Online Exclusive: Fresh Faces
Keep your makeup looking beautiful during your outdoor summer wedding
Amy Knueven
Tying the knot outdoors can mean a breezy, sunny backdrop for your big day. But the summer sun can also take its toll on your face, wilting your fresh bridal beauty with heat and humidity.
According to Nancy Dawson, owner of Brideface, there are many things that can go wrong with makeup during an outdoor wedding. “Perspiration, tears and humidity can melt makeup and cause it to smear and run,” explains Dawson.
Fortunately, there are things you can do to keep your makeup beautiful all day long, even on hot summer days. Chenese Bean, owner of Chenese Bean Makeup Artistry, suggests that brides should use a good base to prevent makeup meltdown. “Don’t skip the foundation primer,” she insists. “This helps makeup absorb into the skin and creates a barrier to help it last longer.”
Once you lay a good foundation, it’s important to choose the right type of makeup for an outdoor occasion. “Avoid wearing cream foundations and excessive use of powder,” advises Bean. “Cream foundations in the summer can make the skin seem heavy. Simplicity is the key,” she explains. Anne Taylor, owner of Beautiful Bride 2 B, cautions brides against foundation altogether: “Most brides have young, beautiful skin and don’t need heavy makeup anyway,” she says. “Try to get by with just concealer, and then only where you need it.” Dawson agrees and also suggests that brides should avoid makeup with too much shimmer: “A shade that looks gorgeous indoors can look like a disco ball outside—and it can photograph poorly,” she warns. “Be certain that you are applying your makeup in natural light.”
Most makeup artists suggest that makeup for your big day is not the area to penny pinch. “Professional lines are your best bet because they are designed to look great in photographs and are more highly pigmented than non-professional products,” explains Dawson. “You can use less and end up with fabulous coverage.” Taylor suggests going pro all the way: “Professional artists use professional products that might not be accessible to regular brides,” she explains. “They also know all the tricks to keep a bride looking cool.”
There are, however, a few things a bride can do on her own, says Taylor. “A very simple thing you can do,” she explains, “is just simply cover a professional-sized powder puff with tissues and use it to dab your face during the day. You remove a tissue with each use, so it’s hygienic—you can use it on the whole bridal party,” says Taylor.
Finally, the best way to keep cool—even in the hottest weather—is to stay calm. Even the most frantic bride should try to spend a quiet moment with her groom. So take a seat, have some cake and enjoy your day!