Makeup for Outdoor Weddings

Outdoor weddings offer a unique and picturesque setting, but they also come with their own set of challenges, especially when it comes to makeup. Whether you’re getting married, attending as a guest, or doing makeup for the bridal party, ensuring that your makeup lasts throughout the day and stays flawless despite changing weather conditions is essential.

From hot, humid summer days to windy fall afternoons, outdoor weddings require makeup that’s not only beautiful but also long-lasting and weather-resistant. However, it also presents unique challenges for makeup – wind, sun, and unpredictable weather can all play a part. At Makeup By Dalia, we specialise in makeup artistry designed for the Australian outdoors, ensuring you look flawless from start to finish. We will explore the best techniques, products, and styles customised to outdoor weddings, helping brides feel radiant while overcoming any environmental elements.

Key Takeaways

• Long-Wear Foundation: Essential for durability under outdoor conditions.
• Waterproof Eye Makeup: Prevents smudging from humidity or tears.
• Setting Spray: Keeps makeup fresh all day.
• Hydrating Lip Colour: Choose a long-wear formula to withstand outdoor elements.
• Natural Light Contouring: Enhance with cream-based products for a dewy finish.

1. Skin Preparation: The Key to Lasting Makeup

The key to makeup longevity starts with a solid skincare routine. Outdoor weddings often mean exposure to the elements, so prepping your skin to be resilient against heat, sweat, and sun is critical.

Hydration

A well-hydrated skin provides a smooth base for makeup. Begin with staying hydrated and use a lightweight, hydrating moisturiser to ensure that your skin doesn’t dry out, as this can cause makeup to look cakey or settle into fine lines. For dry skin, opt for a richer moisturiser, and for oily skin, look for oil-free, mattifying options.

Sunscreen

If you’re planning to be outdoors, sun protection is a must. For a more seamless application, use a formulated sunscreen that’s designed for the face and all body parts that work well under makeup. A mattifying sunscreen can help reduce shine and provide a smooth base.

Primer

A good primer is essential for outdoor weddings, particularly when it comes to longevity. Look for a long-wearing, mattifying primer that controls oil and helps makeup adhere. For those with dry skin, a hydrating primer will help lock in moisture and create a dewy finish.

2. Flawless Base: Foundation and Concealer

A solid base is non-negotiable for a wedding makeup look, especially one that needs to withstand outdoor conditions. Choosing the right foundation is essential for long-lasting coverage.

Long-Wear Foundation

When selecting a foundation for an outdoor wedding, choose one labelled as “long-wear” or “waterproof.” These foundations are formulated to stay in place through sweat and humidity. Stick to formulas that offer medium to full coverage and buildable texture. Look for foundations that are oil-free and provide a matte finish if you’re concerned about shine, or choose a radiant foundation for a glow without looking greasy.

Setting Concealer

For concealer, opt for one that’s long-lasting and provides full coverage to hide any blemishes, dark circles, or redness. After applying, set the concealer with a translucent setting powder to lock it in place and prevent creasing throughout the day.

Setting the Base

Set your entire face with a finely milled, translucent powder, focusing on areas prone to oil production like the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin). This will help keep your makeup in place, prevent shine, and ensure that your base stays intact for hours. Consider using a setting spray for extra insurance—choose one that’s formulated to be sweat- and humidity-resistant.

3. Weather-Resilient Eye Makeup

Eye makeup can be particularly tricky at outdoor weddings, particularly with the risk of smudging, creasing, or fading in hot, humid, or windy conditions. However, with the right products and techniques, you can ensure that your eye makeup lasts all day.

Waterproof Formulas

Waterproof mascara and eyeliners are essential for outdoor weddings, specifically if you’re worried about tears or humidity. Opt for a smudge-proof mascara that adds volume and length but won’t flake off or run during the day. For eyeliner, a gel or pencil formula that sets and doesn’t smudge will be your best bet.

Eyeshadow Primer

To keep your eyeshadow from creasing or fading, make sure to apply an eyeshadow primer first. This will create a base that allows your eyeshadow to cling and last longer. If you’re going for a more intense eye look, consider using cream eyeshadows, which tend to have a better staying power than powder formulations.

Set with Powder

Once you’ve applied your eyeshadow, set it with a matching powder shadow to ensure it stays put. This is specifically important for outdoor weddings, where exposure to the elements can cause makeup to slide or wear off.

4. Lips: Keeping It Fresh and Durable

Lips can be one of the first areas to show signs of wear and tear, especially if you’re eating, drinking, or kissing. To ensure your lip look lasts through the ceremony and reception, consider these techniques:

Long-Wear Lipsticks

Choose long-wear or transfer-proof lip products, such as liquid lipsticks that are designed to stay in place for hours. Matte liquid lipsticks are a great option, as they offer full coverage and won’t easily smudge. If you’re not a fan of matte finishes, opt for satin or creamy lipsticks with long-lasting formulas.

Lip Liner

A lip liner can help define your lips and keep your lipstick from feathering or fading. Over-line your lips slightly to enhance their shape, and fill in the entire lip with liner for a longer-lasting effect.

Top It Off

To maintain moisture, finish with a clear gloss or hydrating lip balm, but be careful not to overdo it, as too much gloss can make your lipstick more prone to smudging.

5. Blush and Highlighter: Stay Radiant, Not Oily

For a soft, natural flush that lasts in the heat, opt for powder blushes and highlighters. Cream products may feel dewy at first but can slide off during the day, specifically in hot weather.

Powder Blush and Highlighter

Powder formulas are better for setting your makeup in place. A matte blush adds colour and warmth to your cheeks without being overly shiny, while a finely milled highlighter can give you a radiant glow without the risk of looking oily.

Setting Sprays

Finally, finish off your makeup with a long-lasting setting spray designed for outdoor conditions. Look for a setting spray that controls shine, boosts hydration, and locks your makeup in place for the long haul. A dewy setting spray can also help you maintain that glowing, bridal makeup look even in the sun.

6. Consider the Weather: Adjusting Your Makeup

Whether you’re embracing a natural makeup look or going bold with a dramatic eye or lip, the key is to focus on long-wearing, waterproof formulas and layering techniques to lock everything in place. So, no matter what the weather brings, you’ll feel confident and stunning all day long.

• Hot and Humid Weather: Choose lightweight, oil-free products, and always go for waterproof formulas to avoid makeup melting.
• Windy Conditions: Stick to more matte finishes to prevent your makeup from getting disturbed. A stronger base, set with powder, can ensure your makeup stays in place even with wind gusts.
• Cooler Weather: In cooler temperatures, you might have more flexibility with products. Hydrating formulas can give your skin a natural, dewy glow, and you may not need as much setting powder.

Conclusion

Outdoor weddings require a makeup routine that is as resilient as it is beautiful. By carefully selecting the right products and using techniques for longevity and weather resilience, you can ensure that your makeup stays fresh from the ceremony to the last dance. Outdoor weddings are magical, offering stunning backdrops and beautiful lighting. However, they require a specific approach to ensure your makeup stays picture-perfect. At Makeup By Dalia, our makeup artists are experts in creating looks that withstand the demands of outdoor settings, keeping brides radiant through every emotional moment. Contact us for a personalised consultation to create your ideal outdoor wedding look, perfectly for your unique style and the Australian outdoors.

FAQs: