How to keep bridal make up fresh is generally a question my brides ask. After all, the day can be an emotional  roller coaster; and honestly that’s fine. Whether it’s the moment your dad realizes that he will no longer be the only man in your life, to when your groom sees you for the first time at the reveal. You should not have to hold back the way you feel and react. After-all, these are the genuine moments and memories that will stick with you forever.

With that said, many of my brides do worry about ruining their make up when they feel their tear ducts fill up. To that I say, first and foremost, make sure you hire a professional make up artist like Velsie Mak.

She is amazing at what she does. She knows the right tools and techniques in order to maintain longevity of a Bride’s make-up so it’s the last thing she worries about on her big day. Velsie works in thin layers to achieve long lasting make-up wear. This ensures that the product doesn’t get “cakey” throughout the day and maintains its natural glow.

Now, because I am nowhere close to being qualified to provide make up advice, Velsie provided  some simple steps for you to follow (along with some suggestions) to long lasting and fuss-free bridal make up for the big day:

1. Skincare Prep

   Skincare is crucial in preparing the Bride’s skin for her wedding day. This includes a daily skin regime, based on skin type (dry, oily, etc.) that will keep the skin moisturized and “glowy”. A good moisturizer, serum, eye cream, facial mask, drinking lots of water, and good sleep will go a long way! For brides with dry/sensitive skin, I recommend Avene hydrance optimale rich hydrating cream. Those with dry/normal skin Fresh Lotus Preserve. Normal skin, I suggest Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Moisturizer, and for those with Oily skin, Kate Sommerville’s Oil-Free Moisturizer.

2. Prime

   Skin Primers are used underneath foundation to ensure that the foundation will apply smoothly and evenly on the skin. This will also contribute to longevity of foundation. There are several different primers for different skin type needs. Brides with dry to normal skin, try Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer and Brides who have normal/oily to acne-prone skin try Benefit Professional

3. Waterproof products

   “Waterproof” is exactly what all Brides like to hear whether their concerns are tears, humidity or rain. Using the following will ensure that the make up doesn’t budge throughout the day.

   – Waterproof foundation (or air brush foundation)
   – Waterproof mascara
   – Waterproof eyeliner

   I also use long-wearing lip products and will always provide the Bride with a small container with extra product so she can freshen up throughout the day. Here are a few products I recommend: Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation and Stilla Stay All Day Waterproof Liner.

4. Setting

   Using a fine setting powder also ensures longevity in a Bride’s make up. A setting powder is loosely dusted or pressed onto the face to lock in foundation and concealer. This product is used more or less depending on the Bride’s skin type. The Laura Mercier Mineral Finishing Powder works wonders here.

5. Finishing spray (urban decay)

   Finally, to further lock everything in place and to restore a “glowing bride” look, I mist a finishing spray over the Bride’s face. There are different finishing sprays for different skin types so be sure you get the one that suits your skin type. Here are a few examples of different finishing sprays for various skin types. The Urban Decay All Nighter is great for Brides with normal to oily skin, while the Mac Prep + Prime is ideal for Brides with dry to normal skin.

Velsie Mak is a self-taught, freelance make-up artist, specializing in weddings and special events based in Toronto. Make-up artistry is her passion and she considers herself incredibly humbled and blessed to do what she loves. Be sure to check her out at https://velsiemak.com/