Whether you’re a bride, a guest, or just attending a special occasion, the basic make up will pretty much be the same. You’ll want products which will persist merrily through the day without the need for you to worry about topping up. A focus on flawless skin with fresh, natural shades on the lips and cheeks as well as lashy eyes will result in a universally flattering and pretty look. This look is also refreshingly quick and easy, allowing you to skip eye make up altogether.
Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick (€38)
With coverage buildable from sheer to high, this is SPF-free (essential for flash photography as the titanium dioxide in most SPFs will cause flashback, that lighter-face-darker-body effect, in photos) and portable. Drier and balanced skins will love it.
Eyelash extensions (€100-€250)
Lash extensions take a huge chunk of prep and bother out of special occasion make up. Yes, they're expensive and yes, they can take up to a couple of hours to apply, but they last for weeks and eliminate the need for any eye make up at all. My chosen locations in Dublin are Burgundy Beauty, Blink & Wink and Christoph Eye Couture.
Estee Lauder Double Wear Three-Minute Priming Moisture Mask (€10)
A delightful quick fix for a special occasion when you need make up to sit well on the skin, guaranteed. Pop this on while you eat your breakfast and apply make up directly after.
Bare Minerals Invisible Bronze Powder Bronzer (€30)
This bronzer frames the face and helps bring make up in line with false tan seamlessly. Apply sparingly and build it up with a fluffy brush, as it is highly pigmented.
Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Hydrating Mist (€25)
Setting sprays improve the lasting power of make up and leave a glowing (not shiny) finish. This one is supremely hydrating and disperses a fine mist which doesn’t displace make up.
Chanel Stylo Sourcils Waterproof Defining Longwear Eyebrow Pencil (€37)
Good make up doesn’t look right without groomed, shaped brows. Filling any gaps with natural looking product, and combing the hairs so that they lie flat is all you need. This crayon is “natural” brow perfection.
MAC Powder Blush in Well Dressed (€24)
For bridal make up in particular, sticking to natural tones which already exist in your skin will always guarantee flattering make up. Well Dressed is a foolproof blush shade, particularly for paler skin.
NARS Sheer Lipstick in Dolce Vita (€26)
The above also applies to lips – opt for a shade that matches your own lips. Dolce Vita looks slightly drab in the tube but is a perfect nude pink, and ideal for Celtic complexions or anyone with pink tones in their lips.
Product of the week: Maybelline Master Fix Loose Setting Powder (€13.79)
A good, very finely milled loose powder is challenging to find. This one from Maybelline is revelatory. It sets make up perfectly, doesn’t look clogged or lighten the shade of your make up. Whether you’re into baking or you prefer a light dusting of powder, this is ideal. I would advise using some in the centre of the face for lasting power on special occasions.
