Finding the perfect lipstick for your wedding day

I am Cathryn Kerwin-Rawlinson and I have been a specialist in Bridal Makeup for 18 years and in that time I have had the same question time and time again about finding the most perfect lip shade for your wedding day.

When it comes to lipstick for your wedding day, there are a few key things to keep in mind. During your trial, I will apply a lipstick shade that I believe suits you best. I take into account your undertone, skin tone, and the overall colour scheme of your wedding. However, I always emphasize that my lipstick collection is minimal for good reason.

Lipstick is one of the most short-lived products in my makeup kit. Unlike foundations or eye products, lipsticks have a relatively short shelf life and expire quickly. For that reason, I don't invest in an extensive range or stock every shade available from brands like Charlotte Tilbury or MAC. I am not a makeup counter, and I don't have every single lipstick that's out there. Instead, I curate a selection of shades that I feel will work well for most of my brides.

One important point to remember is that lipstick will not last throughout your wedding day. Unlike other makeup products, lipstick fades due to kissing, drinking, eating, and talking. If you choose a glossy formula, you will need to reapply it even more frequently. Because of this, you will need to have a lipstick of your own for touch-ups.

After your trial, I highly recommend that you take the time to find a lipstick that you love and feel confident wearing. The shade I apply at your trial is a great starting point, but it doesn't mean you have to use the exact same one on your wedding day. Many times, I mix multiple lipsticks and glosses to get the perfect tone for you, so the exact shade may not exist as a single product. This is why I encourage you to use the photos from your trial as a guide and find a lipstick that works best for you.

Please don't get hung up on a lipstick. It should not be make or break for your wedding day. Instead, see it as an opportunity to go out and find the perfect one that matches your personal style and colouring. My past brides know that I always ask them to do this, and it's something I will remind you of at your trial.

Use the time between your trial and your wedding to explore different options. Visit beauty concessions at stores like Charlotte Tilbury, Estée Lauder, or MAC—these experts can help guide you to a shade that suits your personal style and colouring. You might find that a slightly different tone or formula works even better for you.

Ultimately, the key takeaway is that your wedding lipstick should be something you love, feel comfortable wearing, and can easily reapply throughout the day. Use your trial as a reference, but don't be afraid to find the perfect shade that matches your personal vibe and style.