If you live in Houston, you know the effects of heat and humidity on hair and makeup. Talk about frizz and shine. Maybe you’ve learned to deal with it. On your wedding day, however, you don’t want to compromise your look. With high temps already here, we asked some experts to share their tips for keeping your bridal look spotless even when it’s hot and humid outside.
“The heat is still a factor even if everything’s inside,” said Jennifer Aronson, owner and makeup artist at Jennifer Aronson Makeup. You may be outside for pictures or even just going from where you’re getting ready to the car. So don’t think that because your wedding is indoors you won’t need to worry about humidity control.
Test things out
Book your hair and makeup trials for a day when you’ll need to wear the makeup all day. Some brides book it for when they’re doing engagement pictures or going to their bridal shower. By doing so, you’ll get a good idea of how your look will hold up throughout the day. This reduces your stress the day of your wedding and you’ll know what to expect. The same goes for other things you may be interested in, such as eyelash extensions or airbrush tanning, said Aronson. By giving yourself time to test these things out, you can make better decisions.
Choose your makeup
Aronson recommends airbrush makeup for the summer. Airbrush makeup is formulated to be water resistant, withstand heat, humidity and sweat. If you’ve never tried it, make sure you give do before you decide to go that route. Aronson gives her brides the chance to test both airbrush and regular makeup so they can pick what they like best. Some brides don’t like the look and feel of airbrush makeup. If that’s the case, Aronson opts for a sheer matte foundation that will provide good coverage without the shine.
Prep hair and skin
Regardless of the type of makeup you choose, it’s important for you get your skin in good shape. Getting facials and keeping your skin in good condition before the wedding is optimal, said Aronson. Just make sure you don’t get facials or any treatments too close to the wedding, she added. Give it at least two weeks. For hair, Liz Day of Hair By Liz tells brides and bridesmaids to wash and dry their hair the night before and come in with dry hair on the big day.
Battle the shine
It may be hot but the high humidity levels in Houston are what can really do a number on your hair and makeup. To combat shine, Aronson uses primer to achieve a matte look. She also suggests using a lightweight moisturizer on the day of the wedding or coming in with a clean face so she can apply her own. Usually, there isn’t much shine with airbrush makeup but if you do get some shine or used traditional make up, try sheer pressed powder or blotting papers. Aronson recommends Tart or Shiseido blotting papers.
Wear your hair up
While many brides like some of their hair to be down, the best antidote to the effects of humidity in Houston is simply to wear it up, says Day. Humidity can make hair and especially curls fall flat, even with hairspray and product. Not every bride listens to Day’s advice, though. Many have gorgeous, thick hair that they want to let down, but Day stands by her advice. “Who wants sweaty hair? You might as well have a good time and not have to worry about your hair all night,” she said.