Breadcrumbs ![How To Keep Your Make-Up Looking Flawless On Your Big Day](https://media.sheerluxe.com/i-lwP0Q1N7vmoCuFsTTBEoipbyQ=/400x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F06%2Fsl-wedding-edition-june-2026-site-assets-wedding-makeup-hero.jpg) ![How To Keep Your Make-Up Looking Flawless On Your Big Day](https://media.sheerluxe.com/VjTzKoygajMoJCm-V4S5pV_YQmY=/400x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F06%2Fsl-wedding-edition-june-2026-site-assets-wedding-makeup-thumb.jpg) Breadcrumbs 28 June 2026 # How To Keep Your Make-Up Looking Flawless On Your Big Day On your wedding day, you want your make-up to look flawless from the ceremony through to the last dance. Whether you’re doing it yourself or just want to make sure it lasts, these expert tips will help keep everything fresh and in place all day long… Images: @AbiTaylorBride; The Vault Stock [ Save To My Favourites ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/53007 "Add article to my favourites") All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products. 01 ## Take Good Care Of Your Skin In The Lead-Up “What you do to your skin in the months running up to the wedding makes all the difference. Getting your skin into a place where it’s healthy, happy and hydrated by maintaining a good routine and drinking plenty of water goes a long way and will even help your make-up last longer on your big day. Even if you have a spot come up on the day – which happens a lot! – if you’ve put the work in before, one or two little spots are easily covered and won’t be an issue at all.” *–* [*Abi Taylor*](https://www.instagram.com/abitaylorbride)*, make-up artist* 02 ## Create A Dewy, Supple Canvas “Skin prep is absolutely vital. Even the most expensive foundation won’t perform well if the skin underneath isn’t cared for. On the day, start by cleansing, followed by a hydrating mist or essence, then a moisturiser suited to your skin type. I love Tatcha’s [The Dewy Skin Cream](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=29429&awinaffid=69421&platform=dl&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tatcha.co.uk%2Fproducts%2Fthe-dewy-skin-cream) for dry or dehydrated skin or [The Water Cream](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=29429&awinaffid=69421&platform=dl&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tatcha.co.uk%2Fproducts%2Fthe-water-cream%3Fvariant%3D45272477008096) for combination or oily types. I always love to incorporate a gentle facial massage to boost circulation and reduce puffiness. The goal with skin prep is to allow your make-up to apply more seamlessly.” *– Abi* 03 ## Choose The Right Primer For Your Skin Type “Primer should never be a one-size-fits-all product. I see it as an extension of skincare, its role is to balance the complexion and address whatever the skin needs or lacks before make-up application. The right formula depends on your skin type. For oily skin, a mattifying primer can help control excess shine and prolong wear, particularly through the T-zone. For drier or lacklustre skin, a hydrating or radiance-boosting primer can add moisture, creating a fresher and more luminous finish. I also often tailor primer placement to different areas of the face rather than applying the same formula everywhere. By choosing a primer that complements your skin’s needs, you’ll create the best conditions for make-up that looks beautiful and actually lasts.” – [*Alex Reader*](https://www.instagram.com/alexreadermakeup/)*, make-up artist* 04 ## Be Intentional With Your Base Coverage “The secret to bridal make-up that lasts all day isn’t applying more product or choosing the most expensive foundation. Longevity comes down to careful skin preparation, strategic layering and lightweight textures. One of the biggest mistakes brides make is opting for full coverage across the entire face. Instead, I recommend a lighter foundation or skin tint paired with a long-wearing concealer where extra coverage is needed. This creates a more natural finish that wears evenly throughout the day and is far less likely to look patchy or separate. A lightweight, well-balanced base moves with the skin even when your emotions may inevitably take over.” *– Alex* 05 ## Test Your Look Beforehand To Avoid Flashback “Flashback isn’t necessarily caused by SPF itself but by certain UV-filtering ingredients, including zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These can reflect camera flash and create a white cast in photographs. Brides should remember that flashback can also come from other complexion products, such as SPF primers, sunscreens or setting powders (skip high-silica finishing powders) and not just foundation. I always recommend testing your entire make-up look before the wedding, taking photos in natural lighting and with flash. If flashback is a particular concern – especially for an