Bridal Makeup for Pale and Fair Skin

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Pale and fair skin can look beautiful and porcelain in person, then washed out in photos. Camera flash takes away colour, and very fair skin has less of it to lose. Bridal makeup for pale skin is all about adding back soft warmth and definition without making you look orange or heavily made up.

Foundation for fair skin

• Match the undertone first. Fair skin can be pink, neutral or yellow-toned.
• Match your chest and neck, especially in a strapless dress. Don’t go darker to look tanned.
• Use a satin finish. Heavy matte can look flat and chalky on fair skin.
• Avoid self-tan for the first time in wedding week.

Warmth without orange

• Blush is your best friend: soft pink, peach or tea-rose, layered cream then powder.
• Use bronzer lightly, only where the sun would naturally hit, in a soft, non-orange shade.
• Contour with a cool, light taupe. Dark contour shows up as stripes on fair skin.

Eyes and lips

• Soft brown liner and brown-black mascara usually flatter more than harsh black.
• Keep brows defined, especially if your hair is light.
• Choose a lip one shade deeper than your everyday nude, such as a rosy nude, soft berry or classic blue-red, so it shows in photos.

Frequently asked questions

How do I stop looking washed out in wedding photos with pale skin?

Add definition with brows, liner and lashes, layer blush for lasting colour, and choose a lip one shade deeper than usual.

What lipstick suits fair skin for a wedding?

Rosy nudes, tea-rose, soft coral, sheer berry, or a blue-red for a classic statement lip.