My wedding is less than five months away (yikes!), and since I decided I'd be doing my own makeup, I'm really starting to take stock and think about what products I'm going to use on the day. I thought I'd start a series where I talk through all the products I'm considering, one category at a time. I'm also definitely going to be writing a post on the makeup I did wear when the time comes, so I won't leave you hanging on that, either. First up is foundations, aka the thing I'm stressing most about (makeup-wise, anyway).
When I think of my perfect bridal foundation, I want something that will make my skin look flawless, but will also still look like skin. I'm on the dry side, so I'd love something that gives a bit of glow, but it can't get greasy throughout the day. Luckily we've opted for a Friday evening wedding, so it doesn't have to be quite as long-lasting as it would if it was earlier in the afternoon.
The top-recommended bridal foundation that I've seen is Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk. I have it, and I do absolutely love it. It's my go-to when I'm wearing a full face. I only ever wear this for a few hours at a time, so I'm going to have to take it for a spin for a full day to see how it wears - I've heard it lasts amazingly on some people, while it breaks up on others.
Another one I've been considering is the Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation. It leaves the prettiest, skinlike finish, and it's another one of my go-to's. We went to a friend's wedding last summer, and I wore this one through the hot outdoor ceremony as well as reception and afterparty. It still looked good when I came home. I'll need to test this one with a full face to see if it looks flawless enough for me in photos. I also really love this mixed with the Luminous Silk, so that's always an option, too.
Speaking of mixing, I think it's really likely I'll end up mixing together some bases instead of using just one. A new favorite mixture I mentioned just the other day is the Cover FX Natural Finish Foundation mixed with the Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Foundation. My sister suggested I try this when I told her the Cover FX was getting a little shiny on me throughout the day on its own, and she is a genius. Mixing in the Fenty keeps that in check and also extends the weartime. It could be quite the winner. I'm also going to be trying to mix in a few of my lightweight favorites to see if I can get a more skinlike look that still has longevity. I can't be without Glossier Perfecting Skin Tint or bareMinerals Complexion Rescue on a daily basis, so I almost feel like my makeup isn't "me" if I'm not using one of those.
I'm also going to be giving a few forgotten favorites another try to see if they make the cut. NARS Sheer Glow used to be my go-to, and I loved it, but I haven't worn it in awhile. Maybe compared to my new favorites it won't be as good, or maybe it will surprise me. The Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Stick is another one I always loved wearing, and I remember it always looking great, but the last time I wore it, it ended up breaking up weirdly around my nose. I'll have to give it another try and switch up the primers I use it with.
What's your favorite foundation for special occasions?