indoor wedding – opt for a foundation without SPF. If one is needed for an outside wedding, consider using an SPF before any make-up is applied. A few foundations I always rely on are Armani [Luminous Silk](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=2041&awinaffid=69421&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.boots.com%2Fgiorgio-armani-luminous-silk-foundation-30ml-10372683), Dior [Forever](https://john-lewis-and-partners.pxf.io/QY2XxP) and Lisa Eldridge [Seamless Skin](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=59805&awinaffid=69421&platform=dl&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spacenk.com%2Fuk%2Fmakeup%2Fcomplexion%2Ffoundation%2Fseamless-skin-foundation-MUK200049080.html%3Fdwvar_MUK200049080_color%3DUK200049109%26quantity%3D1).” *– Alex* 06 ## Prep Your Eyelids To Prevent Creasing “I swear by prepping the eyelids – they tend to be oily rather than dry, so I’d also recommend avoiding eye cream if you want your make-up to last. First, go in with an eye base then set it with a translucent powder before adding any eyeshadow. I love [NARS’ version](https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=etT1jgERWYw&mid=47704&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.narscosmetics.co.uk%2Fen%2Fsmudge-proof-eyeshadow-base%2F0607845022114.html) but [Holme Beauty](https://holmebeauty.com/products/soft-set-eye-primer) also does a great one that contains pigment. And if your eyes are tightly lined on the top or bottom, bringing that liner for touch-ups throughout the night will keep your eyes looking fresh.” – [*Cassandra Lusi*](https://www.instagram.com/cassandralusi_mua/)*, make-up artist* [ ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/HSLRyBRWrpCSffpLJaplhFxBfE0=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F06%2Fsl-june-wedding-edition-makeup.jpg) ](https://www.instagram.com/cassandralusi_mua/) @CassandraLusi_MUA 07 ## Choose Your Mascara Formula Wisely “You can’t beat waterproof mascara. My favourite high-street mascara is Maybelline [Lash Sensational](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=2041&awinaffid=69421&platform=dl&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.boots.com%2Fmascara-lash-sensational-sky-high-waterproof-mascara-black-10294835) Sky High Waterproof. If you want another smudge-proof option, I rate Sweed’s [Cloud Mascara](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=59805&awinaffid=69421&platform=dl&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spacenk.com%2Fuk%2Fmakeup%2Feyes%2Fmascara%2Fcloud-mascara-MUK200034849.html) – both are staples in my professional kit. Personally, I’m yet to love any tubing formulas that give a weightless hold to a curled lash.” *– Cassandra* “If you’re concerned about lots of tears, consider not applying mascara to your lower lashes and ask your make-up artist to use a shadow to gently define your lower lash line instead. Also, set your under-eyes with a loose powder to help lock everything in place and prevent movement.” [*Annabella Brayne*](https://www.instagram.com/byannabellamakeupartist/)*, make-up artist* 08 ## For A Lip That Lasts, Go Matte “If you want your look to last, avoid topping your lips with a gloss and go for a finish that leans more matte. The Tanielle Jai [Stayliners](https://taniellejai.com/products/stayliner-lip-eye-definer?variant=44920951865552) are exceptional. Also, Make Up For Ever’s [Extreme liners](https://sephora.prf.hn/click/camref:1101l5hxvM/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sephora.co.uk%2Fp%2Fmake-up-for-ever-artist-color-pencil-extreme-1-2g) [ ](https://sephora.prf.hn/click/camref:1101l5hxvM/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sephora.co.uk%2Fp%2Fmake-up-for-ever-artist-color-pencil-extreme-1-2g)don’t budge. Top it off with a satin finish lipstick for a soft, Nina Park-inspired lip. But no gloss or balms as it will dissolve even the most stubborn liners.” *– Cassandra* “Apply a generous layer of a lip mask as part of your skin prep routine. This will help your lip products sit better and last longer. One thing to note is that a lip that feels a bit fresher and more radiant is usually created using balmy textures, which aren’t designed to last all day. If this is the kind of look you prefer, I suggest buying your lip products so you can have them close to hand for touch-ups. Otherwise, if you want more staying power, try a waterproof lip pencil that won’t budge for hours. I rate Charlotte Tilbury’s [Lip Cheats](https://shop.charlottetilbury.com/or/camref:1011l4QSA/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.charlottetilbury.com%2Fuk%2Fproduct%2Flip-cheat-pillowtalk) and YSL Beauty’s [new pencils](https://sephora.prf.hn/click/camref:1101l5hxvM/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sephora.co.uk%2Fp%2Fyves-saint-laurent-lovenude-lip-liner), as well as those