Today we share industry experts Pamela Skantzos and Andrea Flynn’s top tips for achieving the perfect bridal makeup look when getting married abroad. Pamela and Andrea are makeup artists who teamed up and perfected their approach and techniques while working as make-up artists and trainers for a luxury make-up artistry brand. These ladies share the same vision and passion for making women look good and feel beautiful, and we’re happy to turn you over to them as they share their expert knowledge and advice with us. (Confession: I bought one of their recommended products before we even published this!)
To get the complexion of your dreams on your big day, it’s important that you start preparing sooner rather than later. These are some of our top tips for perfecting skin and make-up when saying “I do” abroad:
EXFOLIATION
We would suggest making a start by getting a really good exfoliator. Exfoliation is so critical in keeping your skin bright and clear for your wedding day as well as helping with the longevity of make-up products, especially in warmer climates.
Our favorites: Sarah Chapman- Overnight Exfoliating Booster and One Love Organics- Brand New Day
SUN PROTECTION
Start wearing an SPF everyday if you don’t already to prevent any extra sun damage in the run up to your wedding. There are many foundations and primers available which already contain SPF.
Our favourites: Chantecaille Real Skin Foundation SPF 30 and NARS Multi Protective Primer SPF 30
HYDRATION & TEST RUNS
Make sure you are drinking lots of water and getting plenty of sleep on the run up to your big day, skin needs to be kept hydrated especially if you are getting married in a warm climate. We would also advise not to drink alcohol the night before, this will dehydrate your skin and can highlight fine lines and pores. Any new beauty treatments such as facials should be tried at least one month before rather than a day before the wedding- if for any reason you have a bad reaction your skin needs time to calm down.
MOISTURISER
Unless your skin is very very dry, opt for a light oil-free moisturiser. Don’t over do it- using too much moisturiser can make your make-up slide, especially be aware of this if you are having a wedding in a very sunny climate!
Our favorite: REN T-zone Balancing Gel Cream
PRIMER
Do not forget your primer! The right primer will not only help your make-up look perfect for longer, it will also help smooth over fine lines, wrinkles and open pores.
Our favorite: Benefit Pore-fessional Primer
FOUNDATION & CONCEALER
Your foundation is the most important part of your wedding make-up. It’s not just about getting the right color but also about getting the right formulation for your skin type. Try different counters for samples and test before you purchase. You should apply your concealer after foundation, not before. If you even out your skin tone first with foundation, you will then need less concealer. This will keep you looking younger and natural.
Our favorite: Amazing Cosmetics Amazing Concealer
FIXING SPRAY
Don’t use too much powder! You need to use powder to set your make-up, however too much will leave your skin looking drier, older and cakey. Another option is a make-up fixing spray. A fixing spray is a must for weddings in a hotter climates keeping your make-up in place all day.
Our favorite: Urban Decay All Nighter Destination Wedding Makeup Advice Craig Stephen via Fly Away Bride
BLUSHER
Opt for creme blush instead of powder. Using a cream blush gives your skin more of a glow. it creates the most flattering look on the cheeks compared to powder blushers which can sometimes look flat.
Our favorite: Kevin Aucoin Creamy Glow Duo
WATERPROOF EYES
Waterproof make up is a must: you want something that will stay put even after shedding those wedding day tears! It doesn’t stop with just mascara- you can also use waterproof eyeliners, eye shadows and eye primers. Water proof products are also great for sunny weddings.
Our favorites: YSL False Lash Mascara, Topshop Kohl Eyeliner and BECCA Cosmetics Eye Tint
Thanks so much to Pamela and Andrea for their invaluable tips and recommendations! For more destination wedding makeup advice, check out our Q & A with beauty expert Clare Hogan.