A Professional Make-Up Artist’s Guide to Bridal Perfection

Mehak Oberoi approached her own wedding-day beauty look with the same meticulous precision she affords her clients. Envisioning “an ethereal, soft, and monochromatic aesthetic,” she opted for a delicate wash of pink hues across her features, achieving a refined, seamless finish. Mehak’s beauty journey in the run-up to her wedding was comprehensive, spanning her most cherished products, regular HydraFacials appointments, and the simple yet effective ritual of dunking one’s face in an ice bowl. Her core intention was to cultivate an irreplaceable inner glow that serves as a solid, impeccable foundation for long-lasting makeup. This philosophy of skin-first artistry is what Mehak recommends to all bride-to-be. Read on as Mehak shares her key steps and product recommendations to achieve this lasting perfection, ensuring you remain radiant through every single function.

Mehak’s Golden Rule

“A non-negotiable step when prepping for my own wedding was lymphatic drainage. I use either a gua sha or my fingers to gently de-puff the under-eye area and create a visibly lifted contour before product application. I also swear by ice bowls. I dunk my face in it every morning to instantly refresh my skin. It’s great for brides-to-be, especially in-between functions, as it improves blood flow, minimises pores, and tightens skin.”

The Hydration Hero

“Well-hydrated skin is a non-negotiable step for flawless make-up. I swear by the cult-favourite Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré, especially during colder months. This highly nourishing, emollient works as the perfect base for the product to sit on. Just a word of caution: allow the skin to absorb the formula before you start applying make-up.” 

Choose Formulas Wisely

“To ensure your make-up doesn’t slide off after a few hours, the product texture must be meticulously matched to the weather. For instance, avoid cream-based formulas for coastal weddings as the humidity will melt your make-up. During colder weather, skip prep is extremely important. Hydrate the skin well and use a dewy foundation to ensure the skin looks fresh and flawless sans creases.”

Touch-Up Essential

“Every bride should carry key make-up essentials on her wedding day to touch up on the go. Along with the usual suspects, like a mini lipstick and perfume, keep either loose or pressed powder and a triangle puff handy. It will help banish excess shine or smooth out creases in tricky areas—like around the nose and under the eyes—easily. Also, keep a high-quality lash glue handy for quick fixes and extra bindis, should yours shift mid-celebration.”