I’m a Makeup Artist and Here’s What to Pack for Event and Bridal Touch-Ups

I’ve been a special event makeup artist for over seven years and a bridal makeup artist for two, and if there’s one question I get asked by almost every client, it’s “What should I bring with me on the day?!”.

Whilst your event makeup should hold quite well, when we're talking about a long-haul event like a wedding when your makeup can be on for 8-15 hours, it doesn’t hurt to have a touch-up kit on hand!

To make life easier, below, I've broken down my top essential beauty products for your touch-up kit, as well as a few extras along the way.

1. For Complexion.

For all our oily pals out there, I would highly recommend some blotting paper and setting powder.

Firstly, I like to go in with some blotting paper to help reduce shine and instantly mattify. This helps get the desired finish you want without needing to add any more makeup to the face.

After this step, if you’re feeling like you need more coverage or added mattifying, go in with a light layer of powder.

Below are two of my faves.

MAKE UP FOR EVER Ultra HD Loose Translucent Powder.

What: MAKE UP FOR EVER Ultra HD Loose Translucent Powder

Why I have this in my makeup touch-up bag:

• Leaves a satin matte finish on the skin.

• Leaves the skin with a smooth and diffused look.

• Formulated to be compatible with flash photography.

DIOR Backstage Skin Mattifying Papers.

What: DIOR Backstage Skin Mattifying Papers

Why I have this in my makeup touch-up bag:

• Reduces shine.

• Absorbs excess sebum (oil).

• Gives the skin a matte finish.

2. For Cheeks.

Cheeks can be one of the first parts of your makeup to lose their lustre as you’re kissing people hello/accidentally touching your face (or maybe even have a few tears run down your face).

To combat this, I love to have a mini blush and bronzer handy to ensure I can add some life back into my cheeks at any given moment.

You can go for whichever blush or bronzer best suit your individual skin type and preferences, but I've also listed a couple of my faves below.

Benefit Shellie Mini.

What: Benefit Shellie Mini

Why I have this in my makeup touch-up bag:

• It's mini!

• Soft shimmer finish.

• Silky, blendable texture.

Huda Beauty GloWish Soft Radiance Bronzing Powder Mini.

What: Huda Beauty GloWish Soft Radiance Bronzing Powder Mini

What I have this in my makeup touch-up bag:

• It's also mini!

• Sweat and transfer proof.

• Illuminating bronzing powder.

• Leaves the skin with a soft focus finish.

More of a visual person? Check out the 5-minute explainer video below for what to bring in your bridal makeup bag.

3. For Lips.

Lips are NOTORIOUS for wearing off as it's a moist area of the face that can easily be eaten off whilst we are talking and living our lives.

When it comes to lips, I’m a bit of a high-maintenance girlie and that means packing a lip liner, lipstick and optional gloss to pop over the top.

A lip liner does an exceptional job at creating a clean boundary for your lipstick to sit within (no lipstick bleeding here), as well as helping your lip shade last longer.

Your lipstick can then add some further pigment to the lip with an optional gloss over the top if that’s your vibe.

Shades are completely personal preference but if you’re wanting a lip combo that will last all day and all night long, try the below combo.

M.A.C Cosmetics Lip Pencil.

What: M.A.C Cosmetics Lip Pencil

What I have this in my makeup touch-up bag:

• Creamy, long-wearing lip liner.

• Helps prevent bleeding, feathering and fading.

• You can wear it on its own or underneath other lip products.

• Available in 15 shades - my personal favourite is 'Subculture'.

M.A.C Cosmetics Loaded Kiss Ink.

What: M.A.C Cosmetics Locked Kiss Ink

Why I have this in my makeup touch-up bag:

• Rich matte finish.

• Long-wearing liquid lipstick.

• Kiss, transfer and water-proof.

• Resists smudging, caking and settling.

4. For Eyes.

When it comes to eyes, I tend to keep things pretty simple.

A pencil eyeliner if you're wearing liner in your inner waterline, some lash glue, and tweezers and you're good to go!

Huda Beauty Sticky Tack Lash Glue.

What: Huda Beauty Sticky Tack Lash Glue 7ml

Why I have this in my makeup touch-up bag:

• Latex free.

• Super fast drying.

• Long-lasting formula.

• Precision brush applicator.

Eyes Of Horus Goddess Pencil.

What: Eye Of Horus Goddess Pencil

Why I have this in my makeup touch-up bag:

• Long-wearing formula.

• Smudge-proof and water-resistant.

• Blending sponge included on the end of the pencil.

5. Extras (Just for Fun).

Finally, just a few failsafes to include in your makeup touch-up bag.

• Bandaids.

• Hairspray.

• Bobby pins.

• A comb/brush.

• Anti-static spray.

• Panadol/Nurofen.

Looks aside, the best piece of advice I can give is to have FUN.

Having attended and done makeup for countless events and weddings, it's so easy to get caught up in the craziness of the day. Just remember to take a breath and savour every moment, you deserve it!

Want more makeup tips? Check out the Beauty IQ articles below:

• A Makeup Artist Shares Her Glam MAKE UP FOR EVER Routine

• These Are The Top 15 Best-Selling Makeup Products of 2023

• 4 of the Best Red Lipsticks for Olive Skin Tones