Four Makeup Tips To Achieve The Perfect Reception Look

When planning a reception, it’s important to consider the weather at that time of the year. A beautiful ceremony can be ruined by rain or hot weather, so plan accordingly. Here are a few key makeup tips to achieve the perfect wedding reception makeup look. Your reception makeup should be long lasting, photograph beautifully, and complement your overall bridal aesthetic whilst being comfortable enough to wear for hours of celebrating. The right makeup choices will ensure you look radiant from your first entrance to your final dance of the evening.

A classic look with a smoky eye

A classic look that will never be out of style is a smoky eye with a matte lip. This reception makeup look is more subdued than the one you would wear at your wedding, and it will look very subtle.

Here’s how to do it:

The first step is to apply primer to your eyelids and lips. Then, use a light brown or black eye shadow to create a basic smoky look. Use a slightly darker shade than your base colour for the lid and slightly lighter in the crease. Sweep over your lids and along your lower lash line with a small brush to create depth. To finish, apply a light dusting of bronzer on the cheeks and nose for an added boost of warmth.

The beauty of a smoky eye is its versatility, as it transitions seamlessly from day to evening and complements virtually any dress style or colour. For a softer, more romantic version, consider using warm brown or taupe shades instead of black, which can create a gentler effect whilst still adding definition. Don’t forget to set your eye makeup with a setting spray to ensure it stays perfect throughout hours of dancing and celebration. Adding a touch of shimmer to the inner corners of your eyes can also brighten your overall look and make your eyes appear more awake in photographs.

If you’re worried about fallout or smudging, place a tissue under your eyes whilst applying the darker shades, and use a cotton bud dipped in makeup remover to clean up any mistakes.

How to prepare your skin before applying your base and concealer

You should prepare your skin before applying your base and concealer to get the best results. You can do this by using a primer to help your makeup stay on all day long.

You can also use a moisturiser to ensure that your skin is hydrated before applying any makeup. This will help prevent dry patches from forming and keep your makeup looking fresh for longer.

Proper skin preparation is the foundation of long lasting makeup, especially for events that last several hours. Start your routine at least 30 minutes before applying makeup to allow skincare products to fully absorb into your skin. Consider using a hydrating face mask the night before your reception to give your skin an extra boost of moisture and radiance. Exfoliating gently a day or two before will also help remove any dead skin cells, creating a smooth canvas for makeup application.

If you have oily skin, opt for a mattifying primer in your T-zone to control shine, whilst using a hydrating primer on drier areas of your face. For those with combination skin, don’t be afraid to use different primers on different areas of your face to address specific concerns. Allow your primer to set for at least a minute before applying foundation, as this gives it time to create that perfect barrier between your skin and makeup.

What are the best eyeliner products for different eye shapes?

Eyeliner is one of the most important makeup products you should have in your makeup kit, as it can make your eyes look bigger and prettier. You will need to know what type of eye shape you have to find the best eyeliner for your eyes.

For small eyes: You want a pencil or liquid liner that is thin and precise, so it doesn’t overwhelm or extend past the natural crease of your lid.

For wide eyes: You should use a liquid liner or gel liner on top of an eyelid primer, as these formulas will help you achieve more intense look.

Understanding your eye shape is crucial for selecting the most flattering eyeliner technique and product. For hooded eyes, use a waterproof gel or liquid liner and focus on the outer corners to create a lifted effect, avoiding thick lines in the centre of the lid, which can disappear when your eyes are open. Those with downturned eyes should concentrate liner application on the outer upper lash line, winging it upwards to create the illusion of lift. Round eyes benefit from extending the liner slightly past the outer corner to elongate the eye shape.

Almond shaped eyes are versatile and can carry almost any liner style beautifully, from thin and natural to bold and dramatic. For close-set eyes, start your liner from the middle of the lash line rather than the inner corner to create the appearance of more space between the eyes. Waterproof formulas are essential for receptions, as they’ll withstand tears of joy, humidity, and long hours of wear without smudging or fading.

Achieve a healthy glow with a bit of colour on your cheeks

The colour on your cheeks can do so much more than make you look healthy; it will also help you appear confident and give you a youthful appearance. This section will share the best blush colours for different skin tones and how to apply them for the best effect that makes you look more radiant and give you a fresh appearance.

• Apply blush on your cheekbones

• Use the colour that matches your skin tone. If you have fair skin, use light colours such as peach or light pink. For dark skin, use dark colours like brown, maroon or plum

• Apply it in an upward motion from the apples of your cheeks to the hairline on your forehead

• Blend it up and across with a brush or fingers in a circular motion

The placement of your blush can significantly affect how your face photographs and how lifted your features appear. Cream blushes offer a more natural, dewy finish that photographs beautifully and melds seamlessly with your skin, whilst powder blushes provide longer lasting colour and work better for oily skin types.  With these simple tips, you’re ready for your wedding reception.

With over eight years of international hair and makeup experience and one of the Top 10 Best Makeup Artists in Sydney, Heera can help you achieve the perfect wedding reception look to enhance your natural beauty.

Request a free no-obligation quote from Heera Hair and Makeup today.