By Cristina Montemayor - Contributor for Brides.com
MEET THE EXPERT
Araceli "Cely" Ledesma is a professional hair and makeup artist in Los Angeles and the founder of her makeup brand, Araceli Beauty. She has more than 10 years of experience in bridal hair and makeup,
One of the perks of getting married in the summer is all the fun, bright colors you can incorporate into your wedding décor and floral arrangements. But why stop there? When thinking about your beauty look for your summer wedding, get into the spirit of the season with bright reds, soft pinks, and muted mauves. Play up the eyes with shimmers and glitters, and layer on the bronzer for that sun-kissed summer glow.
Summer bridal beauty makeup doesn’t have to be boring, but you do have to plan accordingly to prevent your makeup look from melting away in the sun. We talked to professional hairstylist and makeup artist Araceli Ledesma to find out the best tips and tricks for making your summer wedding makeup last.
If you're getting married this summer, don't sweat it. We've rounded up all the advice you'll need to glow all night long, according to a pro. Read on for 15 expert-recommended tips and tricks to nail that summer bridal beauty look.
1. Schedule a Hair and Makeup Trial
Once you've secured your hair and makeup artist for your wedding, you'll want to set up a trial to make sure you're on the same page regarding your bridal beauty look. Not only will this ensure you're getting the look you want, but it's also a chance to see how it lasts. Test drive your trial hair and makeup for at least a few hours after you get it done.
"Have your makeup professionally done before the wedding to see what you do or do not like," says Ledesma. "Doing so will also allow you to see your makeup artist's work and test how your makeup will wear throughout your big day."
2. Match Your Tan
"If you plan on tanning for your wedding day, make sure you have the same tan for the trial," says Ledesma. "This allows your makeup artist to match your skin shade perfectly to avoid fumbling the day of or possibly using the wrong match."
3. Use a Mattifying Primer
To combat shine, you'll want to make sure to use a mattifying primer after your face moisturizer and before your foundation. A mattifying primer serves as a barrier between your skin and the foundation and prevents sweat and oils from breaking through that barrier. It can also help hold makeup in place, making it last longer.
4. Keep It Classic
"Wedding day makeup should be timeless," says Ledesma. "Don't wear makeup that would look 'trendy' 10 years from now."
Stick to the classics: a soft smokey eye, a light and fresh natural look, or even a traditional red lip. You won't regret it when you look back on your wedding day photos on your 20th wedding anniversary.
5. Don't Overdo It
"If you regularly wear a lot of makeup, feel free to wear the same amount on your wedding day," says Ledesma. "But if you typically wear minimal makeup, don't feel the pressure to overdo it. Stay true to yourself."
On your wedding day, you want to look like the best version of yourself, and above all, you want to feel comfortable in your own skin. Talk with your makeup artist about the level of makeup you're comfortable wearing on your wedding day.
6. Lashes Are a Must-Have
"Even if you don't wear makeup every day, adding faux lashes to your wedding day makeup look will make a huge difference—especially in pictures," says Ledesma. "Choose a pair of lashes that adds natural length and volume, like Araceli Beauty's Acapulco Lashes."
BRIDES TIP: If strip lashes intimidate you, another option to consider is individual false lashes. They look so much more natural than a full strip of false lashes. Plus, they're easier to apply.
7. Avoid Foundations with Sunscreen
Make sure your foundation doesn't contain sunscreen. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are two chemicals present in some sunscreens that can cause a flashback effect in photos.
8. Bring the Foundation Down your Neck
Your face and neck are often two very different colors, especially in the summertime when you're more diligent about sunscreen on your face than your body. Bring the foundation all the way down the neck to ensure an even tone throughout.
9. Enhance Your Glow With Bronzer
Everyone looks better with a little bronzer, especially in the summer. For a natural look, apply bronzer on the high points of your face where the sun would hit: your cheekbones, chin, nose, and across your forehead.
10. Use Waterproof Products
"Use waterproof, long-lasting products to make sure your gorgeous makeup stays in place," says Ledesma. "I recommend Araceli Beauty's Ojos Perfectos Liquid and Gel Eyeliners. Our eyeliners are smudge-proof, water-resistant, fade-proof, and long-lasting. Don't stress if you need to shed a tear."
11. Hydrate
One of the most important and overlooked beauty tips? Drinking plenty of water. Your skin is 70 to 75 percent water, and if you're not hydrated properly, your skin isn't either.
"Keeping your skin hydrated helps ensure you have a healthy glow," says Ledesma. "Be sure to moisturize your skin and drink a lot of water in the weeks leading up to your wedding day."
12. Use Setting Spray
"Setting spray is vital on the big day!" says Ledesma. "Make sure your makeup is set with a great setting spray, so it stays put throughout your wedding day celebrations."
The final step in making your makeup last all day and night is to spritz on a makeup setting spray, like Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray. This locks in your look while also taking away any of that powdery or cakey effect.
13. Prepare to Touch Up
"With summer weddings, be prepared for the heat and know that you will need to retouch your makeup," says Ledesma.
Makeup isn't meant to last forever, and even the best makeup artists can only stave off the inevitable for so long. As you talk, kiss, or eat, your lipstick will disappear. Choose a long-wear lipstick, or have your lipstick close by so you can reapply as needed. Your makeup will start to move around and slowly fade over time, so you either have to accept it or come prepared to touch it up after the ceremony and throughout the reception.
14. Keep a Touch-Up Kit Handy
"Have a family member or bridesmaid carry the following products in case you need to retouch: setting powder, lipstick, tissues, bobby pins, and safety pins. You just never know if you'll need them!"
BRIDES TIP: At the bare minimum, you'll want to carry your lipstick with you on the big day to reapply whenever you have a second to yourself. You can blot away any excess oils with bathroom tissue in a pinch.
15. Blot Before Applying Powder
You never want to apply powder on top of oil, which can result in your makeup looking cakey. Remove the oil on the surface of the skin first before taking down the shine. Use blotting papers to pat away the oil before going in with a translucent setting powder.
