With record temperatures hitting the UK this month, many brides will be wondering how to heat-proof their wedding makeup for a hot summer’s day. While the mercury rising isn’t something you can control, the good news is that there are measures you can take to protect your makeup from running and your face from becoming shiny and sticky. The main culprits are usually humidity and perspiration, but with a bit of preparation, good product choices, and a professional makeup artist on your side, even these tricky issues can be resolved! Here are some top tips for looking cool even in the hottest weather.
Prep your skin properly. Ensuring your makeup lasts all day actually starts before any makeup is applied. It’s vital to ensure that your skin is super hydrated. Once you’ve cleansed your face in the morning, apply an oil-free moisturiser as well as good, mattifying SPF. Top this with a high quality primer, such as Smashbox’s Photo Finish Oil & Shine Control Matte Primer.
Less is more. Generally, you’ll need to wear more makeup on your wedding day than usual because it looks better in pictures. Even so, it’s important to apply only what you need and blend everything properly. Another option is to go for airbrush makeup, which is long-lasting without being cakey and feels light on the face.
Choose waterproof products for your eyes. Not only do summer brides have to contend with happy tears, there’s also humidity and heat. That’s why it’s so important to use products on your eyes that will stand up to both. Think waterproof mascara and a gel-based or pencil liner. You’ll also need a good eye shadow primer, especially if you struggle to keep your eye makeup in place generally.
Finish with a good setting powder or spray. To ensure your makeup lasts all day, set the base with a quality setting powder like Laura Mercier’s Translucent Loose Setting Powder. You can also use a setting spray to lock everything into place. Urban Decay All Nighter and Smashbox Photo Finish primer are two of the products pros often recommend.
Prepare for the heat. If you’re getting married outside and the temperature’s soaring, there are a few things you can do to stay cool (and help preserve your makeup along the way). First, be sure to stay inside as long as possible before the ceremony. During photos, if you feel yourself getting a bit too hot, go inside for a bit or improvise by sitting in a car with the aircon on for about 10 minutes. Carry a handheld fan for a bit of a breeze and, of course, be sure to stay hydrated and drink lots of water. If you’re getting married somewhere where temperatures are usually higher, it’s also a good idea to avoid planning your ceremony between around 11am and 2pm.
Hire a pro. It’s always a good idea to have a professional makeup artist, but even more so when you’re battling extreme weather. To create the best makeup to stand up to hot and humid conditions, other factors like skin type will also come into play and that’s where knowledge and experience can really make a big difference. Plus, of course, there are lots of techniques and products that only a pro will know about but that can make all the difference! Take a look at our directory to find a professional makeup artist near you.
