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If you plan to do your own makeup for your upcoming at-home or small wedding, you’re in luck. We talked to top makeup artists across the country to get their best bridal makeup application tips and product recommendations. From start to finish, you’ll be able to follow their expert advice to create a DIY wedding-day look that’s practically professional.
Seattle, WA-based Megan Bingham, owner and stylist at OffWhite Makeup & Beauty tells MyWedding, “A good makeup application starts with hydrated skin. Make sure to wash, tone and use a moisturizer with sunscreen before getting started.” The next step? Bingham and other makeup artists we talked to emphasize the importance of doing your eye makeup before foundation.
Bingham says, “Most professional makeup artists will do eyes first and then, when they are complete with shadow and liner, wipe away any product from under the eye that fell during the process before applying foundation and concealer.”
Read on for more tips and the products makeup artists use to pull each one off. From primer to foundation and from lipstick to a surprise mascara recommendation that will help you get the look of false eyelashes, it’s all here. This expert guidance will help you achieve your dream DIY wedding makeup to say “I do.” And remember, you can still get your makeup professionally done for a larger celebration in the future!
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Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
1 of 10 Image Credits: Nordstrom
Best Primer
Bobbi Brown Primer Plus Mattifier
Makeup artist and brand creator Laura Geller tells MyWedding, “Many makeup artists forgo the step of applying primer, but it is truly necessary to help make makeup last long. Without primer, your makeup will break down and wear off.” One to try is Bobbi Brown Primer Plus Mattifier, which refreshes and refines skin, reducing oil and blurring pores for a picture-perfect wedding day look.
Specifications:
1.35 ounces
Vegan
Paraben and sulfate-free
2 of 10 Image Credits: Nordstrom
Best Foundation Brush
MAC 130S Synthetic Short Duo Fibre Brush
Bingham advises brides to “Use a foundation brush to apply your foundation evenly for a smooth, professional finish.” She recommends this one by MAC.
Specifications:
100 percent synthetic
6.6 x 0.2 x 0.5 inches
Cruelty free
3 of 10 Image Credits: Nordstrom
Best Foundation
Jane Iredale PurePressed Base
Lindsay Shields from No Filter Glam tells MyWedding, “For pictures, you want to go a little heavier on foundation than you normally would.” Why? “A camera takes off some of the makeup in the photos, so adding a little extra helps.” For blemishes, Shields' suggestion is to “Put your foundation all over and then go back and spot treat the areas that are still showing through.” Her go-to product is by Jane Iredale, which provides SPF 20 protection and comes in over two dozen shades. Get the benefits of foundation, concealer and powder in one formula with this customer-loved base.
Specifications:
Compact sold separately
Mineral oil and paraben-free
Cruelty-free
4 of 10 Image Credits: Walmart
Best Waterproof Mascara
Maybelline The Falsies Waterproof Blackest Mascara
Sharon Becker of SB Beauty tells MyWedding, “It’s super important to curl your lashes and use waterproof mascara.” She recommends Maybelline’s The Falsies Blackest Mascara, and with 4.3 stars and nearly 1,300 reviews on Walmart, it seems she isn’t the only one. This price-friendly formula lengthens and thickens lashes with no clumps, giving you a falsies look with your real lashes.
Specifications:
3.2 ounces
5 of 10 Image Credits: Nordstrom
Best Eye Makeup Palette
Urban Decay Naked2 Basics Palette
Shields says, when it comes to eye makeup, “Stick to the basics. Neutral colors work great on almost everyone.” Her product recommendation is this highly rated palette by Urban Decay, which features six velvety, neutral shades from a satiny pale nude to a matte deep smoky brown.
Specifications:
0.05 ounces each
Paraben and cruelty-free
6 of 10 Image Credits: Amazon
Best Lipstick
Anastasia Beverly Hills Matte Lipstick in Dead Roses
Shields loves this full-pigment shade with a matte finish from Anastasia Beverly Hills. The precise shape of the product is defines lips so well, you won’t even need a lipliner.
Specifications:
0.8 ounces
7 of 10 Image Credits: Walmart
Best Blush
Burt’s Bees Natural Blush in Shy Pink
Becker suggests that brides “Use a soft blush and blend up to the hairline.” She says Burt’s Bees blush in Shy Pink flatters most faces. With natural ingredients and a lightweight feel, you’ll glow on your wedding day.
Specifications:
0.9 ounces
No animal testing
8 of 10 Image Credits: Nordstrom
Best Eyeliner
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil
Becker offers this advice about applying eyeliner: “Get the liner as close to your eyelashes as possible. You don't want a gap of flesh between your liner and your lashes. You can soften that line with a thin smudge of dark shadow.” Try Urban Decay's long-lasting, easy gliding pencil. Available in two dozen shades, this creamy, top-rated liner moisturizes and stays put, from getting ready to the last dance.
Specifications:
0.04 ounces
Paraben-free
9 of 10 Image Credits: Walmart
Best Brow Product
COVERGIRL Easy Breezy Brow Micro-Fine + Define Pencil
When it comes to brows, Becker says, “Just fill in what you have and brush those brows into place. You can work a bold brow later, when you throw a big reception.” Her product pick is a self-sharpening drugstore find that comes in four shades, from soft blonde to rich brown, and is safe for sensitive eyes.
Specifications:
Microfine tip
10 of 10 Image Credits: Nordstrom
Best Makeup Setting Spray
Urban Decay All-Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray
Bingham encourages the use of a makeup setting spray in your bridal DIY wedding makeup “to keep things looking fresh all day.” One of her personal favorites is this one by Urban Decay, which sets makeup for up to 16 hours and won’t settle into fine lines.
Specifications:
1, 4 and 8.11 oz sizes available
Oil and paraben-free
Cruelty-free
