How to Choose the Right Foundation & Fake Tan for Your Wedding Day
Expert Advice from a Wedding Photographer in Ireland & Paris
As a wedding photographer capturing timeless love stories across Ireland and Paris, one of the most common beauty mistakes I see is mismatched foundation or overly dark (& orange toned) fake tan. While these choices might look fine in person, they often don’t translate well on camera – especially in natural light.
Let’s make sure you glow in every photo for all the right reasons.
1. Choose a Foundation That Matches Your Neck & Chest
Your face, neck, and chest should look seamless in tone. A foundation that’s too dark or orange creates an obvious contrast – especially when photographed. Trust me we’ve all been there, as a very pale - almost blue and translucent Irish person I have many a time fallen into the orange tan in the past - I get it! However, it’s your wedding day and can’t be repeated so my advice is to be very cautious about skin colour via tan and foundation - test, test, test!
Photographer’s Tip:
Get colour-matched in daylight and always wear white to your trial.
2. Be Subtle with Fake Tan
Fake tan should enhance your glow – not change your skin tone. Too dark or orange tans often clash with white dresses and look patchy in photos.
Photographer’s Tip:
Have a trial tan with your makeup trial and photograph it in natural light.
3. Have a Makeup Trial with Photography in Mind
What looks great in person might not photograph well. A trial helps you fine-tune your look for both real life and camera.
Bonus Tip:
Schedule your engagement session the same day as your trial!
4. Trust Your Photographer’s Eye
I’ve spent hours editing wedding galleries, and mismatched makeup is one of the hardest things (if not impossible) to fix. When your skin tone is right, you’ll look effortlessly radiant in every frame.
5. Glow Naturally in Every Frame
The goal is not to hide your features but to enhance them. The best makeup is the kind that helps you shine.
Final Thoughts:
With a little prep, your wedding look can be as flawless in photos as it is in person. Choose the right tones, trust your professionals, and you'll glow beautifully from every angle.
Planning your wedding in Ireland or Paris?
I’d love to help capture your love story. Click here to connect with me.
