Colorado is one of the most beautiful places in the country to get married. It's also one of the toughest on wedding-day hair and makeup.
Denver sits a mile above sea level, and many mountain venues are much higher. Between the dry air, the strong sun and quick-changing mountain weather, a look that would last all day somewhere else can fade, crease or flatten here if it isn't planned for. After four years of doing bridal hair and makeup from Denver to the mountains, here's what I do (and what I tell my brides to do) to make it last.
Why Colorado is different
1. The air is dry
Colorado's climate is dry, and dry air pulls moisture from your skin. Dehydrated skin can make makeup look flat or cakey and cling to dry patches, especially around the nose, mouth and eyes. If you're visiting from somewhere humid, you may notice your skin feels tighter within a day or two of arriving.
2. The sun is stronger up here
UV intensity increases with elevation. A commonly cited estimate is roughly 10% more UV for every 1,000 meters (about 3,300 feet) you climb. Outdoor ceremonies and portraits mean real sun exposure, which affects your skin (hello, sunburn on your wedding day) and how your makeup wears.
3. Mountain weather changes fast
Wind at a scenic overlook, a summer afternoon thunderstorm, a chilly evening after a warm ceremony: mountain weddings can see all of it in one day. Hair especially needs to be built to survive wind and changing humidity.
How I build a look that lasts
- Hydration first. Because of my esthetician background, I always start with skin prep. Well-hydrated skin holds makeup better and looks more natural, and it's the single biggest difference-maker in a dry climate.
- Thin layers, not heavy ones. Heavy layers are more likely to crack and settle into lines as the day goes on. Several thin, well-set layers hold better and look softer.
- Long-wear, photo-friendly products. Everything I use is chosen to hold through tears, hugs, sun and dancing.
- Set where it matters. Strategic setting keeps shine down in photos without making skin look dry or powdery.
- Hair built for wind. For outdoor and mountain weddings, I plan styles with the elements in mind and set them to hold, and I'll talk you through options if you're worried about wind at your venue.
A note on sunscreen and photos. Sun protection matters at altitude, but some sunscreens, especially high-SPF mineral formulas, can reflect camera flash and look lighter or whitish in photos. If you plan to wear sunscreen on your wedding day, bring it to your trial so we can see how it works with your makeup and adjust if needed.
What you can do before the wedding
- Hydrate in the weeks before, inside and out. Drink plenty of water and keep up with a good moisturizer, especially if you're traveling to Colorado from a more humid place.
- Protect your skin from sunburn. A burn or peeling skin right before the wedding is very hard to cover. Be careful on pre-wedding hikes and outdoor activities.
- Stick with your usual skincare. The weeks right before your wedding aren't the time to try a new peel, facial or strong product.
- Book a trial, ideally at a similar time of day to your wedding, so we can see how your look wears over several hours.
What to have on hand on the day
- Your lip color, for touching up after eating and kissing.
- Blotting papers for shine.
- A few bobby pins for windy moments.
- A hydrating mist or lip balm if your skin tends to get dry.
If you'd like me to stay for touch-ups before portraits or the reception, just let me know when you inquire.
Planning a mountain wedding?
I travel anywhere in Colorado, including Estes Park, Breckenridge, Keystone, Vail and beyond. For early-morning start times at mountain venues farther from Denver, I may need to arrive the night before, so share your venue and ready-by time when you inquire and I'll plan everything around your day.
Sadie WoodLicensed cosmetologist and former esthetician specializing in bridal natural glam. Based in Thornton, serving Denver, the Colorado mountains and destination weddings nationwide.