Gearing up for your upcoming outdoor pre-wedding shoot? You’ll need to be ready for the external elements which can affect your overall look. When it comes to makeup for an outdoor pre-wedding shoot, the kind of products you use and the condition of your skin matter a lot. To get some insight on how to best prepare for an outdoor engagement shoot, we turned to our industry partners. Get the lowdown on top beauty and makeup tips for outdoor pre-wedding shoots from Hong Kong makeup artists. Read about them below!
Local Pre-wedding Makeup Tips
Especially during the summer in Hong Kong, prolonged outdoor photo shoots can easily cause sunburns on the skin. It is important to apply sunscreen on the face and body. In addition, when taking outdoor photos in hot weather, I recommend using a light and thin foundation base to reduce the chance of makeup smudging. Bringing a moisturizing spray to keep the skin cool will be a lot of help, too. Finally, some outdoor photo shoot locations may be windy. To avoid having hair blown all over the place, brides may consider styling her hair in an updo instead of leaving it down.
For spring and summer outdoor shoots, use a matte, long-lasting, and sweat-proof foundation, and apply enough lightweight and oil-absorbing setting powder to maintain a long-lasting and flawless makeup look throughout the day. Meanwhile, for winter and autumn outdoor shoots, use a moisturizing and nourishing foundation with a natural glow. After applying setting powder, I like to use a moisturizing and natural glow setting spray to keep the makeup look hydrated enough even in drier weather conditions.
To maintain the best condition on the day of your pre-wedding photoshoot, in addition to applying a hydrating face mask, it is also important to enhance your eye care routine, as fine lines around the eyes are the most revealing signs of aging and can affect your photos. You can also start by paying attention to your diet and avoiding excessive sugar intake, as it can lead to collagen depletion and dull skin. On the day of your pre-wedding shoot, it is also beneficial to have a moisturizing facial mist on hand to keep your skin hydrated and radiant, preventing the appearance of dry lines.
During the hot summer weather, sweating can easily make your hair greasy, especially if you have bangs. Brides can use setting powder to keep their forehead fresh, prevent excessive oiliness, and ensure a matte appearance. It is also recommended to use dry shampoo early on to maintain dryness in your hair throughout the day, bidding farewell to oily roots.
Due to the high humidity in Hong Kong, the makeup for outdoor shoots can easily melt due to excessive moisture. Therefore, when preparing the skin, remember to moisturize before applying makeup. If time permits, I recommend using a hydrating face mask before applying makeup. For subsequent skincare, you don’t need to use too many skincare products. A simple and refreshing moisturizer is sufficient. Also remember to prepare mosquito repellent, antiperspirant, and the three summer essentials for sun protection (sunscreen, sunblock cream or spray, and a small fan). If it is not necessary to show your legs and wear fancy wedding shoes during the shoot, it is suggested to wear sneakers or slippers for more comfort and convenience. Lastly, prepare a pair of shorts or leggings to prevent any wardrobe malfunctions while moving during the shoot.
Every bride should pamper her skin with a moisturizing face mask the day before to ensure that the makeup adheres better, making it easier for the makeup artist to work their magic. For brides with monolids or downward-growing thick and stiff lashes, a keratin lash lift can be done to create a lifted lash effect. If you want to get eyelash extensions, I recommend having them done one to two weeks before the pre-wedding shoot as well as choosing a style that is not too long and has a nice curl, so that it opens up the eyes instead of covering half of them. As a makeup artist, I will use specially selected long-lasting makeup setting spray and intensely hydrating serum as a base. The foundation will be a blend of moisturizing and oil-controlling formulas in the appropriate proportions for each client. Finally, I usually apply a makeup setting spray to ensure that the makeup stays intact even if there is sweat or oil.
If possible, brides can consider dying or cutting their hair prior to the pre-wedding shoot as this can enhance the overall look and bring out more defined lines. I also highly recommend using hydrating facial masks regularly to keep the skin in its best condition for the shoot. Due to the prolonged hours of an outdoor shoot, I prefer to keep the foundation light and natural, with the focus on emphasizing the eye makeup.
During outdoor pre-wedding shoots, it is common to encounter strong winds. Brides with bangs can use eyelash glue to secure their bangs to the forehead. This prevents them from becoming a “barcode” and helps them maintain their shape throughout the day without flattening.
Overseas Pre-wedding Makeup Tips
For the base makeup, I recommend keeping it as light and thin as possible. As for the hairstyle, I usually tell clients to consider a look that is refreshing and clean so that it goes with the outdoor environment.
Communicate with your makeup artist from the onset. If you have a makeup artist providing services, it’s important to communicate your expectations and preferences before the shoot. Share the makeup style you wish to achieve and discuss suitable makeup choices for outdoor photography. On the day of the shoot, sunscreen is key. Whether you’re shooting abroad or locally, outdoor photoshoots expose you to sunlight. Using sunscreen with a high SPF can protect your skin from harmful UV rays and prevent skin tanning or sunburn. Pay attention to lip hydration, too. In dry outdoor environments, lips can easily become dry. Using lip balm or lip moisturizer with hydrating effects can ensure that your lips stay moisturized. Finally, watch your diet and hydration weeks prior to your outdoor shoot. A healthy diet and adequate hydration can improve the condition of your skin.
When traveling by plane, the skin tends to become very dry. Remember to apply moisturizing face masks and lip balm early on and the days right before your shoot to keep your skin hydrated. Preserve enough energy and allow yourself at least one day to rest and adjust to the jet lag after landing. If you’re tired, this can affect your skin during the outdoor shoot. For a more vibrant look during your shoot, I recommend preparing color contact lenses. For hair color, I suggest opting for milk tea brown or ash brown tones and avoiding highlights as they can cause frizziness.
Many guests who go overseas for pre-wedding photoshoots recommend bringing a professional makeup artist along because many local makeup artists may not be able to achieve the desired makeup and hairstyling due to cultural, aesthetic, and technical differences. It’s also important to prepare your skin prior to the shoot. Start your skincare routine one month prior to the shoot, focusing on moisturizing and regular exfoliation. Engage in moderate exercise to ensure a healthy complexion and skin condition. During the trip, remember to apply moisturizing eye masks and face masks regularly, especially the day before the shoot, and try to get sufficient sleep. In general, European and American regions are less humid than Hong Kong, making it less likely for makeup to smudge. However, it is still advisable to carry a moisturizing mist to add hydration to the makeup and skin when needed.
