"You're going to need a magic wand, not a makeup brush!"
"Got any filler in that case?"
"You're going to need a miracle to make this face look decent!"
These are comments I hear far too often as a makeup artist. And while it's slightly frustrating that some clients don't understand how makeup works, it genuinely makes me sad that brides feel the need to say these things about themselves.
Makeup enhances your face. We use it to bring out the best of your features, and while we do have little tricks up our sleeves that can make a big difference, there's only so much we can do.
I like to think of makeup as building a house. If the base isn't great, the building isn't going to look its best. But there are things you can do to even the base, soften and smooth the foundations, so that when the building is complete, you have the best finish possible.
So what can you do to prepare your face for the beautiful building that is… makeup? I love helping my brides in the run-up to their wedding day, and hopefully this will give you some tips on preparing your skin. Your makeup can only look so good on its own, so take some of these on board to help it look its absolute best.
Drink More Water (Yes, More Than That)
Hydration is the key to freshening up your skin and helping it clear, and your body will thank you for it. It also helps with cracked lips, which means your lip application lasts as long as possible on the day.
Mask Up Weekly
Staying with hydration: use a face mask once a week in the lead-up to your wedding. A hydrating mask, used after double cleansing, toning and a light exfoliation, works wonders.
Get Serious About Skincare
Use the run-up to your wedding as the perfect excuse to splash out. A new cleanser, that moisturiser you've been eyeing for months, or the viral TikTok product your friends keep raving about. Stay consistent and the results will start to show. Take 15 minutes a day to focus on your skin, and always apply an SPF.
See a Skin Professional
If you can, I highly recommend booking in with a skin professional for advice on what products suit you, or even just for a facial. A facial once a month is a lovely way to carve out some downtime from wedding planning and daily life. A microneedling facial is top tier, but a dermaplaning facial is a brilliant shout for brides because it helps your makeup sit beautifully smooth.
Wedding Morning: Fresh Skin Only
Before your makeup artist arrives, make sure your skin is clean and prepped.
Double cleanse your face and neck. The first cleanse removes dirt, makeup, buildup and oils. The second lets the product actually work on the skin. I'd recommend a gel-like cleanser for the first cleanse to break everything down, then a cream or oil cleanser for the second as it's a bit gentler. If you have particularly oily skin, stick with the gel for both.
Follow up with toner and a light moisturiser. Treat yourself to a hydrating face mask or some under-eye hydrating pads, ideally at least an hour before your makeup slot.
Hands Off
Get into the habit of not touching your face. We use our hands for everything, and they pick up dirt, bacteria and god knows what else along the way. Every time you touch your face, you transfer all of that onto your skin. Touching your face while wearing makeup also means it won't last as long. Save your face: keep your hands to yourself.
Spot Patches Are Your Friend
With all the stress of wedding week, you may be prone to a breakout or two. Grab yourself a pack of spot patches. They're also a godsend if you're a picker.
Gently squeeze the spot using a tissue for a second or two, clean the area, then pop a patch over the top. It disguises the breakout, minimises redness and clears the spot quickly. It also stops you picking, which is half the battle.
Hopefully you've picked up a tip or two for your wedding. Your makeup artist will thank you, and you'll love the finished result that bit more.