As a guest, there's nothing better than getting your glam on - and these are the Cult Beauty buys to do it.
Not to sound like a drag, but there are fewer and fewer occasions these days that require me to get properly glammed up. Therefore, nothing gets me more excited during the summer than weddings. The romance in the air, the joy of seeing loved ones tie the knot, and of course, the chance to dress to the nines. For me, weddings are the perfect opportunity to experiment with my beauty routine. After all, each ceremony and reception offers a different setting, vibe, and theme, giving me the perfect excuse to try out new products and techniques. Not that we're looking to outshine the bride or anything, but with photo opportunities aplenty, even the guests want to look their best. From a flawless foundation that stays put through laughter and happy tears, to a radiant blush that gives your cheeks that fresh, just-kissed flush, these occasions allow us to be our most fabulous selves. It can also allow us to be more creative and playful with our beauty choices, whether you want to rock a colourful lip, a bolder blush, or a statement eyeliner. And then there's the pre-wedding prep. A good self-tanner can give you a sun-kissed glow that says you've just returned from a tropical holiday, even if you've been desk-bound for weeks. It’s all about feeling radiant and camera-ready (without stealing the spotlight, of course).
Don't mind us, just getting wedding glam
If you have a roster of weddings—or any big summer do for that matter—marked in your calendar in the coming months, then take a look below. Alongside the products I already use religiously, I've been researching even more to help elevate any event look and ensure that you snag the most compliments outside of the happy couple. When I’m looking for the best new beauty buys, I know exactly where to turn too – Cult Beauty.
Stocking my trusty everyday staples alongside a slew of TikTok approved brands I’d never heard of (and now swear by), Cult Beauty has everything you need for every stage of your getting ready routine, no matter how much time, effort or money you want to invest in it. My personal highlights? A top-rated tan serum to give glow on a hot summer’s day without having to go heavy on foundation, a highlighter that was practically made for a camera flash and an SPF that will prime, not pil, under make-up.
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation
£39.00
This foundation is a staple in my repertoire for a reason. Saved for those special occasions that require a bit of extra staying power, its long-lasting, full-coverage formula keeps your complexion flawless from vows to the last dance. Plus, it photographs beautifully, ensuring you look picture-perfect in every candid snap.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze Gel
£24.00
Well-defined, lifted brows frame your face and give a wide awake look - perfect for the late night you intend on having. The Brow Freeze Gel gives a temporary lamination effect, freezing your hairs upwards to give you natural, fluffy brows that look thicker. Best of all, it leaves no white cast and won't budge no matter how long you sweat it out on the dancefloor.
Huda Beauty Obsessions Eyeshadow Palette
£29.00
These compact palettes pack a punch with highly pigmented, blendable shades - plus there's plenty of matte shades to use day in, day out. Whether you’re going for a subtle bronze shimmer or a more poppy lilac (hello, summer!), there’s a combination for every occasion.
Bondi Sands Technocolor Emerald Self Tanning Face Serum 50ml
£14.39
Bondi Sands' salon-quality formulas work to give you a seamless golden glow. They also hydrate and nourish skin meaning you stay bronzed for longer, all without having to leave the comfort of your own home. No exception to the rule is the Techno Face Serum in 'Emerald' (50ml), a self tanning staple that delivers a deep, olive-toned tan while caring for your complexion.
Laura Mercier Ultra Blur Pressed Setting Powder 20g (Various Shades)
£44.00
Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder has been a cult buy for years but I've always hated the way you need to bring a brush around with you if you want to top up on the go. Now, the brand has released a pressed version - complete with a little sponge - to deliver the same long lasting filter-finish formula wherever you need it. I am thrilled!
Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray
£15.50
Make sure your makeup stays flawless from the ceremony to the after-party with this holy grail setting spray. It locks everything in place, so you can dance the night away without worrying about touch-ups. I actually buy it in the handy travel size so I can keep it in my handbag.
Tan-Luxe THE FACE Light/Medium 10ml
£12.00
Get that sun-kissed glow without the UV damage. In my opinion, these are the original and the best tanning drops on the market. Mix these drops with your favourite moisturiser for a customisable, streak-free tan that will have everyone thinking you just returned from a tropical holiday.
