Even someone who’s familiar with doing her own makeup may be stumped when it comes to what to do when she’s a bridesmaid.
It definitely isn’t going to be like your daily “slap-on-some-makeup-and-rush-out-to-work-look”; don’t forget that lots of photos will be taken on that day! At the same time, you should blend in well with the rest of the bridal party, and without stealing the thunder from the bride.
Here are some tips that will help you find the balance.
1. Make sure your makeup last
You’re going to be busy making sure the programme runs smoothly and that the bride is assisted whenever she needs help. Nothing less than long-lasting makeup will do – you won’t have a lot of chance to touch up!
This is why long-wearing and high coverage foundation is a must, because cameras will be flashing all day and you want to look your absolute best at all times! Nothing is worse than going through the day and finding out at night that your foundation budged a few hours ago.
To help with locking in your hard work and making sure your makeup looks as fresh as when you just applied it, use primer before and setting spray after. A good setting powder (use right after base makeup) will also help to extend the wear of your makeup look throughout the day and even the night.
2. Choose the right colours for your skin tone
Always make sure your makeup products are of the right colours for your skin tone. This applies to your foundation and concealer shade, as well as eyeshadow and lipstick colours. Choosing the wrong shade of products may leave you looking too sallow or pink, and it will look especially obvious in photos – you’ll stand out in the wrong way!
Besides using a foundation suitable for your skin tone, make sure that the shade also matches the colour of your neck. Since your bridesmaid dress will most likely be sleeveless and show off your décolletage, you definitely don’t want to look like you’re wearing a mask!
DV Tip: To check your skin tone, look at the veins that run under the skin of your hands or on your wrists. If you see more blue-coloured veins, you have a cool skin tone. If you see more green-coloured veins, you have a warm skin tone. Have equal amounts of both? Your skin tone is neutral.
3. Opt for nude or pastel shades on the eyes
For eyeshadow colours, nude tones such as browns, taupes, greys, and beiges work well with any outfit.
Depending on the bride’s wishes, you can consider coordinating your eyeshadow look with the colour of your bridesmaid dress. This will work well especially if your bridesmaid’s dress is in a pastel tone, which will still make your eye makeup rather understated.
4. Choose one feature to focus on
If you’re going to add some shimmer to your eye makeup, then go with a nude lipstick. If you’re planning to go with a brighter lip colour, then go easy on the eye makeup. Besides making sure you won’t be over-doing it, focusing on just one feature helps you to save on preparation time.
5. Waterproof your look
It may be a day of tears of joy, and you may perspire a little while running around under Singapore’s humid and hot weather. Make sure you’ve put on trusty waterproof makeup. A dependable waterproof eyeliner and mascara, in particular, will save you from looking like Lauren Conrad from The Hills.
And if you have been holding back on wearing false lashes, this is the moment to take a deep breath and make the plunge. Choose a pair of natural-looking lashes (skip the dramatic ones!) that accentuate your eyes and make your features look more defined in pictures!
