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(Beauty Report Card)

Wedding Guest Makeup Essentials That Will Get Me Through My Summer Of Nuptials

I’m ready to roll.

by Angela Melero

July 15, 2023

wedding guest makeup

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After a few years of hiatus, my status as the ultimate wedding guest will officially be reclaimed, as I will be attending a whopping five weddings in 2023. While this may send some blood pressures through the roof, I couldn’t be more delighted. Seriously, I’m a great time: I thrive on a good wedding. I mean, what’s not to love? Reuniting with friends, dancing the night away, cake, lively Champagne toasts. My favorite part, however, is having the opportunity to dress up to the nines and feel like my most glamorous self. That said, things can get tricky during the summer nuptial season as the sweltering heat can threaten to put a damper on said glamorous moments, particularly in regards to pristine wedding guest makeup. There’s nothing worse than sweaty foundation and running mascara, amirite? That’s why, as I rev up for the marathon of “I dos” coming up in the next few months, I’m arming myself with some key essentials that’ll keep my face in check for hours on end, with minimal touchups required.

Now, this probably goes without saying, but most formal event makeup looks require a bit more work than an everyday beat. While I don’t go for over-the-top glam, I definitely like to enhance or elevate the steps in my routine. For example, instead of my go-to lengthening mascara, I’ll pop in some faux lashes for extra va-va-voom. My signature red or pink lip will be slightly more outlined and carefully defined. My typical bare or neutral eyelids will be dusted with shimmering or smoky shadows and lined with a dramatic cat eye or razor-sharp wing. Just talking about these little details gets me excited — chalk it up to years of makeup-free weekends spent in sweatpants and eating pizza on my couch with my dog.

As I prep my personal wedding guest makeup kit (yes, I’ve officially designated one), check the essentials that will get me through the season of love without a hitch.

Cosmos Eyeshadow Palette

Anastasia Beverly Hills

Cosmos Eyeshadow Palette

While I’ve only had this palette for a couple of weeks, it’s already solidified itself in my arsenal as summer staple. The options are literally endless with this shimmering roster of shades: a mermaid moment, sultry smoky-eyed siren, au naturale latte lady. This type of versatile product is definitely a must for wedding season, as events and aesthetics can run the gamut.

G Suit

Another breakout star for me this year has been this new launch from Glossier. The nine-shade range allows me to work the lippie into a variety of looks, although I must say I (unsurprisingly) gravitate towards the orangey-red hue, Strike. The magic of these lip cremes is that they glide on nicely and leave a demi-matte finish that doesn’t feel dry or cakey on your lips. They also layer nicely under a sheer gloss if you want a more glazed-donut effect.

BOOST 4-in-1 Firming Peptide Setting Spray

BOOST 4-in-1 Firming Peptide Setting Spray

I typically skip a setting spray, but this formula from Beautyblender has changed my ways. It is truly a non-negotiable, especially for weddings and formal events where it’s crucial for your makeup to stay put and on-point. The selling point here is the firming peptide and mimosa flower extract blend that delivers a blurring effect, reduces shine, and sets makeup sans that dreaded tightening sensation.

(Re)setting 100% Mineral Powder SPF 35

(Re)setting 100% Mineral Powder SPF 35

I’m a stickler for sunscreen all-day every day, but when you have a formal makeup in place, mid-day re-application can get tricky. I keep a powder-based SPF, like this one from Supergoop!, in my handbag to lightly dust on throughout the day. It doesn’t disrupt my look and keeps my skin protected. Win-win!

Brow Glue

I was recently introduced to this product during my weekend in Palm Springs for Coachella, and I immediately knew it would be a must for all formal or special occasions going forward. It’s definitely a bit too heavy duty for everyday wear (it’s like a glue stick for your brows), in my opinion. However, for all-day affairs it’s a true workhorse, keeping your arches in place no matter the conditions. Ed note: The thick white formula can leave a bit of a cast on darker hair, so I like to run a tinted brow mascara over to keep things looking natural.

Featherlift ISSA False Eyelashes

Featherlift ISSA False Eyelashes

As I noted before, I like to bring a bit of added drama to my wedding guest makeup looks, and faux lashes are an easy way to do that. I love the more natural look of Jenna Lyons’ Loveseen line. People often mistake this ISSA pair for my own homegrown lashes. Another bonus is the easy-to-apply process: I typically have to trim down lashes to fit, but these hug my lids just right and go on like a dream.

Wing Queen Liquid Eyeliner

SweetStreet Cosmetics

Wing Queen Liquid Eyeliner

I’ve become a big fan of a winged eye look over the years, so I’ve tried a multitude of pencils and liquid liners. This is my favorite by a long shot. The generous pigment allows for a one-take application — no layering needed. It also cleans up easy in the event of a mistake.

Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation

Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation

For everyday wear, I usually reach for Fenty’s Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint. But for formal affairs, I need a bit more coverage, so the Pro Filt'r Foundation is a must. My skin can get a bit oily and sweaty, and this long-wear formula (which is ideal for that specific skin type) works wonders. Despite being full-coverage, it goes on light and doesn’t feel caked-on or heavy on my complexion. It also has a magical blurring effect that minimizes pores and blemishes.

Nudies Blush Stick

Nudies Blush Stick

This is a rare product that works for both everyday and special occasions as the creamy formula allows for buildable color. I just love the soft, velvety texture of this blush — it glides on easy and blends like a dream. It also doesn’t fade quickly, making it ideal for all-day events.

Mattifying Papers

Mattifying Papers

While this may seem like a splurge for something seemingly trivial like blotting papers, I beg to differ. I’ve found that cheaply made mattifyers can work against you, smearing and removing makeup with one tap. And because I like to use them for special events and occasions, I justify the higher price point if the blotting papers in question keep me looking fresh and sweat-free. These little miracle workers from Dior get the job done.