Photo: KT Merry
Aside from taking diligent care of your skin for the months leading up to your wedding—A.K.A. moisturizing and applying renewal and resurfacing masks like nobody's business—the key to any glowing wedding day makeup look is a proper foundation (there's a reason it's called foundation, after all). But with so many options available—liquid, mineral power, tinted BB and CC balms, and more—it's hard to know which one is right for your skin. Here's how to ace your base:
Liquid
Best for: All skin types. If shine's an issue, opt for an oil-free formula.
Coverage: Light to medium.
Tool tip: Giorgio Armani Cosmetics's Tim Quinn suggests tapping a few drops on the back of your hand, dipping in a foundation brush, and "painting" over your face from the center out.
Liquid foundation to try: Maestro Fusion Makeup SPF 15, $62, Giorgio Armani
Mineral Powder
Best for: Sensitive skin and anyone with rosacea or acne.
Coverage: Light but buildable.
Tool tip: A fluffy powder brush deposits an even layer, says NYC makeup artist Daniel Martin.
Mineral power foundation to try: True Match Naturale Mineral Foundation, $15, L'Oréal Paris
Stick
Best for: Dry skin. (It's cream based.)
Coverage: Medium.
Tool tip: "'Stripe' your face and blend with your fingers," says Quinn.
Stick foundation to try: Fit Me Shine-Free Gel Foundation Stick, $9, Maybelline New York
Cream Compact
Best for: Very dry skin and camouflaging birthmarks and scars.
Coverage: Full.
Tool tip: A slightly damp sponge helps the cream glide on smoothly.
Cream compact foundation to try: Cococin Cream Compact, $32, Lorac
Tinted Moisturizer
Best for: Normal to dry skin and lucky brides with nothing to conceal.
Coverage: Very light.
Tool tip: This is sheer—perfect for a quick swipe with your fingers.
Tinted moisturizer to try: Moisture Surge Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15, $27, Clinique
As for those on-trend BB and CC creams? Well, here's how the relatively new skin cream alphabet breaks down:
BB: Tinted moisturizers on steroids, BB creams (short for "beauty balm") deliver extra bennies like blurring fine lines and enlarged pores.
BB cream to try: Naked Skin Beauty Balm, $34, Urban Decay
CC: These "color correctors" tackle redness, boost radiance, and zap age spots.
CC cream to try: Tone Rehab CC Cream, $12, Covergirl + Olay
DD: Acting as "daily defenders," these babies are packed with sunscreen and damage-blocking antioxidants.
DD cream to try: DD Cream, $38, Dermadoctor