6 Wedding Day Beauty Secrets for Every Bride

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With all the big and small and last-minute details that go into wedding planning, it’s easy to lose sight of a very important element on the matrimonial checklist: the ritual of bridal self-care. After all, blemishes and dark circles are no match for that ivory lace frock. And while you may have intended to adhere to a strict regimen of weekly oxygen treatments or daily hydrating masks, somehow, cake tastings and welcome bags and your mother-in-law got in the way. Fear not: a clear complexion, bright eyes, and a flawless glow on your final day is still completely possible with the help of six expert-approved, day-of essentials, from a waterproof mascara to an anti-aging face mask. Whether you’ve hired a pro to master your aisle-ready look or plan to DIY that morning, here are in-demand makeup artist Alexa Rudulfo’s product picks for your kit—beauty sleep not required.

“I recommend this wonderful foil mask to all my clients,” says Rudulfo of its super-hydrating and brightening properties. “It’s perfect to prep skin with on the night before or the day of an event.”
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Concentrated Recovery PowerFoil Mask, $80, sephora.com


Photo: Courtesy of sephora.com

To moisturize skin post-mask and pre-makeup, Rudulfo (who counts Lauren Santo Domingo and Margherita Missoni as clients) enlists the help of this trusty mist that she simply “can’t live without,” she says.
La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water, $13, target.com


Photo: Courtesy of target.com

Every makeup artist has a secret weapon, and Rudulfo’s is this magic serum. She mixes a few drops in with foundation for a perfect, glowing complexion, and voilà: “My clients always say how good it feels on their skin!”
Natura Bissé Diamond Drops, $190, net-a-porter.com


Photo: Courtesy of net-a-porter.com

For a wide-awake and super-bright look, line the inner rim of the eye area with this nude-colored pencil. “It’s not too white, nor too beige,” says Rudulfo, “and looks beautiful on all skin tones and eye colors.”
Three Custom Color Specialists Eye Pencil in Medium Clarifier, $19, threecustom.com


Photo: Courtesy of threecustom.com

Smudge-free, cry-proof mascara is a must for a wedding and this formula is so waterproof, “you can even swim with it on!” For best results, Rudulfo suggests applying as close to the lash line as possible for a flirty, voluminous set that stays on all night long.
Make Up For Ever Aqua Smoky Extravagant Waterproof Mascara in Black, $24, sephora.com


Photo: Courtesy of sephora.com

No wedding day look is complete without a subtle pout that lasts from “I do” to the cake cutting. “I always use Lipchic Sealer to transform any color into a drink-proof, eat-proof—and kiss-proof—stain,” says Rudulfo.
Ella International Lipchic Lipstick Sealer, $20, amazon.com


Photo: Courtesy of amazon.com