Saying “I do” in an outdoor ceremony is a romantic dream for many brides, but worrying about makeup melting isn’t part of the fantasy. With the right products and techniques, your makeup can look stunning and stay put. This guide shares pro tips for sweat-proof, humidity-resistant bridal makeup for outdoor weddings. From luminous skin to eyeliner that won’t budge, we’ll cover how to craft a natural look that lasts from your first look to the final dance. With strategic touch-ups and long-lasting formulas, you can walk down the aisle looking flawless.
Key Takeaways
- Prep skin with exfoliation and hydrating products the night before
- Use sweat-proof makeup like matte foundation, waterproof mascara, and transfer-proof liquid lipstick
- Add cream blush and bronzer for a natural flush
- Set makeup with powder, setting spray, and prevent smudging with primer
- Do touch-ups with blotting papers, powder, and lipstick – avoid rubbing your face
Prepping Skin for Bridal Makeup at an Outdoor Wedding
Getting radiant, smooth skin is the first step to creating a flawless face for your big day. Prepping your skin properly the day before and the morning of will help your makeup apply evenly and last until the final dance under the stars.
Exfoliate and Hydrate the Night Before
Remove any dead, flaky skin with a gentle exfoliator to reveal fresh, glowing skin. Using a scrub with small grains or a chemical exfoliant with AHAs or BHAs will slough off dullness without being too harsh. After exfoliating, give your skin a major moisture boost. Apply a hydrating serum or face oil packed with nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, or plant oils. Top it off by massaging your face with a rich night cream. Waking up to plump, smooth skin makes the perfect canvas for seamless makeup application.
Morning Skincare Tips for Flawless Makeup
On the morning of your wedding, cleanse your skin and continue layering on the hydration. Some tips:
- Mist a rosewater spray after washing your face to boost moisture.
- Apply a hydrating primer before makeup for a smooth base.
- Avoid heavy moisturizers which can make foundation slide off.
- Look for an oil-free sunscreen to prevent greasiness.
Starting your makeup with glowing, supple skin will make it look and stay amazing for all your outdoor wedding events.
Achieving a Sweat-Proof Bridal Makeup Look for Your Outdoor Wedding
The secret to keeping your makeup looking flawless all day lies in choosing the right sweat-resistant formulas that can withstand heat, humidity, and happy tears. Waterproof and transfer-proof makeup will be your best friend for an outdoor wedding.
Long-Wearing Foundation
The foundation sets the tone for your entire face, so pick one that can last from ceremony to reception. Oil-free liquid foundations tend to have better longevity than creams. Airbrush foundations are also popular for weddings since they create a thin veil of color that adheres evenly to the skin. Consider an airbrush foundation for maximum sweat resistance.
If opting for a traditional liquid foundation, use a dense brush and really work the product into your skin, then set it with powder. Be sure to apply to the neck and chest to avoid demarcation lines when photographed.
Set Makeup to Lock It In
Once your foundation is flawlessly applied, you need to lock it in place. Apply a loose translucent powder all over the face and neck using a large fluffy brush. Then mist a setting spray like Urban Decay All-Nighter to seal the deal. This combo will keep your foundation fresh for hours.
Waterproof Eye Makeup
For eye makeup that won’t run or smear:
- Use a smudge-proof brow gel or pomade like Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow.
- Curl lashes and apply a tubing or waterproof mascara.
- Line eyes using a waterproof liquid or gel liner.
Bonus tip: Set any creamy eye products with a dusting of matching eyeshadow to make them budge-proof.
When selecting a foundation for your outdoor wedding makeup, consider long-wear formulas like the Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place foundation recommended in this guide to the best foundation for bridal makeup.
Blush and Bronzer for a Sun-Kissed Bridal Glow
Adding strategic pops of color with blush and bronzer sculpts and defines your face for a radiant, natural glow perfect for your outdoor wedding day.
