Moroccan Bridal Glam

When this look is worn

The ceremony and the reception — the look that has to last from afternoon into the following morning and photograph in gold light the whole way.

The sequence

1. 
   Step 1 — Prep the dry areasAvène Cold Cream

   Thin layer on the outer cheeks and around the nose. Three minutes to absorb. Do not skip the waiting.

2. 
   Step 2 — Blur the T-zoneDanessa Myricks Yummy Skin Balm Powder

   Press into the nose and chin with a fingertip before any base. This is the insurance against shine at hour nine.

3. 
   Step 3 — Base, face and bodyDior Backstage Face & Body Foundation

   Shake hard. Damp sponge on the face, then take it down the neck, the chest and the shoulders before the caftan goes on.

4. 
   Step 4 — Cover what needs coveringKryolan Dermacolor Camouflage Cream

   Only where it is needed — a tattoo, a scar, pigmentation. Correct the colour first, then match, then powder.

5. 
   Step 5 — Brighten and concealHourglass Vanish Airbrush Concealer

   Small triangle under the eye, two thin layers. Waterproof matters more at a Moroccan wedding than anywhere.

6. 
   Step 6 — Warm the faceNARS Laguna Bronzing Cream 02

   Cream bronzer before any powder. Forehead, nose bridge, cheekbones, jaw — and onto the neck and ears.

7. 
   Step 7 — SculptBenefit Hoola Matte Bronzer

   Cool matte under the cheekbone and along the jaw. Build lighter than feels right — gold wedding lighting exaggerates it.

8. 
   Step 8 — ColourYSL Make Me Blush

   Shade 23 for the base flush, 93 layered over it for depth the caftan can carry. Three light passes, daylight check between each.

9. 
   Step 9 — LightRare Beauty Positive Light Silky Touch

   Fan brush along the top of the cheekbone, nose bridge, cupid's bow. Match the warmth to the gold she is wearing. Finish on the collarbone.

10. 
    Step 10 — Set the centre onlyMake Up For Ever Compact Powder

    Puff, press, wait a minute, dust off. Hand her the compact for the evening.

11. 
    Step 11 — Mattify the T-zoneONE/SIZE On 'Til Dawn

    Centre panel only. Leave the cheeks.

12. 
    Step 12 — Lock itUrban Decay All Nighter

    Arm's length, X then T, let it dry undisturbed.

13. 
    Step 13 — Stop the transferL'Oréal Infaillible Setting Mist

    Absolutely last, and take it down the neck and décolleté. This is the step that keeps her makeup off a white caftan.

14. 
    Step 14 — Send her out with thisONE/SIZE Oil Sucker

    In the handbag. She will need it at 2am and you will not be there.

What makes this look fail

• Powdering the whole face, which flattens everything you built.
• Judging blush intensity under the venue's warm lights instead of by a window.
• Forgetting the neck and chest before the outfit goes on — you cannot fix it after.

Every product above links to its full page — specification, technique and every verified Moroccan stockist with prices.