OUTDOOR WEDDING TIPS: KEEPING HAIR & MAKEUP FLAWLESS IN HEAT & HUMIDITY
- cadiletta
- Apr 7
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 7
There’s something so dreamy about an outdoor wedding—the golden hour glow, the natural backdrop, the dogs you're allowed to bring. But, if you’re saying “I do” under the sun or surrounded by summer heat and humidity, there is an unfortunate trade off to that magical setting. Your hair and makeup melting, frizzing, or fading away. Do not fret though, with the right products, preparation, and a few pro tricks, you can look radiant and stay that way all day long. Here are my go-to tips to help your bridal hair and makeup stay flawless no matter how high the temperature climbs.
Hair Tips for Hot & Humid Weather
1. Choose the Right Style
In humidity, loose curls and waves can fall flat or frizz up fast. Structured styles like up-dos, braids, or sleek ponytails that are designed to stay put will have better longevity on an aggressively sunny day. Even half-up styles with some secure pinning can be a better alternative to leaving it completely down.
2. Less Is More When It Comes to Products
Heavy conditioners and styling creams can weigh your hair down in heat. Prepping with lightweight, humidity-resistant products that give hold without buildup will keep your hair fresh even if you're getting a little damp. And do not skip the anti-humidity spray to finish your style with. It will lock out moisture and keep you hair smooth for as long as possible.
4. Volume That Lasts
To combat limpness from humid air, your best bet is proper preparation. Starting from wet hair with the right root lifting and anti-humidity/frizz products will set your style up for success. I build volume at the roots using mousse or volumizing spray and lock it in with a blow-out before styling.
5. Touch-Up Kit Essentials
These necessary must-haves to keep on hand will help keep you in check:
• Bobby pins- If anything falls just pin it back
• Travel-size hairspray- Starting to get frizzy? Spray a small amount of hair spray and gently roll the bottle over top of your fly-aways to tame them back in place.
• Dry shampoo- A small hit of the good stuff will get rid of any moisture that has built up. Pro-tip: an application of dry shampoo before styling will work throughout the day to keep you, well, dry.
Makeup That Withstands the Weather
1. Start with Smart Skincare
Skin-prep is always going to be the most important part of a makeup that looks great all day. Knowing your skin-type and going for a lighter/oil-free moisturizer and a mattifying primer will help your makeup grip and stay in place, even if the sun is beaming. If you are on the dry side, be careful with the matte products, they can make your skin look cakey. Something like the Milk Makeup Hydro-Grip + Glow Primer will hold your makeup in place while keeping you luminous.
2. Water-proof Everything
This is a no-brainer. Most makeup artists are already trying to get your makeup to be as long-wear as possible, but when it comes to hot, outside, summer weddings- water-proof is the way to go. Opt for a fixing spray that will transfer-proof your makeup instead of a finishing spray that is going to melt your makeup together and keep you hydrated. You will likely be aptly hydrated.
3. Blot, Don’t Cake
This one can be tricky. I know the desire to powder your face when you get shiny is strong, but when you layer makeup over sweat over more makeup over more sweat, it's going to build up and separate and become very cakey. Using blotting papers- or even a tissue- to press into the skin and remove any excess oil will return you to an appropriately glowing state. If you still feel like you want a wee bit of powder after that, then, with a very light hand, you may reapply a tiny bit.
5. Lipstick that Lasts
This one can also be tricky, as long-wearing lip products tend to dry out your lips, and in the heat, while your face is sweating, your lips become dry. A way to combat that dryness would be to go with a stain that won't move or run, and then use a lip balm throughout the day to keep your lips hydrated. You can use this method with any long-wearing lip product, but I find that if your mouth is dry, the lipstick can build-up on the inner part of your lips. Whichever route you choose, the most important thing is to stay hydrated on the inside and outside!
Bonus Tips for Outdoor Brides
• Get Ready in a Cool, Shaded Spot: AC is ideal, but if you’re on-location, a shaded tent with a fan can help keep your hair and makeup from melting before you even walk down the aisle. Hand-held fans will also not go a miss.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water leading up to and on the day of your wedding. Pedialyte is your friend.
• Have a Touch-Up Plan: Whether your makeup/hair artist is staying on-site with you or you have a designated bridesmaid-approved kit, make sure someone is ready to do a quick check before key moments.
While these are all ways to optimize your hair and makeup, it is also important to manage your expectations and understand that you cannot travel around in an air-conditioned bubble out of the grips of eager guests. Friction from hugs and dancing will disturb your hair. Kissing, eating and drinking can displace your makeup. Remember that it is a celebration and the memories of the actual day will not rest solely on the way you look...but it will a little. With appropriate planning and the right pro by your side, you will still look 100/10.
If you’re planning an outdoor wedding and want expert support with a heat-proof bridal look, contact Nuovo Beauty to schedule your hair and makeup trial and save $50!
BONUS: Visit the link below to shop all of my favorite products that over-perform on the hottest of hot days.
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