How to Make Your Wedding Makeup Last

Your wedding day is arguably one of the most important days of your life, and with your photographer never far away, it’s only natural that you’ll want to look your best. Beyond your wedding dress, shoes and accessories - your wedding makeup will be a big part of your getting ready process. And as you already know, makeup isn’t always there to stay.

How many times have you ended the night looking the same way you started? Wedding days are long, and we have all the tips and tricks to ensure your bridal makeup doesn’t move a muscle. From combatting summer temperatures to managing oil buildup, smeared lipsticks and tear-stained cheeks - ensuring your wedding makeup lasts all day is essential.

Of course, top-ups are acceptable, from lipsticks in your bridal bag or clutch to blotting papers or powder - your bridesmaids will have your back in that department.

We’ve compiled our 13 top tips for how to make your wedding makeup last all day. Thank us later! 

Top Tips for Ensuring Your Makeup Lasts Longer & Looks Perfect from the Ailse to the Dance Floor

1. Always choose a mobile makeup artist 
 

There’s nothing worse than feeling rushed on your wedding morning! Getting ready for your big day should be a special moment with your bridal party, full of cute robes and PJ sets, lots of bubbles, a yummy breakfast, and the pampering session you deserve. The last thing you want is to be dashing to and from a salon for your makeup and hair.

Keep your hair and makeup looking fresh before you take to the aisle by opting for a mobile makeup artist. Having a professional come to you and apply your makeup as close to departure time as possible ensures it lasts all day. Better yet, consider hiring a makeup artist who specialises in bridal makeup. Beyond practicality, it adds to the fun and girly wedding morning vibes with your bridal party.
 

2. It’s all about the prep! Good wedding makeup starts the night before
 

You might think the fun begins on your wedding morning, but the secret to lasting wedding makeup actually starts the night before. Got your skincare routine down? Good! This is where your 3+-step routine will come in handy.

Staying with your bridesmaids the night before? Even better! Plan an evening pamper session filled with gentle exfoliators to remove dead skin cells, and cleansers and moisturisers to ensure flawless skin, prepped and ready for your wedding makeup in the morning. While face masks are a girly sleepover essential, beauty experts recommend skipping them right before the big day. Though they’re great to use in the lead-up to your wedding, a face mask too close to the event can sometimes result in breakouts and blemishes, as they’re designed to draw out impurities.
 

3. Stick to what works - your wedding isn’t the time to experiment with new skincare 
 

We've all been tempted by the latest skincare products everyone's raving about. While we’re not against a TikTok beauty find, the period before your wedding isn’t the time to make spontaneous orders. You might think you should ramp up your skincare routine as your big day approaches, but that’s actually the wrong move. Perfect your skincare routine in the months leading up to your wedding. Once you find products that leave your skin glowy, smooth, and radiant, stick with them. Don’t change a thing right up to your wedding day.
 

4. Practice, practice, practice! 
 

While we advise against experimenting with new products, we wholeheartedly recommend practising with the ones already in your collection. Even if you plan to book a professional makeup artist for your big day, practising in the lead-up to the wedding will give you a good idea of what works, what doesn’t, and the makeup look you want. This is the perfect opportunity to try different techniques, colours, products, and brands to ensure everything goes to plan on your wedding day.
 

5. Start with a clean slate on the day
 

The big day has arrived! You’ve done everything right in the lead-up to your wedding, and it’s almost time to apply your perfect, long-lasting wedding makeup. Before your makeup artist arrives, always start with a fresh, clean slate. Cleanse and exfoliate to create a smooth canvas, and moisturise appropriately with an oil-free option to avoid grease build-up throughout the day. This ensures your makeup goes on flawlessly and stays put.
 

6. Don’t skip primers 
 

While the finished product is crucial, prepping correctly is just as important. Don’t underestimate the power of primers. Apply a mattifying or hydrating primer, depending on your skin type, to help your foundation stay put. Use a separate eye primer to prevent eyeshadow creasing and enhance colour pigments. Proper priming ensures your makeup stays flawless all day.
 

