9 bridal makeup products that belong in every wedding day kit

Some brides wouldn’t dream of their ideal beauty look without enlisting the help of a celebrity makeup artist. For some, DIY-ing their makeup might be a preferred option, while others might simply want to rest the fate of their face in some trusty favourites. No matter what your reason is, it pays to invest in a range of makeup essentials yourself. A great plus: Your special day proffers up the perfect opportunity to splurge in a few versatile products that promise to come handy during the celebrations (and beyond).

We have curated a ready reckoner with the key makeup products in any kit along with tips on how to use them, so that you’re well prepared for your big day.

A long-lasting, high definition foundation

Dior Forever No-Transfer 24H Wear Matte Foundation, ₹6,300

NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation, ₹4,500

When you get down to brass tacks, foundation should be your starting point. Look for a product that not only makes your skin appear perfectly airbrushed, but also lasts all day. Terms like long-lasting and long-wear should be your cue. High-definition foundation, which is boosted with pigments that reflect light, is another apt way to go about it. Steer clear from SPF infused options for best effect. Foundation should be applied with your fingers in a circular motion in sections on your face down to your neck.

A mattifying primer

Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base, ₹6,250

Benefit Cosmetics The Porefessional Matte Primer, ₹3,600

Without proper prep, your skin can be something of a blotched nightmare. After all, you’ll want your makeup to hold up through the last selfie, toast and twirl. This makes primer extremely essential. The thumb rule is to use a primer, and lots of it. Spread it on your face, lips and eyelids after you’re done with your cleansing and moisturising routine, then top with a foundation to create a smooth base. Depending on your skin type, you may want to skip moisturiser and go in with a hydrating primer instead.

An easy-to-blend concealer

Rare Beauty Liquid Touch Brightening Concealer, ₹3,000

Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Wear All Over Concealer, ₹2,900

You probably won’t get enough shut-eye during your wedding festivities, but this is the one time when you want to look your fresh-faced best. This requires a seriously heavy-duty concealer that doesn’t crease or spread, and blends perfectly with your skin tone to cover unforgiving last-minute zits, blemishes or discolouration. Dot a creamy formula on the inner corners of your eyes after your foundation, and work it outwards while pressing into the shadow areas with your fingertips. Want to camouflage a zit? Just apply concealer right on top of it, and blend till it disappears.

Different types of blush

CHANEL JOUES CONTRASTE POWDER BLUSH, ₹5,300

Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush, ₹3,125

A blush will help you fake a healthy flush instantly, making it an imperative addition to your bridal beauty stash. Brides with dry skin must look to a cream blush—a few dabs will give you a dewy glow. If you have normal or oily skin, the powder blush works wonders. For a more pigmented formula, a liquid will serve well. Pro tip: layer blushes of different textures to lock in the colour and provide long-lasting coverage.

A compact setting powder

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish, ₹2,900

M·A·C Cosmetics Studio Fix Pro Set + Blur Weightless Loose Powder, ₹2,950

Lock in your base with a pressed or loose setting powder. One swipe of a brush will absorb excess oils to give a visibly flawless finish. A compact size will also be handy for touch-ups later.

An all-in-one eyeshadow palette

Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam Eyeshadow Palette, ₹4,800

Huda Beauty Empowered Eyeshadow Palette, ₹5,900

Your wedding day is the perfect opportunity to pack some punch with your eye makeup. Look for a palette that combines neutrals and metallic shades. Warm, earthy tones work best with Indian skin. Shades of gold, bronze and copper also do well together, and the modern Indian bride can opt for these colours without a second thought.

Waterproof eye makeup

24-Hour Waterproof Kajal Liner, ₹1,200

YSL Lash Clash Extreme Volume Waterproof Mascara, ₹3,200

A waterproof formula is the only answer to smudge-proof, sweat-proof and even tear-proof your eye makeup. Make sure to add a highly pigmented long-wear eyeliner to your makeup kit. Another non-negotiable? A mascara. But before you buy one, decide whether you’re looking for length or volume.

A pigmented highlighter

Smashbox X BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector™ Pressed Highlighter, ₹3,750

Diamond Bomb All-Over Diamond Veil,
₹4,375

A highlighter can serve as the perfect pick-me-up for your complexion, and provide a lit-from-within glow when applied to the high points of the face (cheekbones, tip of the nose, brow bones, and Cupid’s bow). Choose your formula according to the look you want to achieve—a powder highlighter will give you a matte look, a cream or balm version will leave you with dewy face, while a liquid highlighter will provide the most intense colour pay-off.

Lipstick

Givenchy Le Rouge Sheer Velvet Matte Lipstick, ₹4,300

Yves Saint Laurent The Inks Vinyl Cream Liquid Lipstick, ₹4,000

The last step to your bridal makeup, lipstick is a staple. Keep a red, pink and a nude at the ready. While matte formulas will last the longest, don’t have any qualms about opting for a creamy option.

Also read:

Deepika Padukone’s wedding makeup artist on how to bring colour into your bridal look

Celebrity makeup artists share tips on sweat-proofing your bridal makeup

8 bridal beauty hacks that will help you deal with every makeup emergency

5 wedding day manicure trends for every kind of bride