Beat the Heat: How to Stay Flawless on Your Summer Wedding Day

We all know Chicago summers are amazing—but they can also be hot, humid, and unpredictable. As a Chicago Makeup Artist and Hair Stylist Team who specializes in weddings, we’ve seen it all: scorching sun, surprise humidity, and makeup-melting moments. If you're planning a summer wedding, here’s how to make sure your bridal look holds up flawlessly through the forecast.

Photos by Nikole Marie Photo

Prep Your Skin & Avoid Tan Line Drama

One of the biggest beauty bummers we see in the summer is unwanted Tan lines.

If you're spending time in the sun in the months leading up to your wedding (hello, patio season!), be mindful of your sports bras, swimsuits, and tank tops. Those sharp tan lines can draw attention, and they aren't a makeup quick fix. making editing your wedding photos more complicated.

Our advice:

• Wear strapless tops or ones that mirror the same shape of your wedding dress when outdoors.

• Use broad-spectrum SPF daily—and reapply.

• If you want a glow, opt for a professional spray tan or high-quality self-tanner—and test it at least a month in advance.

Work with a Professional Makeup Artist who is Experienced in Creating Looks for Summer Outdoor Weddings

We customize each bride’s look based on the season, and summer definitely calls for long-wear, water-resistant formulas.

What we use:

• Primers and setting sprays built for heat and humidity.

• Airbrush foundation for many of our summer brides—it lasts all day without feeling heavy.

• Anti-frizz products and strategic pinning for hairstyles that stay secure even when it's muggy.

Pro tip: Don’t skip skin prep before makeup. Clean, hydrated skin helps everything stay in place.

Consider Booking Extended Touch-Ups for Peace of Mind

Worried about a sweaty upper lip or your curls falling flat by the reception?

We offer extended on-location touch-ups for exactly this reason. Whether you want your look refreshed before photos, a quick style change before your grand entrance, or just someone to blot, reapply gloss, and keep your flyaways in check—we've got you.

You’ll feel relaxed knowing someone is on hand to keep you photo-ready all day (and night).

Make a "100-Degree Plan"

We’ve seen brides look absolutely stunning—even when the temps hit triple digits. The secret? Having a comfort plan in place.

Think about:

• Swapping outdoor portraits for indoor backups (a museum, historic lobby, or shaded spot).

• Adapting your hair and makeup look If needed. On occasion, a bride will trade her hair down look for an updo the week before the wedding if the forecast predicts extreme heat.

• Keeping a cool-down kit on hand with blotting papers, water, a portable fan, and oil-absorbing powder.

Bonus tip: Let your bridal party (and vendors!) know the backup plan in advance so everyone stays comfortable and stress-free.

Final Thoughts

You deserve to feel gorgeous and comfortable on your big day. With a little planning and the right glam team in your corner, heat and humidity don’t have to be a major issue. If you’re a summer or fall 2025 bride, now’s the perfect time to check availability for your extended touch up options If you're interested in this added insurance for your day.

Ready to look flawless from "I do" to the dance floor? Contact us here to check availability on your wedding day.

Is a Second Look Right for You?

When it comes to your wedding day, every detail matters — especially how you look and feel. You've chosen the perfect gown, your dream venue, and carefully planned each moment of your celebration. But what if you could elevate your day even more with a second bridal look?

Whether you want to change up your style for the reception, wow your guests with a transformation, or just feel refreshed before dancing the night away, a second look can be a game-changer.

What Is a Second Look?

A bridal second look typically involves a change in hair, makeup, and sometimes even wardrobe between the ceremony and reception. Think sleek bun for the vows, then loose waves and a bold lip for the party. It’s your day — why not showcase more than one stunning version of yourself?

Why Brides Are Loving Second Looks

• Two Styles, One Day: You don’t have to choose between romantic and glamorous — have both!

• Fresh for Photos: After hours of emotions, hugging, and happy tears, a second look gives you that “just-glammed” confidence again.

• Reception-Ready: A style switch can help you transition from formal to festive, keeping you comfortable and photo-ready all night.

Customizable Packages That Fit Your Vision

As a Chicago Makeup Artist and Hair Stylist Team, we believe every bride deserves to feel like the most radiant version of herself — from the first look to the last dance. That’s why we offer customizable beauty packages, including full support for second looks.

Whether you envision a subtle touch-up or a full hair and makeup transformation, our team is here to make it happen.