Ultra Violette Preen Screen SPF 50+ Reapplication Mist 75ml
£25.60
In the words of Rihanna, where have you been all my li-i-i-ife? Noone wants to get sunburned at a wedding but if you've already applied your make-up, it can be a possibility. Enter, then, Ultra Violette's SPF Reapplication Mist - a fine spray that can layer over make-up to give you the factor 50 protection we all need. Obsessed.
Saie Dew Blush 12ml (Various Shades)
£20.00
Famed for its 'no-make up make up' essentials, Saie's lightweight and luminous Dew Blush Liquid Cheek Flush is your one-way ticket to a super natural-looking, just-pinched flush. It blends into skin so effortlessly so you don't feel like you've applied the war paint.
NUXE Huile Prodigieuse Shimmering Multi Purpose Dry Oil 50ml
£17.60
If your outfit shows even a hint of skin, this is glistening body oil is an essential post bath moisturiser to enhance and adorn; from collar bones right down to your peep-toes. You will look radiant beyond belief!
Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Crush Cherirosa 62 Perfume Mist
£19.20
Oh, so you like compliments, do you? Then wear this. If 'sexy' were a scent, then the Brazilian Crush Cheirosa '62 would be it - but what else would you expect from the maker's of the heaven scented bum bum cream?
Hourglass Veil Hydrating Skin Tint 35ml (Various Shades)
£49.00
If you like things pared back and a little low maintenance, tinted moisturisers are a game-changer. Lending a whisper of tint with a generous helping of skin-friendly ingredients, this skin care-make up hybrid is my preferred choice for weddings where I know I'll spend a lot of time outdoors in the heat. What I especially love about this Hourglass tint is the range of shades, meaning you can still match to your skin like a foundation but without the weight.
Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Light Wand 12ml (Various Shades)
£30.00
I am not someone who has been blessed with super model cheeks. There's no protruded apple for blush, nor is there a natural carved out contour. So instead I focus on creating touchpoints for the light to bounce - and Charlotte Tilbury's Spotlight is my top choice.
Cult Beauty x Glow Recipe Edit
£39.00
Glow Recipe is the TikTok trending brand to know right now. I've been meaning to try it for a while and wasn't sure where to start, and then this selection box of brand favourites came to the rescue. Everyone knows that beautifying before a big event starts with the skincare. Powered by fruit and packed with antioxidants, Cult Beauty have condensed six brand staples into one routine to nourish, brighten and hydrate skin at home and on the glow.
Color Wow Style on Steroids Performance Enhancing Texture Spray 262ml
£26.50
Fine hair? Same. Don't worry, I've got you. The Style on Steroids Performance Enhancing Texture Spray from Color Wow (founded by Kim Kardashian's right hand hair man, Chris Appleton) gives fine, flat hair serious volume and style in just a few spritzes. It's also just great in general if you want your hair to really stay in the style you've created for longer too.
PATRICK TA Major Volume Plumping Gloss 9ml (Various Shades)
£14.00
I love the look of lipstick, but at a wedding it is something too distracting. You're drinking lots of drinks, smashing canapes and talking endlessly - all that can wreak havoc with your lip line and lead to smudge. Instead I prefer a neutral, elevated lip courtesy of Patrick Ta. This glossy tint can be applied without a mirror, topped up on the go, feels nautral but also chic thanks to that mirror shine. It also volumises, supposedly, which I can't confirm or deny but I do know my lips look great.
Huda Beauty Lip Contour 2.0
£19.00
But if you are going to dare a bold lip because your outfit deserves it, here's my lip - create the look with a liner. Why? Because they're designed not to budge! This Huda Lip Contour is a liner-lipstick hybrid meaning you can create more coverage for a lip that lasts right through until the taxi home.
Sweed Nikki No Lash-Lash - Black
£20.00
False lashes aren't for everyone - they can be super heavy handed, fiddly to apply (yet easy to come off) and, frankly, a bit cheap looking. These, however, are amazing. They're individual lashes so you can add just a few to the outer corner of your eyelid for a natural flutter. There are multiple lengths to choose from to to match any eye shape, so you can find one that works for you. Oh, and they're easy to apply. Gamechanger.