☀️ Glow Up Guide: Beauty Tips for Brides Getting Married in the Heat

Real Story: Hannah’s Sun-Kissed Wedding at Bushman Rock, Zimbabwe

When Hannah and her fiancé decided on an early-November wedding at Bushman Rock in Marondera, they imagined golden sunsets, vineyard strolls, and dancing under the stars. What they didn’t plan for? A scorching 38°C heatwave and zero breeze.

“I thought I was going to melt in my dress,” Hannah laughs. “So we had to get really strategic with my beauty prep.”

Here’s how this Zimbabwean bride pulled off a flawless wedding glow—even in the heat.

🧴 Skin First, Always

Hannah started hydrating two weeks before—inside and out.
“I drank herbal teas and water with cucumber daily, and my MUA (Blessing from Harare) gave me a calming chamomile mist to use every night.”

She also:

Avoided alcohol the week before (tricky, but worth it)

Used a mattifying SPF primer on the day

Did a hydrating sheet mask the night before, and stuck it in the fridge for a cooling effect

🧖‍♀️ Blessing’s Tip: “Stick to gel-based moisturisers in the heat. They sink in fast and won’t leave you greasy under makeup.”

💄 Makeup That Won’t Budge

“My worst fear was foundation running down my face before the ceremony,” Hannah admits.

Solution?

Oil-free, long-wear foundation

Cream blush, set with a light dusting of powder blush on top

Waterproof mascara and eyeliner (“There will be tears!”)

A nude-pink lip stain layered under gloss

Her setting spray? A South African cult fave: GlowFix Stay All Day Spray. “It locked everything in—and smelled like oranges.”

💋 Bonus: Hannah’s maid of honour kept blotting papers in her bouquet. “I could sneak one out between photos!”

💇‍♀️ Hair That Handles Humidity

Hannah’s hair is naturally fine, and the heat tends to flatten it. So her hairstylist went with a low, textured bun with pearl pins.

“I wanted a half-up look at first, but by the time I finished my trial run and stepped outside? Poof—flat. The bun saved me.”

She prepped with:

Texturizing spray

A heat-resistant setting spray

A few drops of anti-frizz serum

✂️ Pro Tip: “Test your wedding hair in the exact weather you expect. What holds in Cape Town won’t hold in Harare heat!”

👰 On-the-Day Touch-Up Kit Essentials

Here’s what Hannah kept close:

Blotting papers

Travel-sized face mist

Lipstick for touch-ups

Mini deodorant

Clear powder compact

Cooling wipes

Safety pins and hairpins

“My bridesmaids made a whole ‘Bridal Survival Kit’ and I swear, it saved the day.”

🌞 Final Glow-Up Advice from Hannah:

“Embrace the heat, don’t fight it. Go for a natural, dewy look and lean into the golden glow. And for the love of all things bridal—don’t wear heavy perfume in 40 degrees!”