A bride's wedding makeup in the summer faces a real challenge against heat, humidity, and long celebration hours, making longevity a key element for a successful look. Photo: Christian Abouhaidar

(CNN) — A bride's makeup is no longer measured solely by its beauty in the first moments, but by its ability to last until the final dance on the wedding night.

In the summer wedding season, where temperatures rise and humidity increases, makeup faces a real test between long preparation hours, moving between air-conditioned venues and hot weather, emotional reactions, and camera lenses documenting every detail.

Despite the significant development in cosmetics over recent years, Lebanese makeup artist Christian Abouhaidar emphasized that the longevity of the look does not depend on a single product or a popular trend, but begins with skin preparation, choosing the right formulations, and adopting well-thought-out application techniques that adapt to the nature of each skin type.

The longevity of the look does not depend on a single product or a popular trend, but begins with skin preparation, choosing the right formulations, and adopting well-thought-out application techniques that adapt to the nature of each skin type. Photo: Christian Abouhaidar

In an interview with CNN Arabic, Abouhaidar explained that long-lasting makeup always begins with proper skin care, with a focus on achieving balance without overusing products.

Care includes the following steps:

Cleansing the skin deeply but gently.

Moisturizing it with light or rich products depending on skin needs.

Preparing the lips from the beginning of the makeup session.

Giving skincare products enough time to be absorbed by the skin before starting the face makeup application.

A bride's makeup in the summer faces a real test between heat, humidity, and long wedding hours. Photo: Christian Abouhaidar

Abouhaidar added that the wedding day itself poses a major challenge to makeup longevity, not only because of the hot weather but also as a result of the bride's movement. Therefore, the goal is not limited to making the makeup last for long hours, but also to maintaining a natural and radiant skin appearance, with a performance that lasts between 12 and 16 hours without looking heavy.

He pointed out that every skin type has a different approach when applying bridal makeup in the summer, as the needs of oily skin differ from dry skin. For oily skin, the focus is on controlling sebum production without drying out the skin, through light hydration, using primer only in areas that need it, and applying powder in necessary areas to maintain a natural look.

Every skin type has a different approach when applying bridal makeup in the summer. Photo: Christian Abouhaidar

As for dry skin, it requires greater attention to hydration using nourishing products, while avoiding excessive use of powder, especially since dryness may cause makeup to crack or separate faster than oils. He emphasized that the goal in both cases is not to obtain completely matte skin, but healthy and balanced skin that keeps the makeup intact throughout the wedding day.

Regarding primer, Abouhaidar stressed that it is not a mandatory step in all cases, but should perform a specific function. Some brides need to minimize the appearance of pores, while others prefer to enhance makeup longevity, whereas well-prepped skin might not need it at all. Therefore, it is chosen according to skin needs, not based on one rule for everyone, especially since reducing the number of unnecessary layers helps the makeup stay on longer.

Primer is chosen according to skin needs, not based on one rule for everyone. Photo: Christian Abouhaidar

Regarding the most common mistakes that lead to makeup melting or caking in hot and humid weather, Abouhaidar indicated they include:

Using a large amount of skincare products immediately before makeup.

Combining products whose formulations are not compatible.

Applying thick layers of foundation under the belief that it lasts longer.

Overusing powder, which later leads to makeup cracking.

Neglecting to prepare the skin correctly.

As for foundation, Abouhaidar prefers long-lasting, light-textured formulas that blend into the skin rather than sitting on top of it, stressing that bridal makeup should not look like a mask. Therefore, coverage is built only where the skin needs it, while maintaining its natural appearance, which provides an elegant result that looks beautiful in photos and lasts for long hours.

Abouhaidar prefers long-lasting, light-textured formulas that blend into the skin rather than sitting on top of it. Photo: Christian Abouhaidar

In talking about setting makeup, he explained that both setting powder and setting spray have different roles. Powder helps set areas that produce oil or move constantly, while setting spray works to merge all layers of makeup together so it looks like it is part of the skin, not a layer on top of it.

He added that one of the techniques he adopts is using setting spray in stages during the makeup application, not just after finishing.

Abouhaidar concluded by emphasizing that the longevity of bridal makeup is the result of the harmony of all details, from skincare to choosing products and application techniques, and not the result of a single product. A successful look is one that gives the bride a natural beauty that lasts until the very last moment of the celebration.