diy makeup necessities?!

High end makeup made for photography is a must. Ask your friend for suggestions on specific items and colors.
Start with primer. That makes everything stay in place. You can go as dramatic or simple as you like. Most pictures that look they aren't wearing anything are actually a full face of makeup. With concealers and foundations. Eyeshadow in a neutral color, eyeliner, mascara, blush, lipstick. Cover everything with setting spray.

Have your friend do a few trials so you can decide on a look.

Primer, brow gel, cream based highlighter and gloss with a light bronze effect to it.

Hi Kristine! I'd start buying some of the makeup essentials listed above and playing around with youtube tutorials - they're really helpful as a guide!

WeddingWire has a few videos you can check out on their !

Are you close to a Sephora? If so, maybe go in there and get matched to a foundation and concealer. They can also make recommendations based on your skin type. I have mixed feelings about primers. I experimented with a lot of different primers before my wedding and ended up not really using one (I used a really nice cosmetic sunscreen instead). So I'd say it really depends on your skin and how the makeup you chooses plays together. For example, if you end up using a water based concealer or foundation, you can't use a primer that has silicone because they'll separate and look weird on your face.

Ulta and Sephora have really great return policies. I spent some time watching You Tube tutorials and product recommendations, then bought a bunch of stuff and experimented. I kept what worked well for me and returned the rest.

For essentials, these are mine:

-concealer

-light coverage foundation

-natural-colored eyeshadow with a little bit of shimmer

-mascara (or fake lashes. I opted for DIY eyelash extensions for Lilac St. They last a week so you could even put them on before your trip and not have to worry about it the day of)

-blush (can be used for eyeshadow if you're going really simple)

-highlighter

-setting powder

It also might be worth looking into good skincare products too that work well under or in place of makeup. For example, if you don't want to use much/ any concealer, an eye serum with caffeine in it will help temporarily lighten dark circles and puffiness around your eyes.

Good luck!

Everyone is talking about makeup products but you have to remember to prepare your skin to receive makeup. You have to start with a soap, then a tonic and then a moisturizer, all these products have to be for your skin type. This skin preparation will help make up last longer and look better on your skin.