Wedding makeup doesn’t have to be heavy and caked on. Personally, I love going all out for a special occasion, but I know layering lots of products and textures isn’t for everyone. When it comes to my brides, I usually prefer to create a softer, more natural wedding makeup look. I want you to feel like the most wonderful version of yourself, so if you’re not used to wearing masses of makeup, why start now?
Natural wedding makeup never goes out of style, but thanks to the royal wedding earlier this year, it’s definitely seen an increase in popularity. To the untrained eye, the Duchess of Sussex seemed to be wearing minimal makeup, but I can assure you her stunning look involved some serious skill and artistry.
You see, a natural finish isn’t necessarily achieved with less makeup. Instead, it’s about choosing the right products and textures to accentuate your best features and applying them in delicate layers that will photograph beautifully and last all day.
Here are some of my professional tips and tricks…
Skin
The better your skin, the less makeup you’ll need, so a flawless, glowing complexion is a great place to start if you want to achieve a natural look. A proper skincare routine coupled with plenty of water and a good night’s sleep can make a huge difference, but you may want to see a dermatologist if you need to tackle specific concerns like acne, eczema or psoriasis.
For more practical advice, read about my top 5 skin care products.
Eyes
Unless you have sensitivity issues, mascara is essential to open up the eyes. Soft, smudged eyeliner will also help your lashes appear thicker. If you’re feeling brave, some individual false eyelashes applied to the outer corners can create a romantic, glamorous look.
I always recommend having your eyebrows professionally shaped. Well defined brows really shape the face, accentuate your eyes, and enhance your overall makeup. If you’ve already achieved a nice, natural shape, all I’ll need to apply is a little pencil and some brow gel to keep them in place.
Cheeks
Despite what the Instagram ‘beauty gurus’ tell us, contour doesn’t need to be brash and heavy. A flush of colour on the cheeks and some light contour to add dimension is all you need. Used correctly, a subtle highlight will add a gorgeous glow while also defining your cheek bones. There’s no harm in adding a little shimmer to the shoulders and collar bone too.
Lips
Wearing something on your lips will complete your natural look. A lipstick with a satin finish is usually my go-to. A matte lip will leave your lips dry, and with all the chatting and cheek kissing you’ll definitely want some moisture.
Another favourite technique is to go over the lips with a soft lip liner and a touch of pawpaw lip balm. Not too much that it slides off your lips, but just enough to make them that little bit more kissable.
Would you like a more natural look on your wedding day? Learn more about my bridal makeup services and receive expert advice in your inbox by joining my mailing list exclusively for brides-to-be.
Amelia x
