Makeup tips for the Italian bride
Photo: Urska & Domen
So, you’re getting married in Italy, congrats! Now comes the fun (and slightly overwhelming) task of finding the perfect makeup artist to help you look and feel amazing on the big day. From dealing with the heat to choosing the right products for your skin tone and getting yourself glammed for all your pre and post wedding events, we asked a few of our favourite La Lista makeup artists to share their top tips and answer all your burning beauty questions.
Hot tips on avoiding heat/sweating
“Plan your ceremony for later, and allow enough time to get ready so there’s no last minute rushing and sweating. Wearing your hair up and sleek is also a good idea if you don’t want to feel too warm around the back of the neck.”
Ideal time to have bridal makeup on the day?
“I always aim to have the bride’s makeup finished around 1.5 hours before leaving for the ceremony — this allows for touch-ups, getting dressed, and relaxed final moments.
If it is a group of 4 I would always likely do the bride 3rd. You want to be ready earlier rather than last minute!”
Fav products from a MUA
“Some of my absolute go-tos for bridal makeup, especially in warmer conditions, are:
• Dior Backstage Foundation: It’s waterproof and holds up beautifully in high temperatures without compromising the finish.
• Westman Atelier: I love the contour sticks, bronzing drops, and blushes. They melt into the skin and give the most natural, radiant finish.
• Hourglass: Their bronzers and blushes are always in my kit. The formulas are so finely milled and photograph beautifully.
• ONE/SIZE Setting Spray and Secure the Sweat Primer: Both are brilliant for longevity and holding everything in place, especially in heat or humidity.”
Things to consider when managing makeup at a potentially hot wedding?
“For a hot wedding day, light, hydrating skin prep is key to avoid greasy buildup. Layer products thinly, using only what’s necessary for a flawless finish. Blot instead of powdering too much to maintain a natural look while controlling shine. For lips, layer a lip stain with lip pencil and lipstick for a defined, long-lasting finish.”
Confident planning decisions, without the second-guessing!
You’ll find it in The Club
“The Club really is a great resource, I genuinely don't think I could have planned our wedding without the downloads, especially the wedding tracker and budget excel. I also loved your Lives, you are just bursting with knowledge and passion for what you do and it's really infectious.” Hollie
Put your wedding first today
Key items in a touch up bag to take on the day?
“Be sure to pack the essentials to keep your look fresh throughout the day. A pressed powder or blotting papers will help manage shine, especially for photos, and your lipstick or gloss, along with a matching lip liner, will keep your pout looking perfect.”
Looks or trends MUA’s are loving?
“I’m all about that clean, effortless glam for brides. The kind of look that enhances natural features and just makes them glow. It’s fresh, polished, and makes them feel like the absolute best version of themselves. I love when brides look radiant and elevated, almost like they’ve just stepped onto a red carpet. It’s not about heavy makeup, but about thoughtful placement, skin that looks alive, and that timeless, elegant finish that photographs beautifully from every angle.”
How to choose a makeup team if they can’t have a trial?
“If you can't have a trial, research and trust are key. Look through their portfolio and read reviews to make sure their style aligns with your vision. Communicate clearly about your expectations. Even a brief consultation can help ensure they understand your needs.”
Any tips for brides who want a minimal makeup look but still want to feel polished and elegant?
“You can still feel polished and elegant with a few little tricks. Shine spray on the hair gives that expensive look. A glow on the body looks luxe. A few individual lashes will enhance your eyes and overall look.”
What questions to ask when shortlisting a makeup artist?
Choosing your beauty team is as important as your photographer or dress! I would advise these questions:
- Have you worked with my skin type/tone/age group before?
- How do you prep for hot weather or skin that gets oily/dry quickly?
- What’s your typical morning timeline?
- Are lashes included?
- Can you stay for touch-ups and if so, what’s the cost?
How to adapt bridal makeup for different lighting conditions (e.g., outdoor vs. indoor weddings)?
“For outdoor weddings, use lightweight, breathable products that won’t appear greasy in natural sunlight. Opt for matte foundations or tinted moisturizers with SPF. Indoors, especially with warm lighting, go for dewy products and use subtle highlighter on the high points of your face to enhance radiance.”
Have more makeup related questions? Drop a comment in our couples only Community or DM us on socials – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
