You’ve pictured it for months: your magical beach wedding. Palm trees are your backdrop while white sand glitters under your feet as you walk down the aisle, flanked by loving family and friends. Your gown, hair, and makeup are perfect, so how do you keep it that way?
As a wedding beauty professional and stylist for the last 15 years, I know what works, what doesn’t, and how to make it all last from the first look to the after party. Here are my five top tips and tricks to achieve maximum staying power for warm weather weddings.
Hire a Professional
Don’t cut corners when it comes to wedding day hair and makeup. Hiring a cheaper, less experienced artist may leave you with a bridal look that may not live up to your vision. Do your research, read reviews, and ask your friends for recommendations. When you do find your team of artists, absolutely schedule a trial run so you can work out your wedding day look months in advance.
Less is More with Makeup
As an overall strategy, ditch the over-the-top concealing, contouring, heavy lashes, and thick foundation. You don’t want a lot of “extra” on your face in warmer temps. Think elegant and timeless, not the latest Instagram makeup trend. Airbrush makeup is a wonderful option for hotter locations because its formula is light yet covers imperfections and flaws. It also feels practically weightless on skin which is a plus when humidity is high. And, mid-day touch-ups are barely needed because of its phenomenal staying power.
Layer Lighter Products
Make sure your artist begins with a mattifying primer, especially under traditional makeup like liquid and powder. If you don’t go the airbrush route, think about using a light-tinted foundation with a dusting of finishing powder. This technique offers you full coverage and the added advantage of a primer that keeps everything in place and shine free. The last step is always some setting spray to set it and forget it.
Waterproof Your Eyes
All professional makeup artists have “waterproof” or “water resistant” eye products in their kits. Choosing gel liner formulas, waterproof mascara, and cream eyeshadows can be your best bet for a beach wedding. One of my all-time tear and sweat-proof tricks is to “set” liner with a waterproofing eyeliner sealer. This is a clear liquid that is blended into your pencil or shadow eyeliner that creates a smudge-proof, under-eye liner that won’t move an inch. If you want to line the top with an elegant cat eye, choose a gel liner or other waterproof formula.
Consider an Updo
Although long, flowing hair and old Hollywood glam waves are on trend in bridal hair, it may not be the best choice for a tropical wedding location. Choosing an elegant updo or “fashion” ponytail may not only keep you cool, but you won’t need to spend the day worrying about your locks deflating. If you do want to wear it down and have fine or shorter hair, consider popping in clip-in extensions, and wearing it half-up, for a beautiful beachy vibe.
No matter what look you land on, don’t stray too far from your authentic and naturally beautiful self. Strive to be timeless, not trendy, in your final wedding day photos, so you can look back years from now and still love yourself as the most beautiful bride ever.
Blog Owner: Dana Persia is Founder and CEO of Beautiful Brides Hair and Makeup , a luxury on-location hair and makeup company serving the Philadelphia tri-state region along with South Florida. Dana is passionate about all things beauty, skin and style having served over 5,000 brides and individual clients over the past 20 years. Check out her tips, tricks and beauty knowledge on her YouTube Channel.