Cream and Liquid Formulas Last Outside
Powder blush and bronzer don’t always hold up as well when you’re sweating. Opt for longer-wearing cream or liquid formulas instead. Dab on dots of cream blush onto the apples of the cheeks and blend outwards in a sweeping motion for a fresh flush. Add cream bronzer along the hollows of the cheekbones and the perimeter of the face for subtle definition.
Choose Flattering, Complementary Shades
The shades you choose for your blush and bronzer can make or break the look.
For blush:
- Rosy pinks with a subtle sheen look gorgeous on fair to medium skin tones.
- Raspberry and coral shades flatter deeper complexions.
- Avoid shades with orange undertones, which can look unnatural.
For bronzer:
- Cooler bronzers with pink undertones work for fair to light skin.
- Neutral to warm bronzers look great on medium to tan skin.
- Super-pigmented shades can appear muddy, so apply with a light hand.
Lips – Make it Last with Matte Liquid Lipstick
Choosing the perfect wedding lip color is so much fun – until it accidentally ends up all over your chin. Not with these pro tips for kiss-proof, transfer-resistant lips that look flawless from ceremony to reception.
Liquid Lipstick Stays Put Better Than Lipstick
Traditional lipstick, even in matte formulas, can still smudge and fade quickly. For bulletproof wear, turn to a transfer-proof liquid lipstick instead. The liquid dries down to a matte, budge-proof finish that seriously lasts. Some top-rated options are Stila Stay All Day, Sephora Cream Lip Stain, and Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick.
Prep Lips First for Smooth Application
Before applying liquid lipstick:
- Gently exfoliate lips with a scrub to remove flakes.
- Smooth on lip primer for a perfect canvas.
- Outline and fill in lips with lip liner to prevent feathering.
These simple steps prevent patchiness and help the color truly last.
Touch-Up Tips to Maintain Your Pout
After eating and drinking, use lip liner to redefine the shape and a single coat of liquid lipstick just on the inner portion of the lips to refresh the color. Blot greasiness with a tissue instead of rubbing. Your lipstick masterpiece will look photo-ready all night long.
Waterproof, Sweat-Resistant Eyeliner
Perfectly lined and defined eyes really make your makeup pop in photos. But constantly reapplying eyeliner gets old quickly. The solution? Reach for sweat-proof, water-resistant formulas that won’t succumb to heat, humidity, or happy tears.
Which Eyeliner Formulas Last Outside?
- Pencil liner: Contains emollients to glide on easily, but can transfer and fade fastest.
- Liquid liner: Dries down quickly and lasts well. Go for a felt tip pen for the easiest application.
- Gel liner: The most waterproof of them all. Use a thin angled brush to apply.
Gel or liquid liner paired with a good primer will last the longest on your wedding day.
Application Tips for Perfect, Long-Lasting Liner
For bulletproof liner that won’t budge:
- Tightline upper lashline for definition without thickness.
- Set any creamy products with matching powder eyeshadow.
- Do your eyes first before complexion makeup to allow the liner to set.
- Use a Q-tip dipped in makeup remover to fix any minor smudges.
With the right formulas and some pro application tips, your liner can stay crisp and flawless from ceremony to sendoff.
Eyeshadow that Won’t Crease in Humidity
Nothing ruins a perfect smoky eye faster than tons of creasing and fading. Between the heat, humidity, and tears of joy, eyeshadow longevity can be a real challenge for summer weddings. Not to worry – you can make it stay in place with the right primers, application tips, and budge-proof formulas.
Prime Lids to Prolong Wear
Use an eyelid primer before any shadow to create a smooth, crease-resistant base. Apply your primer from the lashline to the browbone. You can also pat on a bit of concealer over the primer for added insurance against creasing.
Cream and Liquid Shadows Outlast Powder
The emollients in cream and liquid eyeshadows make them less likely to crease compared to powder shadows. Sweep them over the lids and up to the browbone for water-resistant wear. Some great long-wearing cream shadow options are the L’Oreal Infallible 24HR Eye Shadow and Maybelline Color Tattoo Eyeshadow.
