Your dream gown has been chosen; your colour scheme completed – now it’s time to consider your bridal makeup look. And amid the wedding hustle and bustle, taking some time out and doing your own makeup in the serenity of your hotel bedroom, with perhaps a glass of champagne and your maid of honour at hand, can offer a lovely pause before the ceremony. But if you’re not sure where to start, help is at hand with these DIY Bridal Looks using Code 8 products.
Celebrity makeup artist and The Wedding Edition Beauty Editor Yasmin Salmon says the essence of bridal makeup is a flawless look that can transition seamlessly from day to night. But, of course, there are as many different bridal looks as there are brides, and perhaps you haven’t yet made up your mind on a style. In any case, it’s always a good idea to try out a few makeup looks in the run up to the big day – and that means having a versatile makeup kit.
Code 8 offers a range of products that can help achieve stunning, customizable bridal makeup. In this editorial, Yasmin will guide you through three distinct DIY bridal looks – Black Tie, Destination Wedding, and Countryside Wedding – using the brand’s standout hero product, the Day to Night Foundation.
Black Tie Elegance
For a classic black-tie look, elegance and sophistication are paramount. I started with the Day to Night Foundation in shade N25, applying it evenly across the face and neck to create a flawless canvas. This radiance-enhancing foundation is long-wearing and perfect for the glam of a formal wedding. (Think castle in Scotland, Gloucestershire manor or smart London hotel).
Next, I defined the eyes using the Eye Pencil in shade Classic Black – an ultra-soft Kajal pencil that glides on smoothly. I lined both the lash line and waterline, and then buffed it out with a small eyeshadow brush for a smokier effect. To amplify the drama, I reached for the Iconoclast Eyeshadow Palette in shade Lustrous Corduroy, creating a sultry smoky eye. As this palette features both matte and shimmer options, you can personalise the finish of your eyeshadow, and also up the intensity by using a wet brush for application. To give volume and definition to every lash,
I finished with a coat of the Lash Sophisticate Mascara – a long-wearing formula that also conditions lashes thanks to vitamins A and E.
To brighten the under-eye area and add luminosity to the face, I used the Seamless Cover Concealer. As it’s buildable, you can add more to any areas that need a little more help. For a touch of colour, I applied the Mood-Reflecting Cheek Palette in Merlot, giving a beautiful flush ideal for a glowing bride. Finally, for the lips, I lined them with the Lip Surrealist in shade Salvador, a matte, waterproof liner that won’t budge for hours, and topped them off with the AM/PM Tinted Lip Balm in shade At the Barre for a subtle, sophisticated finish. As it’s infused with cotton butter, this lip balm should help keep lips soft and kissable from day through to night!
Effortless Destination Wedding Look
For a destination wedding, the key is to keep the makeup lightweight and long-lasting, especially in warmer climates – whether that’s a sandy Caribbean shore or a fragrant tropical garden. After applying SPF, I used the Radiate Beauty Balm (which sits happily between a tinted moisturiser and a foundation) in shade N25 for a dewy glow, followed by the skin-perfecting Day to Night Foundation to even out any redness and achieve a radiant complexion.
To brighten the eyes, I applied the Seamless Cover Concealer all over the eyelids – not only is it an efficient concealer, it also creates a great neutral base for eyeshadow. For brows, I used the Arch Realist brow pencil in shade Medium, focusing on filling in sparse areas to build more definition and fullness. The Jaipur Marbles Palette was my go-to for this look, allowing me to incorporate vibrant shades that enhance the natural beauty of the eyes, plus the non-fade formula will take you from morning through night. I finished with the Lash Sophisticate Mascara for added definition.
To create a fresh flush, I chose the Mood-Reflecting Palette in Pink Beach (you can blend the three colours to suit your skin tone), and, to add a healthy holiday sheen, I dusted the Bronze Summer Glow Powder in Positano across the high points of my face. I highlighted with both the pink and gold shades from the Highlighting HD Palette for a radiant finish. Lastly, I lined my lips with the Lip Surrealist Lipliner in Pablo and completed the look with the high-shine Glaze Lip Lacquer in Minimalist for a glossy, fresh appeal.
Romantic Countryside Wedding
For a countryside wedding, I wanted to evoke the soft, romantic essence of wild English roses. I began with the Day to Night Natural Polish Long Wear Foundation to create a smooth base that will see you bloom through 12 hours of wedding fun without wilting. The Arch Realist in shade Medium helped define my brows, ensuring they framed my face perfectly without looking too ‘done’.
For the eyes, I used the Burnt Sienna Eyeshadow Palette, focusing on the rose-gold tones that evoke a sense of warmth and romance (while their dash of sweet almond oil and evening primrose oil enriches this delicate skin area). To add elegance, I applied the Precision Liquid Eyeliner along the lash line with a subtle flick, elongating the eyes beautifully. The ultra-fine tip means you can create the look that suits you – from barely there to bold cat eye. The Lash Sophisticate Mascara was applied generously to both the top and bottom lashes, and I added some false lashes for that extra touch of drama.
To complement the rosy hues of the eyes, I applied the Pink Beach blush to my cheeks and a light dusting of the Bronze Summer Glow Bronzer in shade East Hampton for a soft, sun-kissed glow. I lined my lips with the Lip Surrealist Lipliner in Pablo to define them and finished with the Matte Floor Lipstick in shade Zoom on the Beach, which has a clever blend of plumping waxes to create a sophisticated, romantic pout.
Each of these looks showcases the versatility (and quality) of Code 8 products, particularly the Day to Night Foundation, which acts as the perfect base for any bridal look. Whether you’re gliding down the aisle in a grand ballroom or saying ‘I do’ on a white-sand beach, these makeup styles can help you feel beautiful and confident on your special day – and you did it all yourself.
Products Used
Iconoclast Eyeshadow Palette in shade Lustrous Corduroy
Burnt Sienna Eyeshadow Palette
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