You’ve set the date, booked the venue and got your dress. You may be considering doing your own make-up on your wedding day, and why not, especially if you are going abroad for your wedding or you simply feel more comfortable doing it yourself. You may have decided on your look and have your make-up, but the one area I find so many brides struggle with is what make-up tools to use.

Make-Up Tools

I’d like to help you achieve the perfect bridal make-up by helping you select the best tools for the job. I want you to think like a Pro (make-up artist). You don’t need a huge selection of brushes etc, just a few key ones will do the job.

Here is my list of must-have and go-to make-up tools that I use whenever I do any bridal make-up…

My first go to is fingers (clean of course). I use my fingers a lot when applying make-up because I find that you can really feel where and how the product is going on.

That doesn’t mean I don’t use brushes — I use them as well. You don’t have to go crazy expensive either; there are some great make-up brushes that are really well priced.

Face

Foundation Brush

To really help my brides’ skin look flawless I always use a foundation brush to apply foundation, whether it’s a liquid or powder. Make sure when applying any creamy/liquid textures you choose a brush made specifically for that — real hair brushes don’t work well on creamy textures.

Blusher Brush

A blusher brush for me is a must. I even love applying cream blush with a brush because you get a beautiful, even application.

Using Blusher Brush on Bride

Angled Contour Brush

If you are in to contouring, an angled contour brush makes it so much easier to apply and blend (the key to great contouring is blending).

Bronzer/Powder Brush

Don’t get the bronzer/powder brush confused with your blusher brush. The bronzer/powder brush is bigger (too big to use as a blusher brush).

Eyes

Brow Brush and Tweezers

I like the double ended spoolie brow brushes, great for applying a brow colour and brushing the brow into place. Tweezers aren’t just for plucking — they are also great to help apply individual lashes.

Eyeliner Brush

If you use liner you can also use this brush as a concealer brush, but obviously not at the same time.

Bride Using Eyeliner Brush

Eyeshadow Smudger Brush

This is probably one of the brushes I use most to create smokey eyes or a soft defused eye. You can also use it in the socket line.

Mid-Sized Eye Shadow Brush

I use a mid-sized eyeshadow brush for applying powder shadow.

Heated Eyelash Curlers

I cannot tell you how much I love heater eyelash curlers. Not only do they curl lashes beautifully, but there’s also no risk of pinching your skin!

Lips

Lip Brush

Depending on what type of product you use on your lips and the type of look you are going for you may or may not need a lip brush.

Using Lip Brush on Bride

If you want a very defined look you will want to use a lip brush. If you are using a gloss, balm, or want a softer lipstick look you don’t need one. Recently I have been using my finger to dab on lip colour, and it looks stunning.

So there you have it, my essential make-up tools. Please remember, whatever brushes you are using be sure to keep them clean to ensure the best application possible.

I hope you have a wonderful wedding!

Guest post by Ariane Poole

Images from…

Make-Up Tools: Andrew J R Squires Photography

Blusher Brush: Kerry Ann Duffy Photography

Eyeliner Brush: Dottie Photography

Lip Brush: Pixies in the Cellar