Set Shadows with Coordinating Powder
After applying any creamy shadow products, make sure to set them with a similar colored powder shadow to seal them in place. This helps prevent fading and transferring on hot, humid days.
With the right primers and products, you can rock any eyeshadow look for your outdoor wedding that lasts from ceremony to reception and beyond.
For a romantic eye look that flatters in natural light, try this natural bridal makeup for brown eyes using soft brown shadows and taupe eyeliner.
Brows that Withstand Wind, Rain, and Sweat
Picture-perfect, polished brows are so important for framing your face in photos. But an outdoor wedding poses a lot of potential threats to your brow. Here are pro tips for eyebrows that withstand heat, humidity, and anything the weather throws your way.
Waterproof Brow Pomade Vs. Brow Gel
- Pomade: Provides longer-lasting hold and definition. Use short, hairlike strokes to fill in brows.
- Brow gel: Lightweight formula tames hairs and keeps brows in place. Better for a soft, natural look.
For seriously sweat-proof brows, opt for a waterproof pomade like Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade.
Brush Brows Up and Set with Gel
After filling and defining brows with pomade, run a spoolie brush through the brows to blend. Then brush brows upward and coat them with a layer of clear brow gel to seal them in place all day.
Consider Brow Lamination
This popular brow treatment uses a chemical solution to permanently straighten brow hairs for a fuller, fluffier look that lasts up to 6 weeks. Laminated brows are less prone to drooping in humidity.
With the right products and techniques, you can have stunning, photo-ready brows that withstand anything on your big day.
Amp up your outdoor wedding makeup with glamorous bridal makeup techniques like bold matte lips, false lashes, and defined bronzed contours.
Six Steps to Natural Bridal Makeup for an Outdoor Wedding
Want a step-by-step guide to creating a beautiful, natural bridal look that shines at an outdoor wedding? Follow these six pro tips for glowing skin, subtle eyes, and a pop of color on the lips.
Step 1: Hydrating Primer and Lightweight Foundation
Start with a hydrating primer like Too Faced Hangover Rx to prep the skin. Apply a lightweight, oil-free foundation like NARS Sheer Glow with a damp sponge for a sheer, natural finish. Conceal any dark circles, blemishes, or spots.
Step 2: Cream Blush and Bronzer
Warm up the complexion by sweeping on a coral cream blush onto the apples of the cheeks and blending up towards the temples. Define cheekbones with a neutral cream bronzer.
Step 3: Soft Brown Smokey Eye
Use brown shadow shades to create a subtle, daytime smokey eye. Sweep a shimmery champagne shadow across the lids, extend a warm mid-brown shade through the crease, and blend a soft dark brown along the lash line.
Step 4: Neutral Highlighter
Apply a natural champagne or rose gold highlighter along the cheekbones and the bridge of the nose for a subtle glow.
Step 5: Groomed Brows
Fill and define brows with short hairlike strokes using a brow pomade. Set with a clear brow gel.
Step 6: Neutral Matte Liquid Lip
Line lips and fill in with a neutral matte liquid lipstick like Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Patina. Blot for a just-kissed stain.
Finish with mascara, and setting spray, and you’re ready to say “I do” with romantic nature-inspired makeup!
Airbrush vs Traditional Makeup for Outdoor Weddings
When it comes to your wedding makeup, should you go for an airbrush or a traditional application? Both have their pros and cons for holding up during an outdoor wedding.
Benefits of Airbrush Makeup
- Flawless, even application without visible brushstrokes
- The thin layer sits on top of the skin so less likely to smudge or wear off
- Looks perfect in photos with a soft filter effect
- Takes less time to apply than traditional makeup
The downside is that it’s more expensive and requires an experienced makeup artist. Airbrush foundation and blush lasts the longest outside.
Making Traditional Makeup Sweatproof
To make traditional powder and cream makeup withstand heat and humidity:
- Prep skin well – exfoliate and hydrate
- Use long-wear liquid foundation and really press it into the skin
- Set with loose powder applied with a damp sponge
- Use cream blush and cream eyeshadows over powders
- Finish with setting spray
Best of Both: Airbrush Base, Traditional Eyes and Lips
A great compromise is to get an airbrushed foundation for flawless skin, then do traditional powder eyeshadow, lipstick, etc. This gives you perfect coverage while keeping other elements easy to touch up!
