Washington DC Wedding Photographer & Portrait Photography

Do you need wedding makeup tips? In this guest post Ryan Krasney of Blend Couture shares some suggestions on how to look flawless on your wedding day. Special thanks to Marquia Kinard for modeling for this shoot!

It’s finally your wedding day! The centerpieces are perfect; the dress is altered and ready to go. You begin to apply your make-up in the bridal suite while toasting mimosas with your bridesmaids when a brief flash of panic sets in. You think, “I have to keep this look lasting for the next 12-15 hours and haven’t the slightest idea how to do it!”If you’re on a budget, and hiring a professional make-up artist is out of the question, we’ve got the quickest and easiest ways to keep your wedding day make-up fresh and worry free for the entire day!

1. Prep your skin: Use a gentle exfoliant to free any trapped dirt, oil, or dead skin. A clean canvas is essential for an even make-up application. Follow that with a lightweight moisturizer. Try something oil-free, or gel based to help extend the wear of your make-up.

2. Start with the eyes: This is a great little trick! Most make-up artists prep the skin, and go directly to working on the eyes. This way when eye shadow residue falls under the eyes, simply wipe it clean. No redoing or fixing foundation or concealer!

3. Eye Primer: Using a primer on the eye (we love MAC’s Paintpot in ‘Painterly’) will completely alleviate any fear of creasing, and anchors the shadow for a look that will last all day and night. Waterproof Mascara/Eyeliner: Sounds obvious, but is easily overlooked. When applying mascara and eyeliner, be sure to use waterproof! We love Maybelline’s ‘Great Lash’ waterproof mascara, and MAC’s ‘Blacktrack’ gel based liquid liner. Set creamy liners with matching shadow color.

4. Flawless Foundation: To make your foundation last, a primer is a must! (Are you noticing a trend here? Primers rock!) We love NARS Pro-Prime Pore Refining primer because it’s oil-free. A great way to achieve an airbrushed look without spending hundreds on an airbrush machine is to choose a lightweight foundation and buff it into the skin with a foundation brush. Start in the center of your face and blend outward and down to the neck.

5. Conceal: We know we’re throwing off your regular every-day make-up routine here, but trust us. The order is important! Only use concealer after you’ve applied foundation. Your foundation will cover most flaws; only use concealer to cover what needs a little extra attention. Using too much product is going to make your look cakey. Dot a bit under the eyes with your finger, and camouflage blemishes using a pointy brush.

6. Setting Powder: This is crucial for staying powder… er… power. Set foundation and blush with a light dusting of a translucent powder. Take this with you for touch ups throughout the day!

7. Luscious Lips: Let’s face it; on a day where eating, drinking, and kissing will be pretty prevalent; it’s going to be difficult to find a lipstick that lasts. Matte formula lipsticks have the most staying power. Find your shade and a matching liner. Use the liner to fill in your lips. Apply lipstick on top of the liner, and blot with a tissue. Layer the look 2 or 3 times. Then add a small touch of gloss for shine. Carry the lipstick and gloss with you. Sorry ladies, there’s no magic formula.

Touch ups will be necessary. Don’t forget to carry a small bag, or appoint a bridesmaid to carry your translucent powder, concealer and lipstick/gloss with you. It’s always a good idea to have a few Q-tips on hand as well. Use them to clean up fall out under the eye, or to apply concealer to a blemish. Enjoy your beautifully long lasting look!