup the Right Way
When setting your makeup, don't be scared to use a powder. Missing this step means "foundation remains unsealed and as soon as your sebaceous glands start producing oil, it will melt the foundation and become shiny," Martin said. "A thin veil of powder, specifically on the t-zone, around the nose, chin, and above the eyebrows, can prevent this."
She likes to use either the Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder [9] (£29) or the Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder [10] (£42). If you prefer a setting spray, Martin said that one like Mac Prep and Prime Fix+ [11] (£19) is excellent at taking the "slightly powdery edge off a makeup look," while others, like the Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray [12] (£10), help to keep your foundation from budging all day (and night). "Just be sure to cover any tiaras or headpieces before spraying, and don't spray too close to the face as you just want a gentle mist application."