Does Wedding Makeup Last All Day?
How is wedding makeup any different to every day makeup? And does it really last all day? Lets unpack fact from fairy-tale when it comes to makeup longevity.
Typically, wedding makeup can usually be expected to last between 8-10 hours, but it’s not without conditions. For makeup to stand the test of time, tears, heat, humidity, precipitation, kissing, eating, drinking and guest hugs and kisses, a few things need to be considered when designing, apply and maintaining wedding makeup. As a wedding Makeup Artist of over 14 years I will only be too happy to walk you through it!
Preparing your skin for makeup
You may have heard the saying in industry - that is, makeup will only ever be as good as the skin it’s on. While makeup can perform some miracles, care needs to be taken with your skin as there are always going to be limitations to makeup. Makeup is a fantastic neutraliser in the right knowledgeable hands, so things like hyperpigmentation, broken capillaries and rosacea are certainly able to be neutralised, but if you have dry skin, (dead skin cell accumulation that feels like roughness), enlarged pores, fine lines and wrinkles, acne, ‘ice pick’ acne scarring, scabs and so on - it is a great idea to map out your skin goals, and get your skin on track by consulting with a beauty therapist, dermal therapist or dermatologist. Who you will see will depend on the severity of your problems, but it’s a good idea to start with a beauty therapist who can prescribe cosmeceutical products, provide a treatment plan and advise if you should see another therapist specialty or physician.
Designing for your skin type
When your skin preparation products and makeup are designed for your skin type and skin conditions you can expect to have superior results in makeup longevity. Professional Makeup Artists are very familiar with cosmetic product ingredients and how they interact with each other, as well as the skin they are layered on to. By curating your ideal products to your skin type you are less likely to run into problems.
In makeup there are generally four basic foundation bases - water, oil, grease, cream and silicone. Most foundation bases are considered at the very least water resistant, except water bases which will separate when they comes into contact with more water; this makes it unsuitable for bridal, (think of all the tears!)
SO what about your skin? There’s too much to cover in this little blog, but in simple terms, dry skins will still need a hydrating base so it’s largely skin prep that will aid in this, as well as avoiding too much setting powder as this will only accentuate the dry texture. Oily skins do well with any of the water resistant bases, but in the world of bridal it’s typically a silicone based product that will produce the most comfortable wearing results as it feels light on the skin, unlike oil and grease bases which are usually reserved for theatre/stage. For skins prone to excess perspiration including conditions such as hyperhydrosis and menopause, they tend to excel with an oil base stick foundation type.
Photography and Weather Considerations
Like designing for your skin type, your wedding Makeup Artist will need to consider how weather, including climate and season could impact your makeup lasting the distance. They will also need to consider whether flash photography may be used, and as most of us don’t live dangerously we would avoid mineral/physical SPFs and overloaded silica applications to avoid that dreadful white casting flashback in your precious wedding photos.
Maintenance Products
It can be expected that some amount of wear may occur so maintenance products are essential. Maintenance products I usually recommend to my brides are a touch-up lipstick, because after eating, drinking, and several rounds of kissing your new husband you’re bound to need a top up. Another great touch-up medium is HD silica powder. This is used to combat shine or perspiration on the skin, usually in that pesky t-zone or upper lip area without hindering your foudnation but lifting, bulking it out or manipulating other than mattifying it. Just go easy on it because if you apply too much, you can run the risk of flashback in photos.
Aftercare Considerations
Avoid touching your face. Aside from potentially introducing bacteria to your face, your hands have oils which will hinder your foundation.
Avoid friction to your face, for example, blowing and wiping your nose, wiping your face, scratching or picking your face. Even if you’re wearing waterproof or water resistant foundation, friction is the enemy to makeup longevity!
Avoid eating greasy food. Greasy oily food will cause separation (breakdown) of makeup including liquid lipsticks. If you have something deliciously greasy or oily, ensure you have something on hand to clean and touch-up otherwise try cutting your food into small, manageable bite size pieces.
If areas of the face produce oil whilst wearing the makeup you can gently apply a HD powder or blot the skin using oil blotting tissues/papers.
Reapply lipstick as needed. A lip brush is recommended to maintain accuracy.
An oil based eye makeup remover is recommended for easy removal of false strip eyelashes, mascara and eyeliner.
Troubleshooting
If you have a history of makeup not wearing how you desire, want to troubleshoot or test longevity then I would certainly suggest having a trial session with your preferred wedding makeup artist. Make sure to provide feedback to your artist - the good, the ugly and the indifferent, as any feedback is appreciated to help you reach your wedding artistry goals.
Rachel Pivetta is a Multi-Award Winning Sunshine Coast Makeup Artist, Hair Stylist, Beauty Therapist and Educator passionate about guiding Brides with expert advice, and helping upcoming Makeup Artists navigate the world of bridal artistry.