by [Make Up For Ever](https://sephora.prf.hn/click/camref:1101l5hxvM/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sephora.co.uk%2Fp%2Fmake-up-for-ever-artist-color-pencil-multi-use-pencil-matte-shimmer-finish).” *– Annabella* 09 ## Seal Everything In Place “Setting spray is great for helping your make-up last longer but it also creates a beautiful finish, especially if you use it directly after powder. It just takes the edge off and softly blurs, creating a more natural-looking, skin-like finish. The two I reach for most are Urban Decay [All Nighter](https://sephora.prf.hn/click/camref:1101l5hxvM/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sephora.co.uk%2Fp%2Furban-decay-all-nighter-setting-spray) and Charlotte Tilbury [Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray](https://shop.charlottetilbury.com/or/camref:1011l4QSA/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.charlottetilbury.com%2Fuk%2Fproduct%2Fairbrush-flawless-setting-spray). One hack I swear by is lightly misting it over the skin in layers at the foundation stage, then at the end after powder to sandwich everything together.” *– Annabella* 10 ## Keep A Touch-Up Kit Close To Hand “Ask your maid of honour to carry your make-up must-haves for the day and into the evening. Minis are so easy to keep in your bag. Your make-up artist should let you know your lipstick or gloss of choice – buy it and keep it close for touch-ups. A mini powder is also really useful. Nothing too heavy, just something lightweight. [Charlotte Tilbury](https://shop.charlottetilbury.com/or/camref:1011l4QSA/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.charlottetilbury.com%2Fuk%2Fproduct%2Fmini-airbrush-flawless-finish-4-deep) gets my vote. Carry a little travel brush with you as well for easy application. It’s important not to over-powder, so blotting papers can come in handy. If you want to remove some excess oil or shine, try blotting paper first and then just finish off with a light touch of powder.” *– Annabella* 11 ## Finally, Take A ‘Less Is More’ Approach “My golden rule is to treat the skin like a canvas and only apply the extra coverage where it’s truly needed. If only 5% of the face needs more correction, focus on that area rather than applying the same level of coverage everywhere. One trick I love is applying concealer only to the problem areas and leaving it for a minute or two before blending. The lighter and more targeted the application, the fresher and longer-lasting the finish will be. I also firmly believe that powder placement for setting is just as important as the make-up itself. Don’t feel you need to powder the entire face. Focusing on areas prone to shine while leaving other areas untouched creates a more natural, skin-like finish and makes touch-ups much easier throughout the day. It allows you to reapply concealer, blush or other complexion products without the risk of everything looking heavy or starting to separate. *– Alex* Follow [@AbiTaylorBride](https://www.instagram.com/abitaylorbride), [@AlexReaderMakeup](https://www.instagram.com/alexreadermakeup/), [@ByAnnabellaMakeupArtist](https://www.instagram.com/byannabellamakeupartist/) & [@CassandraLusi\_MUA](https://www.instagram.com/cassandralusi_mua/) [Skip to the rest of this article](#sidebar-bottom) ## We think you might like ![32 Stylish Wedding Gift Ideas For The Groom](https://media.sheerluxe.com/Ow_jGc5erU2Ksgq54ExQ6aqC6Ws=/600x800/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F05%2Fsl-wedding-site-assets-may-thumb-hero-groom-gifts.jpg) / 11 May 2025 [## 32 Stylish Wedding Gift Ideas For The Groom ](/life/weddings/gifts-for-my-groom) ![The Bridal Edit](https://media.sheerluxe.com/HCFP67IvX225RfN34TcbiYL7wEs=/600x800/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F03%2Fsl-site-assets-070325-thumb-bridal.jpg) / 07 March 2025 [## The Bridal Edit ](/life/weddings/honeymoon-dress-to-impress) ![19 New Bridal Collections To Know](https://media.sheerluxe.com/nddc_nwlj7WagHLwHbdPpeiLxoU=/600x800/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2024%2F10%2Fsl-site-assets-bridal-thumb.png) / 22 October 2024 [## 19 New Bridal Collections To Know ](/life/weddings/wedding-dress-ideas) --- ## SHOP THE BRIDAL BEAUTY EDIT ![The Dewy Skin Cream from Tatcha](https://media.sheerluxe.com/M-RoW4_qqRW_1t_FPWnCA_hQkPs=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F06%2Ftatcha-the-dewy-skin-cream.png) [#### The Dewy Skin Cream](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=29429&awinaffid=69421&platform=dl&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tatcha.co.uk%2Fproducts%2Fthe-dewy-skin-cream) ##### Tatcha, £69 [ Flag this item ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/53007 "Add product to my favourites") ![Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base from NARS