I got married over a year ago at Calamigos Ranch in Malibu. There was a lot of planning and coordination that went into it but, funny enough, one of the things that I was most particular (actually, crazy) about was my wedding day makeup. The last thing I wanted was to show up to my big day not looking like myself. However, I was aware that it had to be on the heavier side if I wanted it to show up in pictures and to last all day. I love makeup and think I’ve mastered my own routine and even considered doing it myself but I didn’t want to add another element of stress to a day that should be all about having fun!

I finally found my wedding day makeup artist, Courtney Dapper, via Instagram (of course) and felt like she was the perfect mix of natural and glam. I had not one, but two trials with her to nail down the exact products and shades we would be using on the wedding day (thanks again for your patience, Court!). One of the things I loved about her was that she listened and let me incorporate the products I use and love into her final look. Here is what we used and why. Hopefully this helps some brides out there and anyone else interested in makeup!

Skin Prep

One thing that Court stressed at each trial was that if your skin is not in the best shape, it will show no matter how much makeup you use to cover up. I was religious about cleansing, toning, moisturizing and exfoliating during the months leading up to the wedding and it made all the difference. On the day of, I cleansed with the IS Clinical Cleansing Complex, did a collagen sheet mask and Skyn Iceland eye patches. I then used my tried and true Dr. Dennis Gross Moisture Cushion to moisturize. After that, we used the Cover FX blurring primer to finish prepping for makeup.

Foundation – Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion

I felt like this was just the right amount of coverage without being too matte or cakey. Another thing that is a must with wedding foundation is making sure it doesn’t have SPF in it which can cause flashback in photos.

Concealer – Nars Creamy Radiant in the color custard

This is one that I use everyday and love, I alternate between a few others including Tarte and Too Faced but always come back to this.

Bronzer – Chanel Soleil Tan

This is a HG product and whenever I need to do my own makeup for events it makes allll the difference. Its kind of a cream to powder consistency and even though I was intimidated at first it’s really easy to use. A little goes a long way! This was applied wherever the sun naturally hits on the high points of my face (cheeks, hairline and jawline).

Contour + Highlight – Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze + Glow

This is probably one of my favorite products of all time. It’s the perfect shade to contour with – not too warm or too cool and it looks super natural. Also, the highlight side of the palette is out of this world. It’s very finely milled and gets the job done without making you look like a disco ball.

Blush – Nars in the color Amour and Becca in Camellia

Blush and lipstick shades were some of the hardest products to decide on! I feel like some got way too orange toned on my skin, but I also didn’t want it to be too washed out because it was a summer wedding. I ended up choosing Amour because it was a bright pink with coral undertones. The Becca blush on top gave it the perfect pop with a bit of shimmer. I always love mixing a matte and luminous blush for dimension.

Powder – Laura Mercier Translucent Powder + Charlotte Tilbury Pressed Powder

I love both of these and use them all the time. This translucent powder is great for events because it eliminates shininess and doesn’t cause flashback in photos. The Charlotte Tilbury one adds a bit more coverage and acts as a real life filter. I kept this in my clutch to touch up with all night.

Eyeshadow – Tarte Tartlette in Bloom Palette

This is one of my favorite eyeshadow palettes that I’m most comfortable using on myself. I figured it’s best to stick to shades you know you love. Courtney used the perfect combination of the shades Smarty Pants, Firecracker, Funny Girl, Jetsetter, Rebel, and Activist on top of a shimmery cream shadow. Also, don’t forget about an eyelid primer – we used the Urban Decay Primer Potion one to ensure the shadow would stay in place all night long.

Eyeliner – Makeup For Ever Aqua XL Pencil

This is one of the only eyeliners I can use because I have really sensitive eyes. It’s a waterproof pencil that has more of a gel-like consistency. It’s very buildable and perfect for wedding day makeup. I also love using the Tarte double take liquid liner on top for more definition.

Mascara – Waterproof Tarte Lights, Camera, Splashes

I love this one and it held up great throughout the day and night (which included just a bit of crying… happy tears, of course!) She used this on bottom and top lashes, and over the fake strip lashes she had applied. She used very natural one’s because although individual lashes look great, she explained that they can easily come off and point every which direction.

Lipliner – Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat in Pillow Talk

This is one that I love and have been using for years. Seriously, lip injections without the needles!

Lipstick – Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution in Pillow Talk + Anastasia Matte Lipstick in Kiss

I finally found these shades at Sephora and was so happy with how they came out once mixed together. I also loved that the consistencies balanced each other out. They’re both considered to be matte lipsticks but Pillow Talk was a bit more creamy and Kiss was more matte and long-wearing. The perfect duo! In my opinion it’s the best rosy nude pink that doesn’t wash you out.

Gloss – Chanel Le Rouge Duo in Darling Pink

I don’t usually do gloss, I’ll use a balm or chapstick but I highly recommend this one for events. One side is essentially a liquid lipstick and the other is a gloss. A women at the Chanel counter swore by it and man was she right. Courtney dabbed a bit of the light pink color (which looks better on than in the tube) and had me press my lips together to blend. Then she put a little bit of the gloss on top. I think this helped to seal in the color and keep it from feathering. It wasn’t super tacky or glossy and “dried” pretty soon afterwards. It lasted through kisses!

Setting Spray – Urban Decay All Nighter

I swear by this stuff. I have combination skin and this really helped keep the shine off of my T-zone all the way until the end of the night. I remember taking a picture of my final look at around 1am and sending it to Courney raving about how the makeup lasted. I’ll spare you the intoxicated selfie!

For wedding day makeup questions or anything else product related, please reach out to me, I’m always happy to help. Hope you enjoyed!