Journal · Real couples · Abu Dhabi
Summer wedding makeup: lessons from a desert photoshoot
Few places test makeup like the desert. This pre-wedding photoshoot took place among the dunes at Anantara Qasr Al Sarab in Abu Dhabi, with blazing sun, warm wind and hours of posing in a lace gown. Everything I learned there applies to summer wedding makeup anywhere, from a humid July afternoon in Toronto to a destination wedding in the sun.
By Corrie Elle, founder and lead makeup artist · Updated October 2026 · 6 min read
The short version
- Prep with light, oil-free hydration, then prime only where you get shiny.
- Build a thin, long-wear base and set it with powder plus setting spray.
- Choose waterproof eyes and a long-wear lip, so heat and happy tears don’t matter.
- Plan your touch-ups and hairstyle for the weather, not just for the photos.
Summer wedding makeup lessons from the Abu Dhabi desert
Anantara Qasr Al Sarab is a desert resort surrounded by towering dunes in Abu Dhabi’s Empty Quarter. It’s breathtaking for photos. However, it’s also one of the toughest environments a makeup artist can work in: strong sun, dry heat and a breeze that carries fine sand.
For this couple’s pre-wedding session (see also my tips on engagement photo makeup), the bride wore a fitted lace gown with a flowing train, and we swept her hair into a sleek updo that wouldn’t fight the wind. The goal was simple: she needed to look as fresh in the last frame as in the first, so every product had to stay put without looking heavy.
How to make summer wedding makeup last in the heat
This is the routine I rely on for hot, humid or sunny weddings. As a result, the makeup moves with you instead of sliding off.
01
Hydrate lightly
First, use a lightweight, oil-free moisturiser and let it sink in completely. Skin that’s hydrated produces less excess oil later in the day.
02
Prime where it matters
Next, apply a mattifying primer only on the forehead, nose and chin, and a hydrating one elsewhere, so the skin still looks fresh rather than flat.
03
Keep the base thin
Then build a thin layer of long-wear foundation, adding coverage only where it’s needed. Airbrush makeup is also a great option, because it sits weightlessly on the skin.
04
Set in two steps
After that, press a fine powder into the T-zone and under the eyes, and finish the whole face with a long-wear setting spray.
05
Waterproof the eyes
Choose waterproof mascara and liner, and keep shimmer to the centre of the lid, since glitter near the cheeks can read as sweat in photos.
06
Lock in the lips
Finally, line and fill the lips with a long-wear formula (here’s how to choose your wedding lipstick), then blot and reapply for a colour that survives the heat, the kiss and the toast.
Summer wedding hair to match your makeup
Heat, humidity and wind are hard on hair, so I choose styles that look intentional even when the weather changes.
Wind-proof and elegant
Sleek updo
- Like this desert bride, smooth and secure
- Keeps hair off the neck when it’s hot
- Shows off the neckline as well as earrings
Soft and classic
Low chignon
- Pinned close to the nape, so it feels comfortable
- Pairs well with a veil as well as flowers
- Stays tidy through hugs and dancing
Textured and secure
Braided styles
- Braids add grip, so pins hold better
- Look romantic, even as they loosen
- Hide a little frizz when it’s humid
Summer wedding makeup: do, avoid and pack
For a fresh finish
Do
- Blot shine instead of adding more powder
- Choose long-wear, transfer-resistant formulas
- Test your look at your trial, ideally in warm conditions
To stay comfortable
Avoid
- Thick creams and heavy layers of foundation
- Shimmer on the cheeks, because it can look like sweat
- Trying new skincare before the big day
For quick fixes
Pack
- Blotting papers as well as a small powder
- Your lipstick and liner
- A mini fan, plus water with a straw so your lipstick stays put
For the full list, see my bridal emergency kit checklist.
Planning summer wedding makeup for a long, hot day
If your wedding falls in the heat of July or August, or you’re travelling somewhere hot, plan for touch-ups from the start. With our Tailored Experience, the bride receives a Bridal Mini Express kit to keep with her through the evening.
For outdoor ceremonies and long days, touch-up coverage starts from $475 and keeps an artist with you for portraits and the reception. That way, the heat is one thing you won’t have to think about.
Summer wedding makeup: your questions
How do I keep my wedding makeup from melting in the heat?
Use light, oil-free skincare, a mattifying primer on the T-zone, a thin long-wear foundation and a setting spray. Blot shine during the day instead of piling on more powder.
Is airbrush makeup good for summer weddings?
Yes. Airbrush makeup is thin and lightweight, so it feels comfortable in the heat and wears well in humidity. It’s an add-on you can test at your bridal trial.
What is the best hairstyle for a hot or windy wedding?
Sleek updos, low chignons and braided styles hold best. They keep hair off your neck, resist frizz and stay neat when the wind picks up.
Should I book touch-ups for an outdoor summer wedding?
If your day is long or very hot, it’s worth it, because an artist stays with you after the ceremony to blot, powder and refresh your lips before portraits and the reception.
Getting married in the summer sun? Let’s make it last.
Tell us your date, your venue and how much of the day you’ll spend outdoors. We’ll recommend the right products and touch-up plan, and check availability in Toronto, the GTA and Ottawa.