How to Find the Perfect Bridal Lipstick: 10 Tips From a Makeup Artist
Choosing your bridal lipstick can feel like a daunting task. You might want to stick with the shade you wear every day, or you might want to push the boundaries and try something completely different for your wedding. Either way, these are the tips I share with my brides when they’re deciding on their wedding day lipstick.
1. Remember to trust your makeup artist
If your makeup artist suggests a shade, give it a proper chance before dismissing it. Wear it a few times if you can. It’s easy to get stuck in a rut and keep buying the same lipstick out of habit, and sometimes the shade you’d never pick yourself is the one that looks best on you.
2. Everything looks different against white or ivory
How often have you worn a full-on ivory gown? I find the reflection of the ivory onto the face can make things look a little lighter , the same goes for looking at another bride or friend on social media and loving their lipstick choice- lighting, skin tone, hair colour etc all play a part on the true reflection of that shade so don’t be disheartened if it turns out not to be the nicest one on you.
3. Think about how your lipstick will photograph
A professional photographer’s flash is strong. It will wash out anything too light and make darker shades appear stronger in your finished photos. Your bridal lipstick needs to look right in the pictures as well as in the mirror.
4. It’s fine to be unsure at your trial
Lipstick is one of the most personal parts of your makeup (mascara is too!). If you’re undecided at your bridal makeup trial, try on a few shades at makeup counters while you’re out shopping. If you find one you love, buy it and I’ll apply it for you on the day.
5. Choose the right lipstick texture
If you’re prone to dry lips, avoid matte lipsticks. I love lip gloss, but I’m not always a fan of it on a bride. A wisp of hair can stick to glossy lips and streak across your face, or your veil can brush it off. A satin finish sits between matte and glossy, and it’s always a happy medium.
6. Use lip liner to create a custom shade
Lip liner can change the tone of your lipstick, which I love. Pairing a liner with your lipstick lets you create a custom shade that’s completely your own.
7. Keep your lipstick with you all day
No lipstick lasts all day. Long-wear formulas can, but I don’t recommend them because they tend to make lips look very dry as the day goes on. Keep your lipstick in your bag or with a bridesmaid and touch up regularly to keep your makeup looking fresh.
8. If you want to go for a statement red lip- do it!
If you don’t normally wear red, start wearing it more often in the run-up to your wedding. You’ll get used to how much maintenance a red lip needs.
9. Match your lipstick to your wedding styling
When a bride comes to me for a trial, I look at the tones in her bouquet and the colour of her bridesmaids’ dresses. I often suggest a lipstick from the same colour family so that everything ties together.
10. Remember, it’s only lipstick
Don’t sweat the small things. Your wedding day is about so much more than the shade on your lips.
Book your bridal makeup trial
Still deciding on your bridal lipstick? We’ll try shades together at your trial and find one that suits you, your dress and your photos. Have a look at my bridal makeup services or get in touch to check availability for your date. I’m based in Co. Kerry and travel throughout Ireland.
