Blushing Bride on a Budget: DIY Make Up Tips for Your Special Day

If you’re handy with a blending brush and can apply mascara like a pro, you may have the steady and skilled hand to apply your own wedding makeup. On average, a bride can spend around $183 for hair and makeup. Budget-conscious brides can save money by practicing their makeup techniques at home for a stunning wedding makeup that looks professional. With your engagement ring sparkling on your finger, your hair entwined in a romantic up-do, and your face camera ready, you can say “I do!” with the utmost confidence.

Perfect Your Palette

Create a solid foundation to ensure that your makeup will last throughout the day and night. Achieve a flawless complexion by first prepping the skin with an eye cream and face primer. Use an under eye concealer to cover up dark spots and a tinted moisturizer for a natural look. Check to see if your concealer matches your skin tone perfectly by applying it in natural lighting. Concealers with peach undertones are ideal for women with dark circles, while green undertones help banish blemishes and skin redness.

Moisturize and Prime

Skin on the face demands moisture just as much as the rest of the body. Create a dewy – not shiny – finish by applying an oil-free moisturizing lotion. Smooth away fine lines with a light application of eye gel. Opt for an all-in-one moisturizer and primer to avoid wearing too many layers of makeup. Primer helps to blur deep pores, allows makeup to go on more evenly and keeps makeup looking great, longer. Finish with a dusting of translucent powder on the T-zone to absorb excess oil and to achieve a fresh-faced glow.

Focus on the Eyes

The eyes are the windows to your soul, and the main focal point in most pictures. Marie Claire Beauty Expert, Cassie Steer, suggests starting with an application of light eyeshadow all over the eyelid to open up the eyes and make them stand out in photographs. Maximize the eye shadow's staying power by applying it with a damp brush. Highlighter in the inner corners of the eyes can also help make the eyes appear bigger. Many brides opt for a pair of false lashes on their wedding day, along with a heavy coat of black eyeliner and mascara, to really make the eyes pop.

Create a Kissable Pout

Lipstick that stays while you eat, drink and kiss can be challenging. Achieve a flawless set of color-filled lips by using a liner after applying lipstick. This allows you to define your lips and make them appear bigger. Lip stain is the optimal choice for natural-looking, smudge-proof color. Simply finish with a coat of clear gloss for lips that shine. Remember that your lips may require a darker color to stand out in photographs. Carry a small tube of lipstick in a touch-up kit and reapply as needed throughout the celebration.

Blush Up the Cheeks

Flash photography and white dresses can wash out the skin, making you appear paler than you are. Add warm hints of rose hues to your cheeks for a radiant look that lasts. Gently sweep bronzer under the cheekbones, and apply a light dusting to the forehead, temples and bridge of the nose. Opt for a natural dusty rose tone or sheer pink cream blush applied to the apples of the cheeks. Blush will achieve that healthy flush and liven your skin.

Pat Freeman is a freelance travel writer from Hawaii.

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