Winter Wedding Makeup To Make You Look Glowing, Not Frozen

Baby, it’s cold outside — but that shouldn't stop you from looking smokin’ hot on your wedding day. While outdoor ceremonies are pretty much out of the question, brides aren't immune to winter woes when it comes to their hair and makeup. Follow these five guidelines (they're easier than figuring out the reception seating plan, promise) and you'll be on your way to beauty bliss on your big day — come rain, come snow, come hail or sleet. 

Scale Back 
Flakes, redness, dullness...dry winter air does no favors to a winter bride's complexion. The key to getting ahead of harsh winter temperatures is prevention. "Rather than waiting the day of the wedding to combat dry patches with lotion, start exfoliating and moisturizing at least a month beforehand," says Naeemah LaFond, owner and creative director of Under Her Veil, an on-site bridal beauty company based in New York. Her other day-of tip: Use a hydrating primer such as Smashbox Photo Finish. "This will leave the skin looking smooth and allow for easy makeup application,” she says. 

Build The Right Foundation 
Your summer foundation is yesterday’s news. Women — and especially brides — should switch up their base during the colder months, according to wedding makeup artist Jackie Schneider. “Unless the bride has unusually oily skin, matte foundations can actually accentuate fine lines and make winter skin look dull," she explains. "A silicone-based foundation, while too shiny in the summer, may be a perfect solution in the colder months.” Her favorite: Eve Pearl High Definition Liquid Foundation. 

Don’t Be Fake 
Most makeup artists agree to skip self-tanners and spray tans before your wedding day — even if it’s in the colder months. “I don’t advise fake bakes. They can rub off on the wedding dress, especially under the arms,” says Sandy Linter, a makeup artist at Rita Hazan Salon in New York. Instead, she recommends warming the skin with a bronzer. “Use a bronzer underneath the cheekbones, and it will contour your face as well as warm up your skin tone. Then put the blush directly onto the top or apple of the cheek. Two shades often look more natural than just one.” One to try: Lancôme's all-in-one Blush Subtil Palette. 

Get Lippy 
Chapped lips are among the biggest beauty problems for winter brides. (Who wants her first wedded kiss to feel like sandpaper?) Along with religiously using lip balm before the wedding, it's smart to nourish the lips before applying makeup on the big day. LaFond has all of her clients carry Mac Prep + Prime Lip, a translucent base that nourishes the lips when Jack Frost hits. “I also put a bit around the outer edges of the lips to keep lipstick from feathering,” she says. 

Lose The Booze 
Before the wedding, resist the urge to overindulge on alcohol with friends and family (yeah, we know it’s easier said than done). In addition to delivering a pesky hangover, booze can mute your blushing-bride glow. “Alcohol consumption is terrible for your complexion, and since it's super-dehydrating, it's an especially bad idea for a winter bride,” Schneider says. Don’t worry, you’ll have plenty of time to make up for it on your honeymoon.

Posted in: Beauty Tips