6 Makeup Tips for the Best Wedding Photos

A variety of factors will affect the look of your makeup in photos - from your skin type to lighting - so prepare for the big day with these makeup tips for your best wedding photos.

1. Take care of your skin. Makeup can do many magical things, but it all begins with skincare. Makeup creates texture on the skin, so starting with clear, nourished, hydrated skin means ending with an even, smooth look. Amanda Castillo, makeup artist at The Club at Bella Collina, says hydration is the key for a flawless makeup application. “A quick spritz of a hydrating spray like glo minerals Moist Hydration Mist before applying your makeup will help rehydrate and plump up the skin. A light mist following your makeup application will set your minerals in place, leaving you confident it will have all day staying power.”
2. Plan your photography destinations in advance with your photographer. Are you and the groom shooting indoors under dim, artificial lighting, or will you take pictures outside in natural light (or both!)? Not only will lighting affect the look of your photos and the equipment your photographer needs, but it will also alter the way your makeup looks. Daylight has a way of exposing imperfections, anything from unblended brush strokes to mismatched foundation. Have your bridesmaids bring a bridal makeup kit with blotting papers and a pressed powder to touch up on the big day. And remember, when the family and bridal party photoshoot wraps, there will still be plenty of photo-worthy moments during the reception.
3. Take test pictures at your makeup trial. Book a bridal makeup trial 3 to 4 weeks before your wedding to give both you and your makeup artist the opportunity to decide what colors and formulas will work best for your skin type and complexion. Trials usually cost extra, but it’s a good opportunity to land on the best makeup for wedding pictures. A picture is worth a thousand words, so have your artist take photos of you with and without flash. Be sure to get some shots in the daylight if you and your photographer are planning outdoor photos. If you look shiny, sallow or washed out, you may need to adjust a few key elements.
4. Add some color to your cheeks and lips. A wedding dress is a whole bunch of white, so it’s important to balance it out with soft color on the cheeks and lips, especially for brides with fair skin.
5. Define your brows. Adding color to your brows might seem like an unimportant thing, but eyebrows frame the face, giving it structure. The best makeup for wedding pictures should enhance you and your bridal party’s natural beauty. Respect your natural brow shape, only extending the tail if needed, and select a color slightly darker than your natural hair color. It’s a small step that makes all the difference!
6. Apply 10 percent more product than you would usually wear. Using a little extra foundation creates that perfect finish and coverage needed for flawless wedding photographs. The best foundation for wedding photos is the one that looks like your skin perfected.

Bride above is wearing Luxe Liquid Foundation SPF 18, Pressed Base, Suede Matte Crayon in trademark, Eye Shadow Trio in champagne rose and Brow Quad in taupe.