Your Wedding Day Touch-Up Kit: What Every Bride Should Carry With Her (Just In Case!)

Photo by Olga Plekhanova

Bridal makeup is built to last. Your look is going to carry you through every hug, every kiss, every tear, and every dance. But even with a flawless application, little things can happen: shine shows up, lipstick wears off, emotions run high.

That’s why I always recommend my brides carry a small touch-up kit. Not because your makeup won’t last but because having it gives you peace of mind and keeps you feeling fresh and confident all day long.

Here’s exactly what you’ll want to have with you (PS: nothing in here is sponsored, these are just products I like):

1. Lipstick & Lip Liner

 Between kisses, toasts, and cake, your lip color is bound to wear a bit. Bring the exact lipstick and liner your artist used or ones that are similar so you can quickly touch up and stay photo-ready.

Tip: Ask your artist for the shade name and brand. Better yet, grab it ahead of time.

2. Blotting paper or mattifying sheets

If your skin gets a shiny/oily (which is normal with all the nerves, excitement and even the summer heat), blotting sheets are a clean, gentle way to absorb oil without disturbing your makeup.

You can find some on Amazon or if you like to go a little fancier, Sephora carries the Tatcha Blotting papers which you can order online.

3. Pressed Setting Powder

After blotting, a light dusting of pressed powder can smooth and mattify your skin for photos. Choose a formula that’s flashback-free and easy to apply on the go. You can apply it with a small brush or a powder puff.

I personally like to recommend the Charlotte Tilbury Mini Airbrush Finish Pressed Powder as it is a great product and the mini format is easy to carry. For a more budget-friendly option, I would recommend the Maybelline Fit Me Pressed Powder.

4. Q-Tips (Bring a few!)

Q-tips are a small but mighty addition. Use them to gently catch tears without smudging your makeup. I always recommend tucking one into your bouquet for the ceremony—you’ll be glad it’s there. Keep a couple extra in your kit for any minor touch-ups around the eyes or lips.

5. Floss Toothpick

Between nibbles, sips, and nonstop smiling, a floss pick is a subtle but smart addition to your kit. It helps you quickly take care of any food caught between your teeth—because the only thing that should be showing in your smile is joy, not your hors d'oeuvres. It also comes in handy for clearing lipstick from the inner lip line, so your color stays clean and photo-ready.

Optional Extras (Nice, but not necessary)

These aren't must-haves, but they can certainly come in handy:

• A couple bobby pins – for stray hairs or veil shifts

• Mini lash glue – just in case an edge lifts late in the night (this shouldn't happen but better be prepared)

• Mints – for fresh breath between kisses and close conversations

Put your essentials in a small, cute pouch and give it to a trusted bridesmaid or your maid of honor. That way, everything is nearby if you need it—but you won’t be thinking about it unless you do.

Happy Wedding Day!