Bobbi Brown's Secrets For Perfect DIY Wedding Makeup

What would you say if we lined up a private wedding makeup lesson for you with the one and only Bobbi Brown? Known for her natural and incredibly gorgeous makeup, Bobbi knows a thing or two about what looks best for a wedding day and she shared with us the secret to perfecting DIY wedding makeup. Prepare to fine-tune your makeup artistry skills with Bobbi’s secrets for creating the ultimate bridal look.

What is your makeup philosophy for brides? “I believe on your wedding day you should look like yourself at your most beautiful. Play up your favourite features rather than distort or change how you look.”

What type of wedding makeup look is easy for a bride to create herself? “Bridal makeup needs to have enough colour to compensate for the whiteness of the dress. There’s a difference between everyday clothes and a wedding dress, so there should be a difference in the makeup, but it doesn’t have to be overly complicated.”

What should a bride stay away from when creating her own look? “Steer clear of trends or anything drastically different from your normal beauty routine—every bride should love how she looks in her photos 10 years from now. Stick to classic neutral shades and focus on taking your normal evening makeup up a notch.”

What key products do you recommend for a bride on her wedding day? “Start with a great moisturizer to prep skin (avoid sunblock formulas as they can reflect light under flash photography). Even out the skin with a yellow-toned foundation stick to eliminate red tones which photography can emphasize. Use a serum corrector and concealer to treat dark circles and give skin bounce. I recommend two shades of blush to create a flush that lasts, and then create a strobing effect with a shimmer powder on the skin. Define brows, add sparkle to eyelids with a shimmer shadow and finish eyes with several coats of long-wear mascara. For lips I recommend a pale lip colour two shades brighter than what you would normally wear, or layer a pink or rose colour over your everyday lipstick.”

On the day of, what should a bride pack for touch-ups? “Bring a small bag with your makeup essentials for touch-ups. Must-haves include: yellow-based powder to even out the skin and prevent shine; your lip colour and a lip pencil to help with fading; waterproof mascara; tissues; blotting papers; mints and Q-tips. Finally, pack a palette containing all your basics: foundation, concealer, rouge and lip balm.”