Makeup Tips for Outdoor Summer Weddings

An outdoor wedding in the summer has always been a great idea – blue skies, sunshine, and the opportunity to enjoy your natural surroundings. But this summer, outdoor weddings are also the best option for keeping your guests COVID-safe. The latest regulations in England lift the limit on guest numbers for outdoor ceremonies and receptions, so we’re sure to see lots of couples making the most of garden and other open air venues for their big day. There’s just one problem: outdoor weddings can play havoc with a bride’s hair and makeup! Perspiration, humidity, and direct sun can all cause issues. But worry not – we’re coming to the rescue with five top tips to help you avoid a meltdown, along with some fab inspiration from the Make Me Bridal makeup pros.

Start with the right skincare. Clean your face well and rinse with very cold water. Then add a light, oil-free moisturiser. The combination should help to prevent your skin from releasing extra oil throughout the day, which can leave your face looking greasy. You should also layer on sun protection, using a matte formula SPF and topping it up with a powder sunscreen.

Prime and set. To keep your makeup in place throughout the day, the real key is to prime everything – your face, lips, lids, etc. Primers not only help to prep skin for makeup but help to smooth it out, giving you that perfect, flawless look. Choose oil-free primers to ensure a non-greasy look, even when the sun is high. Then, once your makeup has been applied, use a setting spray or setting powder to make sure it doesn’t budge.

Opt for waterproof. Not only are emotions running high on the wedding day, but perspiration can also cause your eye makeup to run, and nobody wants to be a panda bride! A waterproof mascara is a must, as is waterproof liner, lash glue, and brow products. Consider holding power for your other makeup products as well. For example, cheek and lip stains instead of powder blushes and cream lipsticks.

Keep it natural. Not only is ‘no makeup makeup’ on trend, the barely-there look is perfect for outdoor summer weddings where you want to look natural and glowy but not heavily made up. Your makeup artist will be able to work with your features to create a look that’s subtle but very flattering, and doesn’t require maintenance throughout the day.

Consider airbrush makeup. If you’re worried about your makeup lasting, airbrush makeup is a great option for bridal makeup. It’s light, long lasting, and less cakey (the downside to all that priming and setting, in some cases). Plus, it creates a beautiful finish that looks amazing in photographs. Several of our Make Me Bridal pros specialise in air brush makeup – browse our directory to find the one that’s right for you!