Summer is right around the corner and my calendar is already full of wedding events to celebrate some of my closest friends and their love—I can’t wait! Whether you’re a bridesmaid, wedding guest (or even the bride), you know you want to look your best. That’s why I’m rounding up my favorite skin care, makeup and hair products to share with you. I’ve tested each one and found them to be the best for creating makeup and hairstyles that’ll stay all day. They’ve definitely earned a spot in my wedding season beauty kit. Let’s jump right in!
SKINCARE
GLAMGLOW® THIRSTYMUD™ Hydrating Treatment
The night before the big event, I like to give my skin a big drink of water to fully hydrate and plump up overnight. This is especially important if you’re traveling for a wedding and your skin is exposed to dry airplane air. This leave-on mask is super thick and hydrating, and makes my skin feel so good.
Botanics 100% Organic Nourishing Facial Oil
Facial oils have been an obsession of mine lately, so I’ll even apply a layer of this Botanics oil after my mask to lock in moisture. But it’s not only great for your face—this oil can also work triple duty. I apply it to my cuticles (the best beauty hack if your manicure needs a pick-me-up), hands, elbows, ends of my hair…anywhere that needs some extra moisture.
Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat Blur Primer
The morning of the wedding, I’ll wash and moisturize my face as usual—I always suggest sticking with the cleansers, serums and other items you use regularly to avoid any “big day” skin issues. When I’m ready to start my makeup, I reach for this primer. Not only is the bottle beautiful, but it works wonders to smooth out pores and create the perfect canvas for makeup. Go easy on this stuff; one pump is plenty for your entire face. I start by applying it in the middle of my face (nose, cheeks) where pores are most visible, and then work outwards until it’s blended smoothly into the skin.
HAIR
Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo
Maybe it’s the California girl in me, but I love wedding hairstyles that are romantic, organic and slightly undone—something about them just makes me swoon. Whether I’m wearing second-day hair or freshly washed, this dry shampoo spray helps give my hair extra grip that makes it easier to style any look, from loose waves to an updo. As a brunette, I also love that this doesn’t leave any white residue like other dry shampoos can.
When this Dyson Supersonic hair dryer came out, I was immediately intrigued since the other Dyson products I own are amazing (LOVE my Dyson Fan Heater!). Not only is the Supersonic lightweight—great for your carry-on—but it’s very quiet compared to a standard hair dryer, so it’s perfect for getting ready in a shared space with the bridal party or in a hotel room with your significant other. I actually just learned a few great tips for creating wedding day hair with the Dyson Supersonic from a certain celeb hairstylist that I’ll share with you. This stylist loves using the diffuser attachment to create effortless body and waves. If you’re starting with wet hair, rough dry your hair completely (which takes me five minutes with the Dyson and I have crazy thick hair!). Then pop on the magnetic click-on diffuser attachment, place hair in the attachment, and cradle and release each section for a perfectly undone, romantic look. I can also add a bend in my hair by coiling up a section on my finger, holding it under the hair dryer for a few seconds, and then giving it a cool blast to set it. I also love the constant cold setting, because it gives my hair a big boost of shine.
MAKEUP
I know makeup tastes can vary based on personal preference and whether you want to go more natural or dramatic on any particular day, so my favorites below are super-versatile. Based on how you apply, they can look perfectly natural or glammed up. After all, the best wedding day makeup look is the one you feel most confident in!
Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup
I discovered this foundation about a year ago and wish I did sooner—I’m so in love with it. My skin can be a combination of dry and oily (sometimes more dry, sometimes more oily) and this foundation works for me, no matter what. I love that it can stay in place for 24-hour wear (hey, some wedding receptions can go into the wee hours of the morning, right?) and doesn’t make my skin feel greasy by afternoon. It comes in 36 shades, so I would recommend color-matching your skin tone in-store to find your best shade.
Tarte Shape Tape Contour Concealer
This concealer is a cult favorite among makeup lovers, and I reach for it when I want a concealer that lasts and won’t crease up. I’ll admit I’m a crier at weddings, so I keep this in my bag for touch-ups since “Little Miss Waterworks” over here will need it!
Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara
Since I cry at weddings, I opt for waterproof mascara to tint and lengthen my lashes. I give myself two coats of this and it stays put through my happy tears. Waterproof mascara can be tricky to get off, so just make sure you have makeup wipes to help remove it at the end of the night.
Tarte Tarteist PRO Amazonian Clay Palette
I love eye shadow palettes because of the endless possibilities you can create with them, and this Tarte palette in particular has some of the most romantic and beautiful shades to play with. Depending on what I’m wearing for a wedding, I’ll use the colors across one row of the palette, or mix and match a few of my favorites. One of my favorite eye shadow tricks is to use eye shadow and water as eyeliner. Dip your slanted liner brush in water, then dip it into the eye shadow and apply. I’ve been doing this a lot recently for a more smoky winged liner look.
Knowing that I have my beauty kit all set for this summer’s upcoming weddings means less preparation stress, so I can focus on living in the moment and celebrating with my friends and family. Give some of these products a try as you build out your own wedding kit too!
In partnership with Dyson
Katie says
Absolutely gorgeous!! Thank you for all your suggestions. There are a lot of products I’ll add to my wishlist now!
{ Katie Actually }
Ewa Macherowska says
Nice post! 😉
http://www.evdaily.blogspot.com
Mary Edwards says
Your hair is gorgeous! I’ve been wondering how well the Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer works. Now I really need one!!!
Catherine Sargent says
These all sound like great products. I would like to try the Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
I love these picks, and I WILL be trying all of them. They are obviously working for you. You are so pretty, and your hair!
Melissa Chapman says
I loved all your special day ideas but I don’t have any coming up soon. I need a new dry shampoo which I use constantly so I will try this one.
Liz Mays says
Great choices! They’re definitely going to be handy for any kinds of special occasions. I’m going to have to try a dry shampoo like yours at some point.
Pam Wattenbarger says
I haven’t tried that Living Proof dry shampoo before. I need to, I am still on the hunt for the perfect dry shampoo.
Louise Bishop says
It looks like I have some new products to test! I have a few that caught my eye.
Joanna Clute says
I want that hair dryer! I’ve been wanting one for a long time!
Wendy Polisi says
You’ve sure got quite the list here! Wedding season does call for a lot of things though!
Toni | Boulder Locavore says
These are really great tips! Love those picks! I don’t have a wedding to attend but will use your tips for special events, too! 😀
travel blogger says
I would love to try that contour concealer and that hair dryer! I have really thick hair so a dryer that can help me dry my hair faster is always a plus. Great list of necessities!
Kelly Hutchinson says
I need a new hair dryer and that looks amazing! If I could get my hair to look like yours! I am not that talented!
Amy Desrosiers says
I love the oil tip! Right now, the AC is really starting to dry my skin so I could use some extra moisture all over my body.
Our Family World says
You are so pretty you actually don’t need make up at all! I love that Dyson Hair dryer. I have to learn how to style my hair instead of just tying it up in a bun or ponytail. Thanks for the great beauty product list!
Crystal says
We just got a save the date card. I’m so excited! It’s been so long since we’ve been to a wedding. These are all great looking products. Not sure guests need to spend as much time prepping, but I don’t care. I’m getting dressed up and celebrating.
Makeba Giles says
That hairdryer seems like it’s really cool! I’m in a need of a new hairdryer — I’ll have to check it out. I love your other finds too!
Stephanie Z says
The GLAMGLOW® THIRSTYMUD™ Hydrating Treatment sounds very moisturizing. I bet it would be great in the Winter as well!