Wedding Guest Makeup 101

What Makeup Should I Wear As A Wedding Guest?

Your mum or grandma might tell you wearing red lipstick to a wedding is a no-no, but these days, anything goes. “I don’t think there are any real faux pas to speak of when it comes to wedding guest makeup” says Jessica Kohn, UK Lead Artist at Laura Mercier, “but it is nice to be considerate of the couple, their theme and style.”

Ultimately, she says, you need to feel comfortable and confident. And use your outfit as a starting point: “I often think of makeup as an extension of the outfit and therefore you never want to many competing elements. My general rule of thumb of any look is to focus in on the eyes or lips if you want, not both. And always aim for perfected skin.”

Should I Get My Makeup Done As A Wedding Guest?

If you’re doing simple makeup as a wedding guest, it’s probably not worth forking out on a makeup artist. However, if you’re wanting a little bit more of a ‘look’ or you aren’t super comfortable with a brush and eyeshadow palette, turning to a professional could be the way to go.

As a middle ground, having a makeover or makeup lesson in store is a great way to learn about makeup application and products whilst having a little practice run of your look (Space NK offer them, using a variety of brands). It’s also a great way to test if anything you’re using for the first time will irritate your skin or stand the test of a sweaty dancefloor!

Your Guide To Wedding Guest Makeup

Six easy steps to picture perfect wedding day makeup:

Step 1: Prep Your Skin

For makeup that lasts, you need happy skin underneath. “The better your skincare and prep, the better your makeup will look and last” says Jessica, but prep beforehand rather than overloading your skin with too much heavy skincare on the day. “This can interfere with longevity” she says, “so opt for a lightweight gel moisturiser and good eye cream to get the skin hydrated but not overly saturated.”

Alex McCormick, Director of Global Artistry Development at Hourglass adds that primer (such as the Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Primer) is your best friend to ensure longevity of makeup, extending the wear time for long events.

Step 2: Apply Your Base

A long-lasting base doesn’t have to be as thick as the icing on a wedding cake. “In fact, thicker formulas can work against you when it comes to creating a flawless, wedding-proof base” says Jessica. Instead, she says, choose a foundation with buildable coverage and a skin-like finish. “By working in thin layers to the desired coverage” she adds, “skin will look perfected without overloading it, which can give foundation a cakey look.”

If a lighter base won't conceal your blemishes and/or redness, use a heavy duty concealer beforehand. You'll notice a huge difference and you can pop it in your handbag if you need to top up if the evening.

Step 3: Sculpt & Highlight

Base perfected, it’s time to add a little dimension to your face by subtly sculpting, adding a sunkissed touch, and popping some colour on those cheeks. For a natural look, try creamy formulas that will blend seamlessly and are buildable (remember: it’s easier to add more, very tricky to take away product without having to start again!).

Step 4: Choose Your Eye Makeup

When deciding on your eye look, Rebecca says first and foremost to choose something you’re comfortable with. A wedding is a long day, with lots of cameras around. If you want to add colour, she suggests incorporating a tone from your outfit into your makeup. “That will always look chic” she says, “For example, if you have a floral dress with a lot of green, try adding a subtle emerald shimmer on the eyelid.”

Step 5: Apply Your Lipstick

For a strong lip look that lasts, a lip liner (either under a lipstick or instead of) is staple, says Alex, who recommends Hourglass’ formula “which is transfer-resistant, so it won’t bleed or smudge, holding a bold colour in place.” If you’re not a lipstick fan, opt for a tinted balm or oil that’s going to add shine to the lips alongside a hint of colour.

Step 6: Set Your Makeup

You’ve done all the hard work so don’t let that go to waste by forgetting to set your makeup. “A fantastic setting powder will be your best friend here,” says Jessica. “By pressing it into your foundation, you’re meshing the products together and allowing the powder to set the makeup, plus it will absorb any oils throughout the day.” Using a velour puff and gently pressing it on, she adds, will avoid the risk of looking powdery than can come with using a brush. A setting spray is the final magic touch.

Final Word On Wedding Guest Makeup

In short, don’t veer too far away from what makes you feel good on the dancefloor. The last thing you want at a wedding is to be unhappy with your choice of lipstick or eyeshadow. And if you know it’s going to be a long day, and night, make sure you take these three makeup essentials with you – lipstick, concealer and powder. It will boost your confidence (and your makeup) from AM to PM.