How to get your make-up to stay put during a summer wedding

Your skin is probably the first organ to exhibit the impact harsh sun rays have on the body. From stickiness and breakouts to runny makeup, the heat during summer causes a lot of problems. While sunscreen is the answer to most of these problems, we will address the issue of makeup that does not stay. The key to long-lasting makeup in hot weather is proper skin prep, strategic product choices, and minimal touch-ups. Here are some expert tips and tricks, along with a selection of high-end products from renowned brands, to help you achieve that radiant summer wedding look that lasts from "I do" to the last dance.

Prep your skin: Start with icing your face with ice globes which will help makeup products seep in better and last longer. Use a lightweight, hydrating moisturiser that suits your skin type and massage it into the skin by using face tools like a roller or gua sha for penetration of the product into the skin. This helps create a smooth base for makeup application. You could try the Clinique Moisture Surge or the Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream and face tools by Fit Face.

Prime for perfection: Start with a high-quality primer to create a smooth canvas for your makeup. Apply a mattifying or pore-minimising primer to control shine and prolong the wear of your foundation. Look for primers that not only blur imperfections but also offer long-lasting hydration. Focus on the T-zone and areas prone to oiliness. Your go-to primers here can be the Benefit Porefessional or the YSL Touche Éclat Blur Primer. Additionally, luxury brands such as Tom Ford and Guerlain offer primers infused with skincare benefits to keep the skin looking fresh and radiant all day long.

Long-wear foundation: Choose a long-wear, oil-free foundation that provides good coverage without feeling heavy. Water-based or silicone-based foundations work well for summer weddings. A lightweight foundation or tinted moisturiser that provides buildable coverage is great too. Set your base with a finely milled setting powder to lock in the coverage without adding extra weight.

The Giorgio Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Foundation just melts into your skin for a natural-looking, second skin effect. Another go-to foundation is the Nars Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation which is buildable and feels very natural on application. 

Set with powder: Use a translucent setting powder to lock in your foundation and concealer. Concentrate on areas that tend to get oily; for instance, the forehead, nose, and chin. Use either the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish or the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder for great results.

Waterproof everything: Opt for waterproof or water-resistant makeup products, especially mascara, eyeliner, and eyebrow products to prevent smudging or melting during outdoor ceremonies. This ensures your makeup stays intact even if you sweat or shed a tear. Recommended products here are the Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara, Pat McGrath Labs Perma Precision Liquid Eyeliner and Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Gel that withstand tears of joy and sweat without compromising on glamour.

Avoid cream products: In hot weather, cream-based products can melt or feel heavy on the skin. Choose powder blushes, bronzers, and eye shadows for a lightweight and long-lasting finish such as the Valentino Eye2Cheek Blush and the Benefit Hoola. Charlotte Tilbury and Nars also offer creamy formulations that blend seamlessly into the skin and provide a radiant, dewy finish that looks fresh all day long.

Set with setting spray: After completing your makeup, use a setting spray to lock everything in place and ensure the longevity of your makeup. Luxury brands like Hourglass and Urban Decay offer setting sprays infused with hydrating ingredients and light-reflecting particles to ensure your makeup stays flawless and photo-ready from sunrise to sunset.

Choose a mattifying setting spray if you have oily skin. For this particular step, use the Mac Fix Plus or the Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Finish Setting Spray. 

Touch-up essentials: Pack a bridal emergency kit with essentials like blotting papers (to absorb excess oil), a travel-sized setting powder, and lipstick for quick touch-ups throughout the day. Choose a long-wearing lipstick formula from brands like Yves Saint Laurent or Tom Ford to keep your pout looking perfect from the ceremony to the reception.

Minimal touch-ups: Apply makeup in thin layers to prevent buildup. Pack a small touch-up kit with essentials like pressed powder, lipstick, and a mini makeup brush for quick touch-ups if needed.

Stay cool: If possible, stay in shaded areas or indoors during the hottest hours of the day. Consider using a portable fan or facial mist to stay refreshed without disturbing your makeup.

Get the sun-kissed glow: Enhance your bridal glow with a touch of highlighter for a radiant, sun-kissed effect. Luxury brands such as Huda Beauty and Pat McGrath Labs offer finely milled highlighters that impart a luminous sheen without emphasising texture, perfect for capturing the light in wedding photos.

In conclusion, achieving a flawless bridal makeup look that withstands the summer heat requires careful preparation and the use of high-quality, long-lasting products. By following these expert tips and incorporating luxury makeup essentials into your bridal beauty routine, you can ensure that you look and feel stunning on your special day, no matter how high the temperatures rise.

Inputs by Pooja Lalwani, founder of The Lipstick Diary and Fit Face, and Kajol R Paswwan 

Image credits: Pexels

Also read: 5 beauty tips to keep in mind if you’re having a summer wedding

Also read: Bridal skincare essentials for an outdoor summer wedding

Also read: 5 summer hairstyles for all the bridesmaids-to-be