It’s a given that a bride will wear make-up on her wedding day. She may even hire a make-up artist to get it just right. But why should make-up only be for the bride? A groom wanting to look polished could also benefit from a little makeup application. Cast aside any preconceptions; makeup can be subtle, leaving you groomed and polished. 

The fundamentals

Hopefully you’re already using some skincare products, including a decent moisturiser. If not, the run-up to your wedding is the perfect time to start. Products containing retinol can be a great option, as they help with a multitude of issues from oiliness and acne to fine lines and dullness. There are different forms of retinol and different strengths, and you’ll need to give your skin time to adjust so this isn’t something to try a week before the wedding. You’ll also need to make sure you protect your skin from the sun with an SPF during the day, as retinol makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight. There’s a stack of advice available online, if you don’t want to venture into a store.

If your skin isn’t looking its best as your wedding approaches, don’t panic. There are a few easy-to-use weapons at your disposal:

Tinted moisturiser

A tinted moisturiser is, as the name suggests, a moisturiser with a hint of colour to it. It can smooth out any redness or uneven skin tone, but without the heaviness of a full foundation. 

The trick here is to get the right shade for your skin. Most cosmetic brands offer a tinted moisturiser and a trip to a beauty counter is the best way to check you’re getting the right shade, but you can otherwise order online. You want to make sure that when it’s applied, you can’t see any obvious difference between the colour of the moisturiser and your own skin.

When applying, take a less is more approach. Apply to the entire face and down onto the neck, and blend, blend, blend – you don’t want any distinct lines around your jaw or hairline. 

Concealer

If your skin is generally in pretty good shape, a concealer might be all you need.  Or if you’ve applied a tinted moisturiser and there are areas that still need help – dark circles under the eyes or the odd blemish – a concealer is your solution.

Opt for a liquid concealer in a tube, which is easier to use, rather than a solid block. Avoid products that promise to illuminate or highlight, as these will tend to have a shimmery effect, which isn’t the natural look you’re going for. Again, you’ll need to choose a shade to suit your skin.

Once you’ve selected your weapon of choice, dot a little of the product onto the area, such as under the eye, or on top of a spot. Then pat with your finger (don’t rub!) until the product disappears into the skin. 

After applying, check how it’s looking. Stand outside, or next to a window, to check there are no obvious patches where the product hasn’t fully blended. You might want to take a selfie on your phone and check that, too.

Brows

Well-groomed eyebrows can make a surprising amount of difference to your face. Having them shaped before the wedding is well worth it, and on the day, a brow gel is an easy way of keeping them under control. A brow gel usually comes in a tube, and can be clear or tinted. Clear is all you need if your brows are already bushy; if they’re sparse a tinted option will make them look fuller. Simply run the wand over your brows. Easy!

Lips

No bride wants to kiss a pair of chapped lips, and they don’t look great in photos, either. All you need is a lip balm, and there are abundant options available. Some can be shiny or even shimmer, so find a matt, non-sticky option and apply as needed.