Destination Wedding Makeup Tips with Expert Shinille Edwards-Ali

I have a treat for you in today’s blog! Planning a destination wedding in Trinidad and Tobago comes with so many exciting details, from choosing the perfect venue to curating a breathtaking floral design. As an event designer, I help couples bring their dream celebrations to life with modern, artistic, Caribbean-inspired designs. Every element matters, and that includes makeup.

The tropical weather here is gorgeous but also brings its own challenges. Heat and humidity can affect how makeup wears throughout the day, which is why having the right beauty plan is just as important as selecting the perfect décor. To help brides look flawless from “I do” to the last dance, I spoke with an expert in destination wedding makeup, Shinille Edwards-Ali.

Shinille has been a professional makeup artist and aesthetician for over ten years, specializing in flawless, long-lasting bridal makeup. She is also the founder of FlawlessFaces Makeup Academy, where she teaches both personal and professional courses in beauty artistry. She knows exactly how to create a look that lasts through the heat and keeps brides glowing without shine or smudging.

She shared some of her best tips for destination brides, so if you’re planning your wedding in the Caribbean, keep reading!

Q: How can brides ensure their makeup lasts all day in heat and humidity?

A: To make sure your makeup stays put, start with a mattifying primer to control oil and create a smooth base. A long-wear foundation with a lightweight, oil-free formula will help prevent it from breaking down. Set everything with a translucent powder and finish with a setting spray designed to control shine. Waterproof mascara and eyeliner are must-haves to avoid smudging.

Q: What’s the best way to prevent shine and oiliness without looking dry or cakey?

A: Instead of layering on powder, use oil-absorbing blotting papers throughout the day. They remove excess oil without disturbing your makeup. A mini portable fan can also help keep you cool. If you need a little extra touch-up, a light dusting of setting powder on shine-prone areas and a hydrating, mattifying setting spray will keep everything looking fresh.

Q: Are there specific foundation formulas or products that work best for a tropical destination wedding?

A: For tropical weather, lightweight oil-free foundations with long-wear formulas work best. Matte or satin finishes help prevent makeup from sliding off in the heat. Stick foundations and cushion foundations are great because they offer buildable coverage without feeling heavy. It’s also a good idea to skip foundations with SPF, as they can cause a white cast in flash photography.

Q: What skin prep steps help makeup stay fresh in hot weather?

A: A clean, well-moisturized face is essential. Use a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer to hydrate without adding extra shine. Gentle exfoliation before makeup application helps create a smooth base. A mattifying primer controls oil, and a blurring primer can create a flawless finish. If you need a refresh throughout the day, a hydrating mist can help without disrupting your makeup.

Q: How can brides balance a natural, glowy look with makeup that holds up in the heat?

A: To get a radiant, long-wearing look, go for a light, buildable foundation that enhances your skin without feeling heavy. Cream blushes and highlighters blend beautifully in warm weather and last longer than powder formulas. A dewy-finish setting spray will keep your glow in place without making you look oily.

Q: What’s the best approach for touch-ups throughout the day?

A: Blotting papers are the best way to control oil without disturbing your makeup. Instead of layering more foundation, apply a light dusting of translucent powder on areas that tend to shine. A small, travel-sized setting spray is great for refreshing your look while keeping your makeup in place.

Q: Any common mistakes brides make with their makeup in tropical climates, and how can they avoid them?

A: One of the biggest mistakes is not hiring a professional makeup artist who understands your skin type and the effects of heat. Many brides also use heavy foundations that melt in the sun, skip proper setting techniques, or apply too much highlighter, making the skin look greasy. To avoid these issues, choose lightweight, long-wearing products, set your makeup properly, and avoid too much shimmer or SPF to keep your face looking flawless in photos.

Bridal beauty is all about enhancing your natural features while making sure your makeup holds up through the sun, laughter, and dancing. If you’re planning a destination wedding in Trinidad and Tobago, these expert tips from Shinille Edwards-Ali will help you feel confident and radiant all day long.

Want more expert advice for planning an unforgettable wedding in the Caribbean? Stay tuned for more insider tips from the best in the industry.