Secrets of long-lasting wedding make up (and hair!) in the French summer sun
Written by Carey Hawkins Make Up
Photo Credit: David Page Photography
May, 2023
We are delighted to feature this amazing blog written by Carey Hawkins about the secrets of long-lasting wedding make up and hair for your French wedding. Whether you are thinking of getting some tips to do your own wedding makeup or you wish to get some reasurrance from an industry professional that your make up won't just drip off then this blog has all the details you are after! We have all had the experience of getting ready in our hotel room, feeling beautiful and then you walk outside into the sun and within an hour you need to reapply, or it's sliding off your face. Don't let this be you on your wedding day! You want to look your best all day and have the confidence that you don't need to keep checking in the mirror every hour. Carey has written an amazing blog with her tips and tricks so start reading and hopefully by the end you will have confidence in yourself and/or your MUA on the day.
For a make up artist, wedding make up can be challenging. There are so many elements to think about before you start to paint a face. Weather, location and lighting all play a major part in how the make up will look (and last) for you and in your photos.
An experienced artist will ask you questions at your trial about all these possibilities so that they can prepare the make up and hairstyle well.
If you are doing your own or just need some reassurance how to take care of your make up after your MUA leaves here is some great advice.
Base – forget great primers etc. for a moment. If the skin underneath the make up is in bad condition through bad skincare, sun exposure or dehydration your look will not last. Invest some time in the run up to the wedding on some decent skincare (maybe some facials) and when you arrive at your destination wedding stay out of the sun and stay hydrated.
Now a great primer! These have advanced into forms of skincare now so pack a double punch. You need one that works for your skin type e.g. oily/dry. A primer will ensure your make up stays put throughout the heat and tears of the day. Try Laura Mercier Perfect Canvas for all skin types.
Layering – now I really would like to stress that this does not mean thick overdone make up but working fine layers of product over the skin. Primer, followed by foundation then powder etc. With practice this is what will help to give your look staying power.
Make up setting sprays – avoid if you can and do not (ever) spray your face with hairspray whatever your fave ‘Instamakeup’ queen says. You will do yourself some damage! Setting sprays when applied over the face leave tiny wet droplets on the skin. However fine they are, they cause the make up to lift and blotch, especially in the heat.
Long wear lipsticks. Again, stick with your normal lipstick brand. Use a great lipliner to fill in the entire lip and add two coats of lipstick over the top (blotting in between coats). I love Charlotte Tilbury’s Pillow Talk lip cheat for your base. Suits everyone.
Tears, heat and wind. Tears are inevitable and part of the day, so don’t worry about them. Keep a tissue discreetly tucked into the top of your dress (or ask hubbie to put one in his suit pocket for you) and very gently dab the inner corners of your eyes. Never rub or use the back of your hand. Ask a Bridesmaid to have a small mirror ready for after the ceremony to check your face. A quick touch up with some light concealer/touch of powder and you will be ready for drinks. No need to check your face again until dinner or any close-up shots. Heat is usually part of why you have chosen a destination wedding, so embrace it. Starting with your dress think of all the ways you can stay cool. Staying out of the sun as much as you can, will ensure everything stays cool and in place. Wind will move your veil and hair. You don’t want to look like you have waxwork hair so enjoy a little messiness. Just make sure that the veil is attached well and drape over your arm when you move.
Best of all ask your MUA to stay for a couple of hours after the ceremony to keep an eye on your make up and hair.
Well ladies, I have certainly learnt something so I hope you did too! Having personally lived in France for over six years and experiencing the heat when going out I would highly recommend using a MUA that lives and breaths destination weddings! They have the experience and will have tried and tested the products many times before. It is important to have a trial which can be fit in when you are over on a planning trip, then take advantage of all that glam and go out for a special meal with your fiancee whilst feeling and looking incredible and sampling a few bottles of wine.
A massive thank you to Carey Hawkins for putting together this blog for us to share with all our lovely couples wanting to get married in France. If you wish to explore the Hair and Make Up Artists that we can recommend on our site then please click here.
We hope this is useful information when it comes to planning your wedding in France. To see what Carey has to offer please see her listing on our site here.
The French Wedding Team
x