1 / 9
The best long-lasting makeup for weddings
Weddings; they’re emotional. Often, they also take place in warm weather, or, in typical British style, torrential rain. They also demand all-day decorum - mascara on your chin during the speeches just won’t do. To avoid makeup meltdown, and disguise the evidence of sentimental sobbing, equip yourself with longlasting beauty products that have been proven to stand the test of time and tears. In the name of research I’ve surfed (badly), swum and stood under the shower wearing an array of these beauty bits to test they’re true mettle. If they don’t see you from ceremony to canapés to carriages, Kleenex and a nice cup of tea really is your only option.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
2 / 9
Laura Mercier Oil-Free Primer
Apart from ‘I do’, the most important two words on your wedding day should be ‘oil-free’, unless you have very dry skin that is. Rich and creamy prep products will cause makeup slippage; add humidity and all-day merriment into the mix and you have a recipe for cosmetic catastrophe. Oil-free products on the other hand will absorb grease and keep shine (not to mention breakouts ) at bay. The lightweight texture of many oil-free products also means that your makeup will glide on smoothly without looking thick or heavy, meaning that you can layer products more effectively and get away with wearing less makeup (you won’t have to reapply it either).
The holy grail of the oil-free arsenal is a primer - it will anchor your base for the day so that you can get on with more important things, such as kissing, eating, dancing and... getting married. This Laura Mercier primer is a cult classic thanks to its lightly hydrating formula and velvety finish. It’s worth the cost for the peace of mind and flawless wedding photos alone.
3 / 9
Estée Lauder Doublewear Light
This, my friends, has survived many a sweaty hike, clammy dancefloor and surf session. It will stay for days, nay, years if you let it. It’s seriously into commitment, thus perfect for any wedding day, whether or not it’s your own. Sheerer than the original Doublewear formulation, as the name suggests, this foundation somehow airbrushes away flaws while remaining fresh and comfortable. It’s mattifying yet convincingly ‘real’ looking - apply a thin layer, blend and forget all about it. It’s what dreams are made of (a makeup maniac's dreams anyhow).
Estée Lauder Doublewear Light , £33.50
4 / 9
MAC Studio Finish SPF 35 Concealer
If pesky blemishes are threatening to upstage the bride, banish them with this lightweight yet longlasting concealer. It’s fragrance-free, contains oil absorbing silica and blurs imperfections instantly. Apply with either your ring finger or a concealer brush and tread lightly - a little goes a long way. For spot-correcting, nothing beats it. It’s also water-resistant should the rain/champagne get to you. As is the next wedding appropriate item…
MAC Studio Finish SPF 35 Concealer , £16.50
5 / 9
Chanel Stylo Yeux Waterproof
I’ve sung the praises of these smudgy yet steadfast eyeliner pens many times - my family and friends are now Chanel liner loyalists (the female ones... I’m working on the male contingent). They’re available in an array of rich, flattering shades and stay put come rain, shine and hilarious/heartfelt speeches. Trace the precise nib around the eye and blend quickly for instant definition or simply line along the top lashline for a soft, doe-eyed finish.
6 / 9
Lancȏme Hypnȏse Waterproof Mascara
It goes without saying that waterproof mascara is a wedding day prerequisite, and this classic lash builder is one of the best. Short of resorting to falsies, which can be a risky move on the day of your nuptials, this much-loved mascara will create a perfect fan of lashes and won’t leave you flaking or clumping at the altar. It’s a lovely, satisfyingly sooty black and it doesn’t migrate down your cheeks when you ‘have something in your eye’.
7 / 9
Hourglass Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick
Feel free to attack the buffet with gusto - this liquid lipstick has your colour under lock and key. The intense fluid formula dries to a soft matte finish that, unlike other longwearing lipsticks I’ve tried, isn’t too drying and doesn’t flake off by lunchtime. You only need the thinnest layer to achieve 14 hours worth of wear, and it doesn’t come off on ANYTHING. Champagne flute, the groom, your gran... they’re all safe.
8 / 9
Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Setting Spray
Whether or not you’re pulling an all-nighter, this genius makeup mist seals the deal on the big day. It’s been rigorously formulated and tested to last up to 16 hours and features unique Temperature Control Technology. Just think of it as non-drying air con for your face - it helps both you and your makeup to maintain your cool, keeping everything in place and looking picture perfect. Akin to a freeze frame, in a good way.
9 / 9
Clinique Take The Day off Makeup Remover for Lids, Lashes and Lips
The day has to end at some point, and when it does, cosy up to this. You’ll need something gentle yet strong, powerful yet sensitive to your needs. Yes your groom is no doubt great, but this Clinique makeup remover is the practical option to “undress” your face. It whips everything off in no time. Job done.
Clinique Take The Day off Makeup Remover for Lids, Lashes and Lips , £18