7. Choose matte, long-wearing products 

The key to ensuring your wedding makeup lasts all day is opting for long-wearing products. It’s really that simple. Yes - there are other factors involved, but going for the right products will make or break your wedding makeup.

To make sure your wedding makeup looks flawless from "I do" to the last dance, start with a matte, transfer-resistant foundation that matches your skin type and tone. Opt for a long-wearing concealer to hide any blemishes or dark circles. And, don't forget your eyes - waterproof and smudge-proof eyeshadows and eyeliners will keep everything in place through happy tears and all-night dancing. 
 

8. Layer and set wisely 
 

You’re prepped and ready to go with all the hard work done. So now, it's time to ensure your wedding makeup stays put all day. Mastering the art of layering and setting your makeup is key. Use a translucent setting powder to lock in your foundation and concealer, focusing on oily areas. Finish with a setting spray to help your makeup withstand heat, humidity, and sweat.

When it comes to layering, apply cream products like blush and highlighter first, then set them with their powder counterparts for extra staying power. Throughout the day, blot excess oil and touch up with a pressed powder to keep your look fresh and flawless from morning to night.
 

9. Waterproof makeup will be your best friend if happy tears are on the cards 
 

Weddings are emotional, and happy tears are almost guaranteed! To make sure your makeup stays flawless, opt for waterproof formulas. Waterproof mascara is a must to avoid smudging, especially when those happy tears start flowing.

Don't forget about your lips! To prevent lipstick transfers at the altar, go for long-lasting, smudge-proof lipsticks or lip stains. Keep your chosen lip product handy for touch-ups throughout the day. With waterproof makeup, you'll stay picture-perfect, no matter how many tissues you go through!
 

10. Hands off! Avoid touching your face 
 

You might not realise how often you touch your face throughout the day, but it's best to avoid it to preserve your wedding day look. Whether resting your cheek on your hand or adjusting your hair, minimising face-touching reduces the risk of smudging your makeup and transferring oils. While this sounds simple, it can be an unconscious habit, so be mindful of those wandering hands on the big day to keep your makeup flawless!
 

11. Think about your wedding hairstyle

While we're focused on wedding makeup, your hairstyle plays a crucial role in how long your makeup will last. What's the connection, you ask? An updo keeps your hair away from your face, reducing the need to constantly brush it aside and potentially smudge your makeup. On the other hand, if you wear your hair down, you’ll probably find yourself fussing with it throughout the day, inadvertently touching your face and disturbing your makeup. Consider an elegant updo to keep everything in place and picture-perfect - who doesn’t love a wedding updo, anyway?
 

12. Don’t forget about oil control and blotting papers 

If you’ve followed all our tips so far, you’re well on your way to flawless, long-lasting wedding makeup. However, there are a few more tricks to keep your makeup fresh throughout the day. No matter your skin type - oily, dry, or combination - makeup can collect excess oil after several hours. The best way to manage this is by keeping blotting papers handy. These papers absorb excess oil without disturbing your makeup, unlike adding more powder, which can lead to a cakey look. Blotting papers ensures your makeup stays light and fresh, keeping you effortlessly radiant all day. 
 

13. Have your bridesmaids on hand for touchups 

Your bridesmaids are there to support you in more ways than one on your big day. From walking you down the aisle to getting the party started at the reception, they’re by your side for all the key moments. But don’t forget, they can also be your designated beauty buddies! Ask them to carry a touch-up makeup kit with essentials like blotting papers, powder, lipstick, a pocket mirror, and a mini-setting spray. With your besties on touchup duty, you can be sure your wedding makeup will stay perfect all day long.
 

The Best Long-Lasting Makeup Kit for Brides 

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Flawless Wedding Makeup from Start to Finish

Preparing for your wedding day? Follow our top tips and we’re sure your wedding makeup will last a lifetime. For even more beauty inspiration for brides, check out our guide to hair and makeup for destination weddings or the best long-lasting wedding lipsticks.