As a Bridal Makeup Artist in North Wales and Cheshire I do my fair share of makeup trials and from this I am constantly asked what lipstick to get, or I will use a lipstick or gloss and then I am asked , what was the shade you used on me.
I will be honest I do not stock a whole load of lipsticks and glosses in my kit and for good reason, one being I tend to have one of a particular type of colour, two they go off really quickly so not cost effective to have too many, and you'll know when a lipstick is on the turn as it goes to smell like crayola wax crayons and I like to travel as light as possible as a mobile mua I don't want to have a kit full of lipstick bullets. and gloss tubes.
In any lipstick search you need to know what is going to suit you and your wedding day is undeniably one of the most photographed days of your life, and naturally, you want to look your absolute best. One crucial aspect of your bridal makeup that can make or break your look is your lipstick.
I would say you need a lipstick and one that is yours, because once I have left the building you are going to need a lipstick for touch-ups through the day, as sadly a lipstick ain't going to give you longevity as it will not with-stand the kisses, canapes, champagne sips and that wedding breakfast.
Here's how you can embark on the quest for your ideal wedding lipstick.
Looking at the Shade of Your Lip to Ascertain What Will Suit You
The journey to finding your perfect wedding day lipstick begins with understanding your natural lip colour. Everyone's lips have a unique undertone, and the colour that looks flawless on your best friend might not necessarily suit you. To determine what will work best, observe your bare lips in natural light. Are they more pink, red, or even a bit purple? Your ideal lipstick will enhance this natural hue, ensuring a seamless and beautiful finish. I know speaking from personal experience I do not suit lipsticks with orange tones and true brown nudes due to a purple hue to my lip and I often opt for plum and mauve tones or blue undertone pinks and reds. Opting for shades that closely match or complement your lips' undertone is a fantastic way to ensure your lipstick feels like a second skin.
Buying a Few Cheaper Drugstore Lipsticks and glosses to find the Perfect Match
Heading out to your local Superdrug or Boots can be great fun. Cheaper "drugstore" brands have vastly improved their formulations and shade ranges, making them a treasure trove for experimentation and my personal favourite brands are L'oreal and Maybelline when it comes to "drugstore" brands, they are really high quality and have a fantastic shade range.
Pick a variety of shades that you feel might complement your look, and from the two brands I mentioned, you would be looking at less that £10 a lipstick. This approach allows you to test different textures (matte, satin, gloss) and colours without breaking the bank. Pay attention to how these shades look under various lighting conditions, and don't forget to check their durability through eating and drinking.
Have a day of visiting luxury makeup concessions and ask the sales assistant to advise
Once you've done your initial research and perhaps have narrowed down your preferences in formula and most importantly the colour, consider dedicating a day to visit high-end makeup counters especially MAC, Pat Mcgrath, Hourglass and Charlotte Tilbury, who in my opinion have the best shades and formulations and they hire sales assistants who are often qualified MUAs.. Another tip is ask the concession stand to book you in for a makeover and by doing this you often get the cost of the appointment back in products to purchase, so a bit of a pamper too. These assistants, being Makeup trained they can offer invaluable advice, not just on the colour but also on the formula that will best meet your needs (think long-lasting, moisturising, or plumping). The experience of trying on lipsticks at a luxury makeup stand also allows you to feel the texture and see the pigment payoff first-hand, ensuring you make a well-informed decision for your big day.
Final Thoughts
Remember, your wedding day is your moment to shine, and choosing the right lipstick plays a significant role in achieving your dream look. Whether it's a soft, natural nude or a bold, statement red, the perfect shade is out there waiting for you. Take your time in this search, involve your friends or family if you wish, and don't shy away from asking for professional help at makeup counters. After all, the journey to finding that ideal lipstick can be just as memorable and enjoyable as wearing it on your wedding day. Happy hunting!
If you are looking for a professional and knowledgeable Makeup professional for your big day then please contact me via the link below to find out my prices and availability.