The Ultimate Makeup Tips for Brides Getting Married in Italy

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding in Italy! Planning your big day in this enchanting country is a dream come true but often the unpredictable weather can mean that your regular event makeup might not last as long. As a makeup artist, I understand the importance of looking and feeling your best on your wedding day. Italy's breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage demand a makeup look that complements the beauty of the surroundings while lasting through the romantic celebration. Getting married overseas can sometimes be costly and a professional makeup artist may not always fit in the budget so keep reading for my top makeup tips for brides getting married in Italy, ensuring you radiate beauty and confidence on your special day.

Embrace the Effortless Elegance of Italian Beauty:

Italy is renowned for its effortlessly chic and elegant style, and your wedding makeup should reflect this aesthetic. Aim for a timeless and classic look that enhances your natural beauty, using soft and earthy tones to create a fresh and romantic appearance. Don’t pile on the foundation; in hot weather a heavy layer of foundation may melt and look less than flawless! Instead, opt for a medium-full coverage foundation but only apply a thin layer. Set this with blurring powders that contain a small amount of coverage, such as the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powders.

 

Prep Your Skin for the Big Day:

To achieve a flawless and long-lasting makeup look, start with a solid skincare routine leading up to your wedding. Hydrate your skin with a quality serum and moisturiser designed to promote radiance like the Glow Recipe Watermelon Dew Drops. Use a chemical exfoliator regularly to ensure your skin is radiant and glowing – we love the Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel Pads. Finally, don’t skip the daily sunscreen! Nothing will age your skin faster than sun exposure. Try the La Roche Posay Anthelios SPF50.

 

Choose a Water-Resistant Primer and Foundation:

Given Italy's sunny (and sweaty!) climate and the possibility of shedding a few tears of joy, opting for a water-resistant foundation is essential. This will help your makeup stay intact throughout the day and night, ensuring you look picture-perfect from the ceremony to the final dance. My top picks for a water resistant base include: Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer, Mac Face and Body Foundation, Stila Stay All Day Foundation, Dior Backstage Foundation

 

Emphasize Your Eyes:

Your eyes are the windows to your soul, and in Italy, they should captivate just like the country's beautiful art and architecture. Consider a soft smoky eye or a natural look with defined lashes to add depth and intensity to your gaze. Waterproof mascara is a must to prevent smudging, especially if you're having an outdoor ceremony. A good quality eyeshadow primer is also a must for all-day wear – the best one on the market is the NARS Eyeshadow Primer. Not only will this help your eyeshadow blend better and give more intense colour payoff, but it will prevent your eyeshadow from creasing or disappearing all together if the waterworks come out!

 

Opt for a Sun-Kissed Glow:

Italy's warm climate calls for a radiant, sun-kissed complexion. Use a bronzer to lightly contour your face and add a touch of warmth. However, remember to keep it subtle and natural, so you don't overshadow your bridal glow. Instead of using a heavy grey-based contour, choose a bronzer with a subtle red undertone to mimic a sunkissed holiday glow – just like a natural tan! NARS Laguna Bronzer or Hourglass Radiant Bronze Light both are the perfect tone for bronzing and shaping the face in one simple step.

 

Bring Out Your Lips with a Stunning Hue:

For your lips, go for a color that complements the Italian charm while remaining kiss-proof for the "I do" moment. Classic reds, soft pinks, or warm terracotta shades are all excellent choices. Consider using a lip liner to define your lips and prevent any color from feathering.

 

Set Your Makeup for All-Day Wear:

To ensure your makeup lasts through the festivities, set it with a translucent powder or a makeup setting spray. This step will minimize shine and keep your look fresh and polished throughout the day, no matter how much dancing you do! Some of our faves are One Size Beauty Setting Spray, Charlotte Tilbury Setting Spray, Kryolan Fixing Spray

 

As you prepare for your wedding in the captivating country of Italy, these ultimate makeup tips will help you achieve a stunning and long-lasting bridal look. Embrace the natural beauty and effortless elegance of Italy, and remember to take care of your skin in the lead-up to the big day. By following these tips, you'll be a radiant and confident bride, ready to cherish every moment of your dream Italian wedding. Congratulations on your journey to becoming a beautiful bride in Italy!

Madeline Smith