Cosmetics](https://media.sheerluxe.com/BcDsUJThK7LA1sq82aD9snZDpTQ=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F06%2Fnars-cosmetics-pro-prime-smudge-proof-eyeshadow-base.png) [#### Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base](https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=etT1jgERWYw&mid=47704&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.narscosmetics.co.uk%2Fen%2Fsmudge-proof-eyeshadow-base%2F0607845022114.html) ##### NARS Cosmetics, £25.50 [ Flag this item ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/53007 "Add product to my favourites") ![Luminous Silk Foundation from Armani Beauty](https://media.sheerluxe.com/uJ_QN5rVHBmhj3RMbWpzKW2gSq0=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F06%2Fgiorgio-armani-luminous-silk-foundation.png) [#### Luminous Silk Foundation](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=2041&awinaffid=69421&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.boots.com%2Fgiorgio-armani-luminous-silk-foundation-30ml-10372683) ##### Armani Beauty, £49 [ Flag this item ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/53007 "Add product to my favourites") ![Les Beiges Serum Concealer from Chanel](https://media.sheerluxe.com/hYOTh8eW3MypK5-6URVW0Xrsohg=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F06%2Fchanel-les-beiges-serum-concealer.png) [#### Les Beiges Serum Concealer](https://john-lewis-and-partners.pxf.io/DWRmOb) ##### Chanel, £35.70 *(was £42)* [ Flag this item ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/53007 "Add product to my favourites") ![Ambient Powder Brush from Hourglass](https://media.sheerluxe.com/tBDCBIRcP26Gk61QiIi8fddQ3GY=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F06%2Fhourglass-ambient-powder-brush.png) [#### Ambient Powder Brush](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=59805&awinaffid=69421&platform=dl&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spacenk.com%2Fuk%2Faccessories%2Fmakeup-brushes%2Fpowder-brushes%2Fambient-powder-brush-MUS300023942.html) ##### Hourglass, £38 [ Flag this item ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/53007 "Add product to my favourites") ![Cloud Mascara from Sweed](https://media.sheerluxe.com/-QxFa9tYfT2PHGsYXuZya8ZOLaQ=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F06%2Fsweed-cloud-mascara.png) [#### Cloud Mascara](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=59805&awinaffid=69421&platform=dl&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spacenk.com%2Fuk%2Fmakeup%2Feyes%2Fmascara%2Fcloud-mascara-MUK200034849.html) ##### Sweed, £24 [ Flag this item ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/53007 "Add product to my favourites") ![Stayliner Matte Lip & Eye Definer from Tanielle Jai](https://media.sheerluxe.com/wXqbyXlgNNpIsezrNbC6HsKQXDo=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F06%2Ftanielle-jai-stayliner-matte-lip-eye-definer.png) [#### Stayliner Matte Lip & Eye Definer](https://taniellejai.com/products/stayliner-lip-eye-definer?variant=44920951865552) ##### Tanielle Jai, £16 [ Flag this item ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/53007 "Add product to my favourites") ![Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray from Charlotte Tilbury](https://media.sheerluxe.com/Y4mHXonNPqb4UDDs4wVyfkGmZ6E=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F06%2Fcharlotte-tilbury-airbrush-flawless-setting-spray_0.png) [#### Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray](https://shop.charlottetilbury.com/or/camref:1011l4QSA/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.charlottetilbury.com%2Fuk%2Fproduct%2Fairbrush-flawless-setting-spray) ##### Charlotte Tilbury, £33 [ Flag this item ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/53007 "Add product to my favourites") [Skip to the rest of this article](#sidebar-bottom) ## We think you might like ![32 Stylish Wedding Gift Ideas For The Groom](https://media.sheerluxe.com/Ow_jGc5erU2Ksgq54ExQ6aqC6Ws=/600x800/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F05%2Fsl-wedding-site-assets-may-thumb-hero-groom-gifts.jpg) / 11 May 2025 [## 32 Stylish Wedding Gift Ideas For The Groom ](/life/weddings/gifts-for-my-groom) ![The Bridal Edit](https://media.sheerluxe.com/HCFP67IvX225RfN34TcbiYL7wEs=/600x800/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F03%2Fsl-site-assets-070325-thumb-bridal.jpg) / 07 March 2025 [## The Bridal Edit ](/life/weddings/honeymoon-dress-to-impress) ![19 New Bridal Collections To Know](https://media.sheerluxe.com/nddc_nwlj7WagHLwHbdPpeiLxoU=/600x800/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2024%2F10%2Fsl-site-assets-bridal-thumb.png) / 22 October 2024 [## 19 New Bridal Collections To Know ](/life/weddings/wedding-dress-ideas) DISCLAIMER: We endeavour to always credit the correct original source of every image we use. If you think a credit may be incorrect, please contact us at .