Introducing Our VIP Package

We’re thrilled to introduce our new VIP Package, designed for the bride who wants it all. This premium experience includes:

• 7 hours of on-location coverage

• Your dedicated beauty team by your side throughout the day

• Touch-ups, transformations, and second looks, all handled seamlessly

• Expert coordination to keep you glowing and stress-free from prep to reception

This package is perfect for weddings with multiple photo locations, outfit changes, or for any bride who wants to feel like a celebrity on her big day.

Is a Second Look Right for You?

If you’re dreaming of a wedding day that evolves as beautifully as your love story, a second look could be exactly what you’re looking for. And with our talented team and flexible packages, it’s easier than ever to make that dream a reality.

Ready to plan your perfect beauty timeline? Let’s talk! Contact us today to learn more about our VIP Package and how we can personalize your bridal beauty experience.

Expert Tips for Long Lasting Wedding Day Beauty

Your wedding day is a whirlwind of joy, emotion, and unforgettable memories—and you'll want to look and feel your absolute best from the moment you walk down the aisle to the last dance of the night. Our Chicago Makeup Artist and Hairstylist Team specializes in creating looks that enhance your natural beauty and creates a look that not only reflects you, but also stands the test of time, cameras, hugs, and yes—Mother Nature.

Many of our brides choose an outdoor element to their wedding day- ceremonies, cocktail hours, or a tour of the city for photos, and that means we’re no strangers to the challenges of wind, humidity, and heat. So today, we’re sharing our expert tips for making sure your hair and makeup stay flawless, fresh, and fabulous—no matter the forecast.

Start With Skincare

The best makeup starts with healthy, hydrated skin. In the weeks leading up to your big day:

• Stick to a consistent skincare routine.

• Exfoliate gently (weekly) to remove dead skin and help makeup glide on smoothly.

• Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate—inside and out. Drink plenty of water and use a lightweight moisturizer suited for your skin type.

Pro Tip: Avoid trying new skincare products or treatments right before your wedding to minimize the risk of irritation or breakouts.

Go into the beauty process with an open mind

Our primary goal is to help you design your perfect version of wedding day beauty and to do this, we'll want to look at your inspiration, your dress or pantsuit, and talk through your specific plans for the wedding day in addition to learning about your unique hair and skin type.

Occasionally, a client may be looking for something that probably won't hold up in their circumstance, and we'll make recommendations for something similar. An example of this would be having hollywood waves if your hair doesn't hold a curl well and you plan on being outdoors for a while. In this case we might recommend adding clip in extensions for added hold and hiring your hairstylist to stay on with you for a few hours to touch up as needed. Your trial run can be a great test to learn what to expect on the wedding day.

Layer Smart, Set Strong

When it comes to long wear, it's all about layering:

• We use waterproof and smudge-resistant formulas customized for your specific skin type and concerns.

• A high-quality setting spray seals everything in and helps your look endure wind, tears, and dance-floor fun.

Bonus: We send our brides off with a lip touch-up kit.

Hair That Holds (Without Looking Stiff)

Chicago weddings in the summer bring a unique challenge: your style has to withstand wind, humidity, and movement—while still looking soft and effortless.

Here’s how we keep your wedding hair looking fresh:

• We prep the hair with anti-humidity products and heat styling to create a strong foundation.

• Flexible-hold hairsprays keep styles in place without looking stiff or over-sprayed.

• Strategic pinning and hidden support ensure your updo or waves last through the night.

• We always recommend testing out your look at your trial run similar to your plans for the wedding day to determine if we'd like to make any adjustments (for example; if you're having 2 hours of outdoor photos you should spend 2 hours outdoors after your trial).

Trust the Trial

A hair and makeup trial is the perfect time to test how your look holds up—and how you feel in it. We’ll evaluate:

• How your skin reacts to products.

• What hairstyles best resist the elements based on your hair texture and plans for the day.

• Whether the look captures your vision and feels like you.

Think of your trial as a dress rehearsal for your beauty—one that leaves you feeling confident, calm, and excited.

Breathe, Smile, Glow

The best beauty secret? Joy.

Your glow comes from within, and while the products, techniques, and timelines are important, what makes your look unforgettable is how you feel. That’s why our team is dedicated to not only making you look your best—but helping you feel calm, empowered, and radiant.

We’re honored to be a part of your big day, and we bring our A-game every time, from touch-proof lipsticks to flyaway-fighting hairpins.

Ready for your Wedding day glow?

Let’s create a look that lasts through laughter, happy tears, hugs, and everything in between. Get in touch to schedule your call—we can’t wait to help you feel like the best version of yourself on your big day.