Wedding Makeup Trends To Avoid On Your Big Day

Beauty pundits are forecasting a major shift in wedding makeup trends. Out are dainty, demure looks that heavily rely on nude tones and 'in' are big lashes, glitter and a bit of shine.

If you are planning to tie the knot this year, don't say 'I do' to a look that you may regret for years to come.

Your wedding is the biggest day of your life. It is, therefore, vitally important that you feel comfortable in your own skin - so you can truly enjoy the occasion. After all, being the star of the show is pressure in itself (without the worry that massive false eyelashes will drop off as you walk down the aisle or heavy eye makeup will run right before a big photo call).

Flicking through the pages of women's magazines in a bid to find the perfect look? Stop!

The Problem With Wedding Trends

What looks good on the cover of a glossy magazine may not look quite so great on you.

Your makeup should complement your skin tone, dress and floral bouquet. A natural, pretty look where less is definitely more should always take priority over what some city slicker up in the Big Smoke is suggesting in the Press. Rustic autumn looks and pale spring themes are always winners.

Potential issues with current trends include:

Big false lashes - if you don't usually wear faux lashes, your wedding day is not the time to go for statement pieces. A professional makeup artist will be able to offer qualified guidance and suggest the right option for you. If falsies are not up your street, a good mascara will suffice. Reliable options include offerings from Clinique and Makeup Revolution's new 5D Lash Pow Mascara.

Glitter - it's a wedding, not a disco. The only way glitter will work is if applied sparingly to the eyelids to pep up an overall nude makeup look. It also works best on tanned skin.

Shine - who wants to look like a greaseball on their big day? Avoid 'glow' products like the plague. Instead, opt for a limited touch of highlighter. A dap on the tip of the nose and cheeks is all that is required. Avoid products with too much shimmer. You want to look naturally beautiful.

What To Try

Dewy skin is a real must this year. You can achieve this look with good skin prep and a moisturising primer. Several brands now offer products which include ceramides. They smooth the skin, boost hydration levels and blur imperfections. Finish your makeup look with two rounds of makeup setting spray applied ten minutes apart. Not only will this remove any hint of a powdery finish, it will ensure your look stays put all day.

Avoid overly vibrant eyeshadow colours - they will detract from everything else. Go for barely-there shades and give highlighter under the brows a miss. Instead, consider a light matte shade.

If you are doing your own makeup, start practising now. For cheek and lip colours, keep it subtle (bold lipsticks are so last year) but try to match pigments to a suitable shade in your bouquet. If you have booked a makeup artist, ensure you meet them in advance. They need to consider your skin tone and a myriad of other things to bring your overall look together. I recommend at least one practise run before the big day.

Getting a spray tan is a good idea if you are naturally pale skinned. But, again, be careful. Book a tan a few months before your wedding and check that it is not too dark, streaky or barely there. Once you have found the right tan, you can confidently book a session closer to the nuptials.

Don't attempt to shape your brows yourself. Get it done professionally a week before your wedding.

“Happiness and confidence are the prettiest things you can wear on your wedding day.” – Taylor Swift

Love Your Wedding Makeup

If you don't want to hate your wedding photographs for the rest of your life, don't put planning your makeup look on the back burner. Think about it at the same time you start looking for a dress - after all, it should be given equal importance. It is not something you can safely leave to the last minute.

In summary, getting your makeup right will pull your whole look together and guarantee your wedding day really is something to remember for all the right reasons.

Makeup reviews