Summer-Proof Wedding Hair and Makeup Tips From a Pro
Even though it may not feel this way now – Summer is right around the corner! So we can look forward to long sunny days, days by the pool, and of course, gorgeous outdoor weddings. But, with the warmer weather comes some beauty woes that even the professionals have to consider when making up their brides on the big day.
That’s why we spoke with Megan Garmers, founder of mg hair & makeup, about how she handles brides in the summer season. So whether you are a summer bride or a guest at a summer wedding, she’s got the ultimate advice on how to keep your hair and makeup summer-proof.
1. What are a few things you do special for summer brides to keep their hair & makeup intact?
Depending on the type of skin/hair a bride has, there are different products and combinations that we use to help with longevity of the bridal beauty look. For oily skin, you don’t want to have too many thick layers of product on the face. For hair, you want to make sure the hairspray is a strong hold to last even through the humidity.
2. What hairstyles do you recommend to summer brides?
Generally, the hairstyle should be however the bride feels most comfortable. On a long day at work, if she would normally put her hair up, then we suggest to do a style that would be away from her face and neck. If she feels most comfortable with her hair down, we would suggest half-up or all down depending.
The only other thing to consider (and it sounds gross but it is an important factor…) is whether or not the bride sweats on her neck and back. If so, it is best to have the hair up and away from those areas because no matter how industrial-strength the product is, when the hair is being drenched in sweat, the curl and hair will go limp and the curl and body will be gone.
3. How do you keep makeup from melting/dripping off?
The most important thing to consider for makeup longevity is the skin type. Different types of makeup work better with different types of skin. Keeping the cream or liquid complexion products to thinner layers and using pressed powder as well as powder blush are generally better choices to avoid makeup meltdowns.
4. What are some things you tell brides to do after you leave to keep them looking perfect and sweat-free?
Having brides plan their day so they are not standing in the sun between 11 am-2 pm is the best way to stay sweat-free because those are the peak sun times and will be the hottest. If you feel like you are starting to sweat, it is best to have a paper towel (the cheap brown ones are great) and press the towel on the skin to absorb the sweat/water. It is important not to rub but instead press directly down and up from the skin so the makeup will stay intact.
It is most important to address sweat as it comes up instead of waiting. The longer it stays there, the more opportunity the sweat and oil can mix to start breaking down the makeup from below (at the skin’s surface) as well as from above (sweat dripping down in rivers).
5. What are a few things guests can do at home to keep their own makeup and hair looking great at a summer wedding?
The most important thing is to know your skin and hair type so you can purchase products that are best for you. Putting your hair up is generally going to be the longest lasting because it will be pinned in place. For makeup, if you are a guest, you don’t have the pressure of being in all the photos so you can really focus on one area of your face (eyes or lips) so you can use lightweight products on the other area. Primers can help but be careful not to go overboard or make it too thick. Setting sprays can also be helpful. The good thing is that makeup products today are a million times better than 20 years ago and there are so many options to choose from.
6. Do you have any specific products you gravitate towards in the summer?
Balmain Session Spray is a great strong hold hairspray and holds up even in humid climates. Living Proof Thickening Mousse is also a great choice to help add volume to fine or thin hair. For makeup, Make Up For Ever Full Cover Concealer is a great choice because it is alcohol-based and waterproof. For lips, Make Up For Ever Aqua Lips are great to use and fill in the entire lip area as a waterproof base to help your lip color last longer.
7. What are some go-to summer makeup and hair looks you recommend?
The best summer looks are ones that last and don’t look too heavy. You can do a smoky eye with a bronze or plum color to add some depth without making it all black or dark. You can also do a darker lip color in a gloss so it is more sheer and seems more summer-y.
Braids are still really popular and can add interest to a simple bun or updo. They also are fairly heat and humidity-resistant so you don’t have worry about if it will look the same by the end of the night.
Style Me Pretty Contributor – Jessica Tzikas is a freelance writer, editor, and content manager from South Florida, who recently moved back to the sunshine state after living in Philadelphia for the past few years. When she isn’t writing, you can find her reading by the beach, spoiling her black lab, and exploring nearby towns with her new husband.