Weddings are momentous occasions filled with love, laughter, and celebration. As a wedding guest, you want to look and feel your best as you honor the couple getting married. One of the ways you can polish your look is by wearing lipstick. But is lipstick appropriate for weddings? Should you wear a bold red or soft pink? Does the wedding formality and location determine what lip shade is best? This article will explore the do’s and don’ts of wearing lipstick to a wedding.
The Purpose of Wedding Day Makeup
Before deciding on a lipstick for a wedding, it’s important to understand the purpose of wedding day makeup. Here are some of the main goals:
- Enhance natural beauty – Wedding makeup should highlight your best features while still looking like yourself.
- Photograph well – Products that are long-wearing and photograph without looking washed out.
- Match the occasion – Makeup that is appropriate for the formality, time of day, season, and location.
- Feel confident and comfortable – Makeup you feel great wearing and doesn’t need frequent touch-ups.
Keeping these goals in mind will help guide your lipstick choice for a wedding.
Choosing a Lipstick Color for a Wedding
When selecting a lipstick shade for a wedding, the most important factor is the formality of the event. Here are some lipstick color recommendations based on the wedding formality:
| Wedding Formality | Recommended Lipstick Colors |
|---|---|
| White Tie/Ultra Formal | Neutral pinks, corals, rose |
| Black Tie/Formal | Bolds like red, plum, berry |
| Semi-Formal | Medium tones like mauve, pink, peach |
| Casual | Fun brights, frosts, sheers |
As you can see, less formal affairs provide more leeway for bold, colorful lipstick choices. The more formal the wedding, the more muted and natural you want to keep your makeup. A red lip can look stunning for a formal evening wedding, while a soft peach lipstick may be better for a daytime garden wedding.
Long Wear Lipstick Formulas for Weddings
When selecting a wedding lipstick, look for a formula that will last all day and night without needing to be reapplied. Some great long-wearing lipstick options include:
- Liquid lipsticks – These have a matte finish that dries down and lasts for hours.
- Cream lipsticks – Look for weightier, more saturated formulas that won’t slide around.
- Stain lipsticks – Thinner but pack serious staying power without drying out lips.
- Matte lipsticks – Less emollient formulas resist smudging and transfer.
- Lip crayons – Wax-based crayons can adhere tightly to lips.
When trying long-wear lipsticks, apply to your lips and press your lips together. If product transfers off your lips, it likely won’t have staying power for a wedding. Test wear different formulas for a few hours to see which fades gracefully versus drying out your lips.
How to Make Lipstick Last at Weddings
In addition to choosing a durable lipstick formula, here are some tips to make it last all wedding long:
- Exfoliate and moisturize – Smooth, hydrated lips give the lipstick something to adhere to.
- Use lip liner – Lining lips first prevents bleeding and reinforces color.
- Apply in thin layers – Sheer applications blend better and build lasting color.
- Blot lips – Press lips together with a tissue to set the lipstick.
- Set with powder – Dusting on translucent powder can seal in the lipstick.
- Bring lipstick for touch ups – Reapply every few hours or after eating/drinking.
Avoid licking or biting your lips, drinking through a straw, or wiping your mouth aggressively, which can break down lipstick quickly. With the right formula and application tips, your wedding lip can look perfect the whole event.
Photographing Well at Weddings
Photographs at weddings last forever, so you want your lipstick to look great on camera. Here are some tips for photographing beautifully:
- Avoid frosted, shimmery formulas – These can wash out in photos or cause whiteout.
- Skip glossy lipsticks – Heavy shine looks messy in wedding photos.
- Choose moisturizing formulas – Matte liquid lipsticks can make lips look cracked and dry.
- Consider a lip stain – These soak in and give a natural wash of color.
- Use a lip liner – Defined lips enhance your lip shape in photos.
- Take photos before eating/drinking – Capture your perfect lipstick application early on.
Go for neutral, rosy tones rather than bold colors, which can be unflattering. Test out your lipstick beforehand by taking selfies with and without flash. If it washes you out, switch to a different shade.
Top Lipstick Shades to Wear to a Wedding
If you’re unsure where to begin in your search for the perfect wedding lipstick, check out these universally flattering shades:
| Lipstick Color | Description |
|---|---|
| Pink | Rose pinks give a soft, romantic look on any skin tone. |
| Mauve | Mauve nudes complement fair and olive complexions beautifully. |
| Peach | Peach lipsticks work on light to medium skin tones for a warm glow. |
| Coral | Radiant on olive and darker skin tones, coral adds vibrancy. |
| Red | Blue-red looks stunning on cool skin tones; orange-reds flatter warmer complexions. |
You can’t go wrong selecting a lipstick in one of these hues. Try out a few options to see which flatters you most. Apply, view in different lighting, and photograph it to ensure your wedding lip color looks amazing.
Complementary Makeup for Wedding Lipstick
The rest of your wedding makeup should enhance your lip color, not compete with it. Here are some tips for complementary makeup:
- Do a neutral eye – Avoid bold shadows or liner with a bright lip. Go for soft champagne, taupe, or brown shadows.
- Light pink or peach blush – Mimic the lip color on your cheeks for cohesion.
- Defined brows – Frame your face without going overboard.
- Touch of highlighter – Accent the high points of your face.
- Medium coverage foundation – Let your natural skin show through.
The focus should be your flawlessly done up lips. Keep the rest of your makeup minimal and fresh-faced.
Do’s and Don’ts for Wedding Lipstick
Here is a quick summary of do’s and don’ts for wearing lipstick to a wedding:
Do:
- Match lipstick color to wedding formality
- Select a longer wearing formula like liquid lipstick
- Line and fill lips completely with lip liner
- Blot lipstick after applying to set it
- Bring lipstick for touch ups after eating/drinking
Don’t:
- Wear frosted or glittery lipstick
- Apply a bold red lip to a daytime garden wedding
- Choose a drying liquid matte formula
- Lick or bite lips, removing the lipstick
- Leave lipstick markings on glassware
Follow these simple guidelines and you’ll look lipstick perfect in all your wedding photos and moments!
Conclusion
Lipstick can be the perfect finishing touch for your wedding day look. With so many factors like formality, photography, and longevity to consider, it may seem difficult to choose a wedding-appropriate lip color. Focus on finding a comfortable, long-wearing formula in a shade that enhances your complexion. Neutral pinks, roses, and corals are safe bets for any wedding. Set your lipstick with liner and limit eating and drinking to keep it looking freshly applied. With these tips, your lips will be poised and polished for saying “I do!”