Bridesmaid makeup: the best products, inspiration and tips
When it comes to bridal make-up, we're often (and arguably rightly) focussed on the bride. What's the best long-lasting foundation that won't flash back on photos, which mascara won't run at the wedding speeches and should you go for a nude or red lip? But when it comes to bridesmaid make-up, we often forget about it… until the last minute.
But whether you're getting your make-up professionally done on the day or DIY-ing it, I'd like to argue that bridesmaid make-up is just as important as the brides. After all, your bridesmaid's make-up should be just as picture-perfect and long-lasting as the the bride's, right?
As a beauty editor who's recently been a bridesmaid five times, I'd like to think I'm pretty well versed on doing my make-up for weddings. Here's my best bridesmaid make-up product recommendations (and some top tips) for keeping your make-up looking flawless throughout the day…
Bridesmaid make-up: your foolproof kit
1/ It all begins with the prep
I'm not usually one for a primer but when it comes to bridesmaid make-up – a long-lasting base is key. After all, when you're part of the wedding party, you're in for a LONG day and you need your foundation to stand the test of time.
If you're heading to a winter wedding, Vieve's Skin Nova is brilliant. It imparts a subtle glossy sheen to the skin that gives you that lit-from-within radiance without looking greasy. It also helps cling onto your make-up from the aisle to the afterparty.
If you're heading abroad for a wedding (or have one in the height of summer) then Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF 30 is my favourite. It's packed with hydrating hyaluronic acid and gives your skin a gorgeous glow – without looking sweaty. Plus the SPF 30 doesn't leave you with a white cast in photos. Essential.
2/ Long-lasting face bases
When it comes to foundation, I'd suggest you opt for one that you know and love – and can be confident it'll last throughout the day (and night!) For me, that's IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream. If you want full-coverage and struggle to find something that lasts, try something like Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Foundation. It's a classic and really does stay put from dusk-til-dawn. Plus, it's available in 60 shades, so you're guaranteed to find a match.
3/ Cream products
Bridesmaid make-up is all about that natural-looking glow, which is why I always opt for cream products – think: cream bronzer, blusher and highlighter – before setting them in place with a translucent powder. This way, you can get a really glowy and natural complexion, but the powder will be sure to lock everything in place.
The best cream bronzer around, this buttery balm melts into the skin giving a hydrated and natural-looking glow. Available in two shades, Bronze Intense is my favourite for contouring while Bronze imparts a radiant warmth that's not at all 'obvious.'
I often say that I believe cream blusher to be the most underrated product – and it's never more true than with wedding make-up. A brilliant cream blush can instantly make you look fresh-faced and polished, without looking overly 'done.' I love this one from Beauty Pie for a really natural-looking glow.
For highlighter, you want something glowy and radiant without being too shimmery or glittery. I love ICONIC London's Rollaway Glow. It gives skin a sheen of radiance without adding powdery pigments that'll detract from the rest of your look.
4/ Must-have mascara
A waterproof mascara is an absolute must for wedding make-up. Even if you're not a crier, waterproof formulas often have longer-lasting properties that ensure they won't smudge, flake or run throughout the day.
For full and fluffy lashes, the waterproof version of Too Faced's Better Than Sex mascara is brilliant. It even negates the need for false lashes – meaning less faff throughout the day.
5/ Setting powder
I'm not someone who uses setting powder regularly but for weddings – it's a must-have. This one from Jones Road is the only one I really like as it's super fine on the skin and doesn't dull your glow. Use a fluffy brush to dust over any areas you're concerned might get oily – like through the T-zone, your chin and under the eyes.
6/ Keep your eye make-up easy
If you're doing your own bridesmaid make-up, I'd always say keep things simple. Now's not the time to experiment with a smoky eye or stand-out look, (unless you're a pro and have the go-ahead from the bride, of course!) For serious simplicity, I love to use a creamy eye pencil and buff it in for a really simple and slightly smoky eye. Victoria Beckham's Satin Kajal Liners are brilliant for this.
7/ The tonal lipstick trick
Finding the best lipstick – whether that's a nude or a red – can be really personal. With the brides shade of choice being beautiful on her, but totally washing you out. Charlotte Tilbury's new Hollywood Beauty Icon Lipsticks are perfect for weddings – as they offer tonal lipstick shades (in both pink and red) that suit everybody and still look in-keeping with each other. Meaning the bride could be wearing one shade of nude (90s Pink is a gorgeous dusk pink) and the bridesmaids could wear complimentary tones that suit them, (Icon Baby is my personal favourite).
8/ SPF on-the-go
For summer weddings, this Ultra Violette Preen Screen SPF50 Reapplication Mist is my ultimate handbag essential. Not only does it provide you with on-the-go SPF (also ideal for exposed shoulders or your partners pink nose), it gives you a cooling and hydrating spritz when you most need it – brilliant.
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