Do-it-yourself make up for the wedding, reception and after party

Do-it-yourself make up can be tricky for many on an everyday basis but even more difficult when it comes to wearing it on the wedding day. What is more difficult is finding a way to create a wedding day look that lasts through the reception and well into the evening; especially if you are the make up artist.

There are many shades and types of eye shadow, liners and mascaras on the market that can be used for day and night wear but it comes down to the application that makes all the difference. Day time looks are bit softer while evening looks should have added drama and energy. Moving from day into night can be done simply with eye shadow, two eye-liners and mascara, lipstick and a couple of eye shadow brushes.

If you are doing your own make up for your special event start practicing the look you want well before the wedding day. Trying to change your look the day of the wedding could be a disastrous one.

Starting with an eye shadow trio or quad is the first step in creating a great day look. Many of the eye shadows now have the placement pressed into the color so this will help those who are unfamiliar with using eye shadow. Using your tool of choice; place a darker shade on the outer corner of the eye lid. This will help to give the eye definition and movement. After use the medium eye shadow shade across the eyelid; sweeping it into the darker shade.

Once the lid and lash line eye color has been applied the crease color will be brushed on next. This color should be swept on with the same movement as a windshield wiper. This back and forth motion will blend the crease color into the outer eyelid shade. Lastly, use the lighter shade for the brow bone.

Eye shadow is only part of creating a day look. Eyeliner and mascara will be the tools to accentuate the eyes even further by defining the lashes. For the day look a darker shade will go along well with your subtle day look. Black-brown, brown, dark brown, gray and navy are great examples to use. Begin on the outer part of your top lid working your way across the lid until you get to the tear duct in the corner.

As always, the best is saved for last. Mascara will be the last eye make-up that needs to be applied and choosing water proof mascara is an optimal choice for a wedding. Mascara should start from the outer corner of the eye and work its way in to the corner of the eye. Jiggling the brush at the lash line and smoothing the wand up the lashes should place sufficient mascara on the lashes to “pop” the eyes. Don’t forget to get the bottom lashes. Also, remember not to “pump” the mascara wand but to twist it. Pumping the wand pushes air into the tube which will shorten the life of the mascara, increase bacteria and can create a messy mascara tube.

Once eye make-up has been applied then it’s time to move on to the lips. A natural color is great to give the lips a bit of “pop” for a day look. Gloss is a great finish if lipstick is not your personal favorite. After you have applied your make up add these items in your clutch so you will be able to use them again later.

At the end of the ceremony you may want to freshen up for the reception or after party so an evening look can be done with the tools on hand. First, do not remove the make-up you applied earlier in the day. Just add the same color eye shadow over it and apply some to the lower lid, right under the lashes. This will give the eyes shadow a heavier, smokier look, which adds more of an evening allure.

Although dark eyeliner was used during the day it is a good idea to choose black or darkest black eyeliner for your night out. Start by lining the top lid from the outer corner to the tear duct and lining the bottom lid on the inside rim for a dramatic look. Re-apply a second coat of mascara and your eyes are finished. As far as lipstick goes, the sky is the limit. Dark shades of red, burgundy and pink look great or a gloss will finish the look.

Creating a day look that goes straight into an evening look is an easy transition. It only takes a couple of extra minutes and second application to enhance your day to night look.