Engagement makeup tips
How to keep your engagement look beautiful under flash, phone cameras and a long night.
By Rama Shabaneh, makeup artist in Amman
The short answer
For engagement makeup that looks good in every photo, prep with a simple hydrating routine the week before, choose a satin, luminous base that flatters flash, add a little extra eye definition, match the colours to your dress, and keep lipstick and blotting papers for touch-ups.
Prep your skin a week ahead
Keep your routine simple and hydrating in the week before: a gentle cleanser, a moisturiser and sunscreen. Skip new peels or strong actives — irritation is harder to cover than dryness.
Think about the light
Engagement halls are usually warm and bright, and photographers use flash. A satin, luminous base looks fresher under flash than a very matte or very shiny one, and a little more definition on the eyes keeps them from disappearing in photos.
Match the look to your dress
Send your makeup artist a photo of the dress early. Soft rose and nude tones suit light and pastel dresses; deeper colours can carry a bolder eye or lip.
Keep a small touch-up kit
Your lipstick, blotting papers and a pressed powder are enough. Blot rather than wipe, and reapply your lipstick after eating.