Wedding season is officially upon us, folks, which means you’ll need to master your wedding guest makeup looks. While it’s undeniably the bride and groom’s big day, it’s safe to say that everyone wants to bring their A game to the occasion. Aside from your attire — which will ultimately depend on the vibe of the wedding — you want makeup that not only looks amazing but will last you all day and into the night through tears, dancing, sweat and any other elements that may come your way. Obviously, you want to go for products that are long-lasting and specifically designed to stay put, but how else can you ensure your wedding guest makeup game is on-point (and won’t budge)?
We tapped several professional makeup artists for their expert insight on the matter. Ahead, find their foolproof tips and top product recommendations.
1. Prep and prime your skin
Every great makeup look starts with skin care, so first and foremost, be sure to cleanse and exfoliate (if you need it) and then follow up with your favorite hydrating serum and moisturizer. Pro tip? Always stick to what you know works and don’t try anything new, as the last thing you want on the day of a wedding (even if it’s not your own!) is to have an adverse reaction.
“Skin preparation is super important with any makeup application, but the key for wedding makeup is to avoid anything too oily or heavy,” says makeup artist Chanel Temple. “Using a hydrating serum and [light moisturizer] is my favorite combination for all skin types.” She suggests applying a modest amount on the skin and allowing it to set for one to two minutes before going in with your other complexion products. “This method offers seriously unreal results in controlling shine throughout the day,” she says.
Makeup artist Jonet Williamson notes that you always want to keep in mind how long you’ll need your makeup to last, as well as what conditions you’ll be in throughout the day and to choose a primer formula accordingly.
2. Layer your complexion products
Foundation is personal and most people have favorites depending on their unique skin type, but if you really want your other base products to last for the long haul, Williamson recommends a layering technique. “For longer wear, you want to lock your liquid and cream products in place with a powder version,” she says. “For example, use a cream blush followed by powder blush, and cream bronzer then powder bronzer, and so on.” The important thing is to always add your powder products on top of your liquid and cream formulas to set them in place.
3. Use waterproof eye makeup
Weddings tend to be tearjerkers, so going with waterproof eye makeup is always going to be your best bet. It’ll also give you some smudge-proof coverage at a sweltering summer wedding. According to the makeup artists, waterproof mascara and eyeliner, along with long-wearing eye shadow will help resist sweat, oil and tears.
4. Opt for false lashes
According to Williamson, adding some falsies is a surefire way to take just about any look to the next level. “Just adding a lash to something as simple as a winged liner look or monochromatic eye will elevate the look for a more glamorous feel,” she says. “If you’re new to wearing lashes I’d suggest trying a magnetic lash or press-on lashes which tend to be easier to apply.”
Flowers notes that you should always look for false lashes that have an invisible band. “These lashes tend to be the most natural- and delicate-looking,” she says. “And be sure to use a good glue to keep lashes in place.”
5. Apply setting spay before powder
Do you usually apply setting spray after setting powder? Temple wants you to rethink this technique. “Why would you drench your face after you just applied a ton of powder? Flip the process and spritz the skin, let it dry down a tad and then go in with your setting powder,” she says. “This will prevent the skin from looking cakey and overall lasts much longer.”
6. Apply lip stain underneath lipstick
To boost the longevity of your lipstick, Flowers highly recommends applying a lip stain first. “This technique is especially handy when eating and drinking because even if your lipstick fades a little, you’ll still have the remaining pigment from the stain there,” she says.
7. Set your lips with powder
If you’re a gloss type of gal, you can totally skip this step, but Temple highly recommends trying it out if you’re opting for lipstick and want to keep touch-ups to a minimum. “To secure the pigment and ensure longevity, apply your favorite lipstick first and then set it with the same powder you used to set your complexion. This will lock in the pigment and also smooth any fine lines.”