Bridal Makeup Touch-up Tips for Your Outdoor Wedding
No matter how long-wearing your makeup, you’ll likely need a few touch-ups throughout your outdoor wedding day. Come prepared with products and tools to quickly fix makeup meltdowns.
Must-Have Products for Touch-Ups
Carry these items in a small makeup bag or fanny pack:
- Powder compact and brush
- Lipstick – preferably in a twist-up tube
- Q-tips
- Tweezers – for stray brow hairs
- Concealer
- Blotting papers
Blotting papers are a lifesaver for soaking up excess oil and shine without disturbing your makeup.
When and How to Touch Up Makeup
- Do lighter touch-ups first like powder and lipstick.
- Heavier touch-ups – correct foundation or eyeliner smudges last.
- Apply powder only to the T-zone to avoid cakiness.
- For lipstick – apply to the center of the lips and blend out to refresh the color.
- Gently dab concealer on trouble spots – don’t rub it in.
Avoid Touching Face Too Much
As tempting as it is, try not to touch your face excessively or you’ll risk smearing your makeup more. Blot oil away instead of rubbing it around. And don’t stress – remember, minor smudges aren’t a big deal or even that noticeable in photos!
It’s highly recommended to do a makeup trial before your outdoor wedding day. As this guide on how to do a bridal makeup trial explains, a trial run helps you test products, practice techniques, and get feedback.
Protecting Your Makeup Look After the Ceremony
You did your makeup trial, walked down the aisle looking flawless, and said your I dos. But the wedding day isn’t over yet – it’s time to dance the night away at the reception! Follow these tips to keep your bridal makeup looking fab after you say the big “yes.”
Use Setting Sprays with SPF
Refresh your makeup and protect your skin by misting on a setting spray with SPF like the Coola Makeup Setting Spray SPF 30. Reapply every 2 hours.
Wear a Hat or Parasol
When moving between wedding events, shield your face from the sun with accessories like a wide-brimmed hat, parasol, or even a bouquet! This prevents makeup fading.
Blot Shine – Don’t Rub It Off
Blot away excess oil and sweat with tissues or blotting papers. Dab lightly instead of rubbing, which can remove makeup.
Avoid Mask Removal Compulsion
It’s tempting to touch up makeup frequently, but this usually does more harm than good. Let your makeup be and only do occasional touch-ups. Enjoy the moment!
Staying sweat-free and shaded helps maintain your flawless bridal glam. With strategic touch-ups, you can party the night away with picture-perfect makeup!
Use products designed for longevity and follow tips from this guide to bridal beauty techniques to keep your makeup looking perfect all day.
Conclusion
An outdoor wedding is a romantic dream come true, but it also poses some challenges to keeping your makeup looking fabulous. With the right long-wearing products and application techniques, your look can withstand heat, humidity, tears, and anything else your special day throws your way.
The keys are prepping skin properly, using sweat-proof formulas, and setting makeup with powder, spray, and eyeshadow. Waterproof, transfer-resistant products like matte foundation, liquid lipstick, brow pomade, and gel liner won’t budge.
Touch-ups should be strategic – blot oil rather than rubbing it around, and focus on problem areas. Stay out of the sun when possible after the ceremony and use SPF setting spray to refresh makeup and prevent fading.
While small touch-ups may be needed, you won’t have to worry about your makeup melting away before you’ve even cut the cake. With these tips, your beauty look will be as timeless as the memories you make saying “I do” surrounded by nature’s beauty.
While doing your wedding makeup can save money, consider splurging on a pro makeup artist who’s an expert at beauty looks that last outside. This article explores how to become a professional makeup artist and what skills to look for.
References:
10 Makeup Tips for Outdoor and Day Weddings
How to Avoid a Summer Wedding Makeup Meltdown
