Check out this list of my favorite bridal beauty products with staying power that are must-haves to include in your bridal beauty routine.

Probably the most important step you take in applying your long-wear makeup for the wedding day is actually what you do before you start primping. It’s essential to start with a solid base to build upon, so begin with washing your face with a mild cleanser. You’ll want to buff your skin with a gentle exfoliator to sloth off any dry patches and then finish with toner and a light, I repeat, light moisturizer. Going too heavy on the moisturizer can cause your makeup to slide off.

FACE

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Primer

Now that your face is buffed and beautiful and you’re working with a smooth surface, you’ll want to prime your skin for your foundation. Primer basically creates a barrier between your chosen foundation and your skin, helping to minimize your pores, give you a smooth, even finish, and makes sure your foundation stays put all day.

It’s a cult classic for a reason: we love Smashbox Photo Finish Primer and they even have a handy Primer Finder to help you find your best fit out of their line.

Foundation

When choosing the right long-wear foundation, it’s important to think about your skin type. If you have oily skin, you should probably go for an oil-free formula; if you’re on the dry side you would definitely want to stay away from mineral or powder foundations. Be sure to avoid any formulas that have built-in illuminators because digital cameras are super-sensitive to shimmer.

Check out my top three favorite foundations for the best wedding makeup looks:

• Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup
• Make Up For Ever HD High Definition Foundation Revlon Colorstay
• Revlon Colorstay

Control Shine

Through the pre-wedding nerves to the all-night dancing, you’re bound to get a little shiny in your T-zone, but I don’t recommend using a powder compact for touch-ups. The thing about powder is the more you apply (and you WILL reapply), your makeup can start to look cake-y from all the layers.

Here’s my solution: blotting papers are your best friends! This drugstore brand does the trick: Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets. Skip traditional powder and go with a completely clear, almost silicone-like finisher. We promise it’s non-greasy and controls shine just like your favorite pressed compact: M.A.C. Blot Powder/Pressed.

Blush

Obviously you can’t skip the blush on your wedding day (you need that little bit of color to really brighten up your face), but some powder formulas seem to wipe away after just a few congratulatory hugs. I suggest switching over to a cheek stain or a cream blush for hug-proof staying power.

These are great options:

• Benefit Posietin Lip & Cheek Stain
• Nars The Multiple (they have a variety of shades and just came out with a more matte version!)

Eyes

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Primer

Just like with your foundation, you could spend an hour crafting the perfect dramatic smokey eye, but what’s it all worth if your shadow just runs off somewhere between your salad course and your first dance?

An eye shadow primer is going to be a lifesaver for wedding day beauty. For your wedding day eye makeup, I’d recommend Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion to anyone.

Shadows

Allow me to keep preaching the benefits of using cream-based products when trying to get the most staying power out of your beauty look. Cream shadows are especially useful during summer weddings, when your makeup needs to be melt-proof AND last until your big sendoff.

What’s in a name? With this product, everything! These high-pigmented, Pro Longwear shadows from MAC go on creamy and stay all day.

Liner

When choosing eyeliner for your wedding makeup, you want to be sure you’re choosing a formula that is budge-proof. Smudgy raccoon eyes on your wedding day are a no-no.

Apply Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner with a steady hand to create the perfect cat eye.

Mascara

This is literally the most important element to your bridal beauty routine: waterproof mascara. Because, believe me, when those tears of joy starting running down your face, so will your mascara.

I’ve tested A LOT of mascaras and I still find myself going back to Diorshow Waterproof every single time.

Lips

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Just like your pre-foundation routine, you’ll want to prep your lips before you apply any lip products because healthy, moisturized lips help the lipstick stay on your lips even better.

Here’s a little bridal makeup tip I picked up along the way: take a dry toothbrush and lightly scrub your lips to buff away dry patches. No one wants to kiss their spouse for the first time with chapped lips, right?

A sugar scrub like those from LUSH works wonders, too!

Next, you’ll want to swipe on a heavy-duty lip balm to get your lips soft and moisturized before you apply your lipstick. Do this after you wash your face so the balm has time to absorb while you finish the rest of your makeup application.

I’m completely obsessed with the Revlon Color Stay Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain!

I swear I own 10 different shades in both the matte version and the original formula. I swipe this on before I head out for the night and I wake up with the color still intact. I promise it will last through all your smooches!

Stick with this guide and I’ll promise you’ll have beautiful, flawless wedding makeup that will last from your first look to your final getaway car-wave.

Featured Photo Credit || Jen Fariello Photography