Photo: Peter & Veronika Photography
Let’s face it, all eyes are on you, and your wedding beauty look, as you walk down the aisle. Regardless of what the weather may throw your way—from scorching temps to torrential downpours—you want to look flawless. That means long-lasting makeup that won’t fade halfway through your first dance. Spoiler alert: your go-to lipstick likely won’t cut it. Beyond just being waterproof, our favorite long-wear makeup formulas are smudge-proof, tear-proof and smooch-proof (trust us, we tested them). In other words, they won’t budge—guaranteeing you stay photo-ready. Here are the products you need to make your wedding makeup last from the first look to the after party.
Photo: Courtesy of Sephora
Primer
Primer is absolutely essential. It smoothes, evens, and preps skin for foundation. It creates a perfect canvas that makes makeup look better and last longer. Smashbox Iconic Photo Finish Foundation Primer diffuses light, blurs imperfections — and works overtime to fill in fine lines and pores. Bring on the flash photography! (“Photo Finish” foundation primer, $36, Smashbox available at Sephora)
Photo: Courtesy of Westmore Beauty
Concealer and Foundation
Next up, you’ll need a concealer and foundation, like Westmore Beauty Coverage Perfector. This creamy 2-in-1 formula delivers buildable coverage, for an airbrushed complexion that lasts up to 24 hours — without budging or transferring. We’re talking Hollywood special effects flawless. (“Coverage Perfector” foundation $36, Westmore Beauty)
Photo: Courtesy of Sephora
Bronzer
There’s nothing better than gorgeous, glowing skin. But between the ceremony and cutting the cake standard bronzers can fall flat. Luckily, there’s Tarte Amazonian Clay Matte Waterproof Bronzer. This photo-friendly formula—in the iconic Park Ave Princess shade—adds instant warmth and dimension that’s bound to stick around. (“Amazonian Clay” matte waterproof bronzer, $30, Tarte available at Sephora)
Photo: Courtesy of Sephora
Blush
Applying a pretty peach or pink blush to the apples of your cheeks really brightens up your face. Look for a lightweight, buildable formula, like Sephora Collection Perfection Mist Airbrush Blush. This fine mist gives you a perfect natural flush. And because it’s waterproof, it’ll stay put through “I do’s,” dinner and dancing. (“Perfection Mist” airbrush blush, $20, Sephora)
Photo: Courtesy of Sephora
Eyeshadow
There’s nothing worse than shadow that creases and melts into lids. The solution: Make Up For Ever Aqua Cream. This ultra-pigmented, waterproof, cream shadow is the top choice of U.S. Olympic synchronized swimmers. So you know it can withstand some pretty extreme conditions. (Aqua cream, $23, Make Up For Ever available at Sephora)
Photo: Courtesy of Sephora
Eyeliner
Whether you’re going for a dramatic cat eye or something more subtle, eyeliner really makes peepers pop. When it comes to wedding makeup, opt for a waterproof product that won’t run if (or, more realistically, when) you tear up. Bridal beauty experts tout the benefits of Laura Mercier Instant Ink 24-Hour Brush Eyeliner. This precision liquid liner goes on smooth and lasts all day (and night). (“Instant Ink” 24-hour brush eyeliner, $30, Laura Mercier available at Sephora)
Photo: Courtesy of Clinique
Mascara
Finish your look by applying a few coats of waterproof mascara. Clinique High Impact Waterproof Mascara is a favorite of blubbering brides everywhere. This cry-proof pick offers instant volume and length that resists flaking, clumping and smudging. (Waterproof mascara, $17.50, Clinique)
See More: Wedding Day Beauty: Top 40 Tips and Tricks
Photo: Courtesy of Anastasia Beverly Hills
Brows
For brows that wow, A-list makeup artists turn to Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade. This award-winning, all-in-one brow perfector glides on easily, dries fast and has major staying power! Plus, it’s available in 11 shades to match your natural brow tone. (“Dipbrow” pomade, $18, Anastasia Beverly Hills)
Photo: Courtesy of Sephora
Lip Liner
The key to a perfect stay put pout? Long-wear liner. Our top pick: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Lip Pencil. This long-lasting, waterproof formula fills in, defines and prevents feathering. In other words, it gets your pucker primed and ready for lipstick. (Lip pencil, $20, Urban Decay available at Sephora)
Photo: Courtesy of Charlotte Tilbury
Lipstick
When it comes to bridal beauty, the red lip is a timeless classic. Charlotte Tilbury Hot Lips in Carina’s Love leaves lips with a modern matte that’s totally first kissable—and will still look fabulous for photo ops later on in the evening. (“Hot Lips” lipstick, $32, Charlotte Tilbury)