Tip 1: Test-running your foundation will save tears on the big day.
Always test your make up out before a big event, especially your wedding day. It is important to rule out different skin sensitivities beforehand and see how the shade matches your skin tone.
In the store, an employee can help you determine your shade by dabbing a small amount of foundation on your wrist for comparison. Even if the foundation looks great in the store, it's crucial to wear it for at least several days to see how different environments can impact the overall finish.
Foundations will sit differently depending on your skin type, and by testing beforehand, you can see whether or not the foundation oxidizes, how long it lasts on the skin, and if it requires touch-ups throughout the day.
Tip 2: Pick your foundation luminosity level wisely and avoid SPF.
Too much luminosity in a foundation and you can look a little shiny, almost metallic, whereas totally matte can make your skin look flat. You also want to avoid foundations that include SPF for your big day. SPF products deflect light, which is great for protecting your skin, but awful for flash photography.
When a flash fires directly at your face, the result is known as a “flashback.” Your makeup literally reflects the flash back towards the camera, which can make you look ghastly, as if you're wearing a lot of baby powder on your face.
Tip 3: More coverage isn't always better
A common misconception when it comes to bridal foundation is that the bride should wear more makeup than she's used to to "look her best." If you apply too much foundation, it can actually do more harm than good. The key is to get enough coverage to banish any unwanted redness. Spotlighting with coverage is best to avoid going too heavy. You can add coverage in the particular areas that require it – usually the nose, chin and front of the cheeks.
Tip 4: Prepping your base will make all the difference.
Prepping your base with a primer is an important part of your make up routine. Face primer goes underneath your makeup to help your makeup apply smoothly, stay in place and give your complexion an even-looking skin tone . A primer that that adds radiance to ensure you achieve a natural glow that will last all day for you. Vitamin C is a great choice in bridal skincare as it instantly brightens and lifts the skin under foundation. Making sure to moisturize before priming also makes a world of difference.
Some great primers are Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer, Make Up for Ever Step 1 Primer Color Corrector Redness Corrector. I personally used Urban Decay All Nighter face primer. For eyeshadow priming, I used ELF Poreless Putty (ELF is a great brand and affordable.)
Tip 5: How you apply your foundation makes the world of difference
Avoid using your hands to apply your foundation and avoid touching your face after its been applied, as the natural oils on our finger tips can cause foundation to slip throughout the day. Invest in a decent foundation brush and sponge.
A foundation brush will ensure you get an even, buildable application that looks flawless and lasts. Afterwards, a damp sponge can be used before setting with powder to remove any excess foundation and help it adhere better to your skin.
I recommend color pop make up brushes (I love their eye brush set!) or whatever generic make up brush set they have at the beauty store. I used a real techniques make up sponge!
Foundation Recommendations:
Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup:
This 24- hour wear foundation comes in over 60 shades and is a great medium-to-full coverage option for brides. This foundation is sweat, heat and humidity resistant, with a matte finish that makes it ideal for those who find themselves with a shiny forehead come midday. Being oil free, this foundation is also a great option for those who have oily skin. Not only is the foundation shine-free, it’s also waterproof, and doesn’t oxidize, meaning the color it looks when it’s applied is the color it will stay throughout the day.
I personally used this foundation for my wedding day and adore it. I found that the best way to use this high performance base is to exfoliate, and deeply moisturize the skin before applying a primer to smooth the skin. This allows for a flawless application – or else the matte liquid foundation can cling to imperfections such as dry skin or blemishes.
Price: $49
Armani Beauty Luminous Silk:
This foundation has lightweight and buildable coverage and is recommended by make up artists. Luminous Silk was the first silicon and oil hybrid foundation, which means that it’s great at controlling shine and acts as a primer and foundation in one.
It offers medium coverage, which you can easily build upon depending on your needs, and it never oxidizes.
Price: $69
Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation
Teint Idole is a long-lasting, full-coverage liquid foundation with a natural matte finish. Although a matte finish, this foundation has a softness to it, making it a great option for brides who prefer a dewy complexion. Formulated with nourishing skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, it feels comfortable, breathable and hydrating all day long.
The coverage is buildable, so you can blend out the foundation for a lighter and more natural finish while still getting that blurred, airbrushed complexion effect. This foundation also has serious staying power. Transfer-, sweat- and humidity-resistant and waterproof, it stays looking flawless for up to 24 hours. This foundation is available in 50 shades.
Price: $57
Nars Sheer Glow Foundation:
This NARS foundation will give you a natural-looking finish that immaculately evens skin tone.
It’s sheer and buildable and leaves the skin hydrated, softer and smoother. It even has vitamin c in it, which brightens your skin.
Price: $50
Too Faced Born this Way foundation:
A world-wide best seller that is oil-free, and offers medium to full coverage with a semi-matte finish.
It masterfully diffuses the line between makeup and skin meaning you’ll look like you on your wedding day.
Price: $46
ILIA True Skin Serum Foundation:
If you want a natural make-up look on your wedding day, this ILIA foundation is a great pick for you. This silky and breathable formula melts in and moves with your skin.
It is also non-comedogenic and safe for sensitive skin. This is a great option for brides who prefer the minimalist approach.
Price: $54
The best way to pick your wedding day foundation is to go to Ulta or Sephora and ask an employee to help you go through the options and match your shade with you. something to keep in mind is that most of these foundations, primers, and other makeup products have sample and full size options. If you are unsure if you want to fully commit to a product, or youll only need it for special occassions (like your wedding day) you can save some money by buying the smaller size!
Once you find a foundation you wish to try, give it a couple days of wear before making your final decision. Take your time and have fun with it!
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