Bridal Makeup Look Essential Tips for Your Wedding Day Look
Deciding on the perfect makeup look for your wedding day is a deeply personal decision. After finalizing the venue, picking out your dream gown, and managing countless other details, it’s crucial to also decide on your beauty strategy. Whether you’re planning a grand celebration or a cozy, intimate ceremony with your partner, it’s vital to choose a bridal makeup style that you’ll be happy with for many years to come.
“Bridal makeup should be classic,” advises makeup artist Meredith Baraf, who recommends choosing a style that enhances your natural beauty. “In general, your wedding day isn’t the time to experiment with bold, unconventional looks or step outside your comfort zone. It’s very important to feel and look like the best version of yourself.”
Makeup artist Cherish Brooke Hill suggests choosing a look that not only pairs well with your dress, but also one that’s elegant and not over-the-top. “A wedding look will be immortalized in photos and memories, so it’s crucial to keep this in mind when deciding on your wedding day makeup,” she notes.
Now that you’re ready to start planning your bridal beauty look, let’s dive into some expert tips, tricks, and product recommendations from professional makeup artists.
Prep & Set
Consistent skincare is the foundation for a flawless makeup look, but for your wedding day, you might want to take it up a notch. “Procedures like cryotherapy, facial exercises, light therapy, and other customized facials can be extremely beneficial in preparing your skin for the big day,” suggests Baraf. She also advises staying well-hydrated and ensuring you get ample sleep. Hills adds, “Avoiding foods that trigger inflammation and focusing on anti-inflammatory foods can significantly reduce skin inflammation, clear acne, and reduce redness.”
If you can’t squeeze in a pre-wedding facial, consider using skincare tools like Solawave or the NuFace system to revive and sculpt your skin. “Eye masks and sheet masks are excellent options to prep your skin on the day of the wedding,” recommends makeup artist Mark Quirimit. He adds, “Don’t forget to exfoliate your lips as well!”
To guarantee your makeup remains intact throughout the event, Hill suggests using a damp makeup sponge and investing time in blending and pressing your foundation into the skin. “I prefer using precision-shaped brushes to gently press powder into the skin, setting the makeup for a flawless, long-lasting finish,” she shares. “Apply a setting spray directly onto the face, and also on the sponge used to apply the foundation, pressing the makeup into the skin.” Additionally, choose waterproof mascara to withstand any emotional moments, and keep blotting papers handy to easily wipe off any excess oil.
For the Classic Bride
“For a traditional bride, the makeup should be subtle yet radiant, with a hint of shimmer on the eyes, understated shadow eyeliner to enhance and extend the eye shape, and a soft blush on the cheeks,” suggests Hill. For an elegant and everlasting look, Quirimit also advises going for delicate color sweeps, along with mauve-tinted lips and the use of individual lashes.
For the Sexy Bride
Brides aiming to bring out the allure of their special day should opt for a makeup look that’s captivating. “Go for a warm smoky eye with brown shades, or if you’re feeling adventurous, a deep black smoky eye,” recommends Quirimit. Baraf concurs, “Such a bride should express herself and be true to her style, but preferably with neutral tones,” she suggests, stressing the importance of ensuring the eye makeup is well-blended and softened. The rest of the face should have a radiant, bronzed glow with a subtle neutral lip.
When it comes to the lips, Hill advises selecting a lip liner slightly darker than your skin tone to achieve a stunning, glamorous pout.
For the Minimalist Bride
For brides preferring a minimalist approach, multitasking beauty products are essential. Quirimit suggests using a tinted moisturizer with light coverage, a hint of blush on the cheeks, and a subtle natural lip shade. He favors Laura Mercier’s tinted moisturizer for the base, accompanied by a creamy pigment applied over the cheeks. Hill prefers using Rose Inc’s Blush Divine Radiant Lip & Cheek Color, which she applies to the lips, cheeks, and a touch to the eyes for a cohesive look.
For the Glamorous Bride
“For a bride aiming for a dramatic, glamorous look, the eyes should be the centerpiece with an exquisite smoky effect that’s well-blended and swept outwards for an uplifting impact,” Hill recommends. “Begin with a primer for your eyeshadow, followed by a cream shadow or eyeliner, and seal it with a powder shadow to create a long-lasting, multi-dimensional look through layering of products.” Her preferred primer is from Nars, while the smoky effect can be achieved using the Makeup By Mario Master Mattes Eyeshadow Palette. Quirimit suggests enhancing your skin tone with facial oil, using the Nars Light Reflecting foundation and Danessa Myricks Beauty Vision Cream Cover, and finishing off with a setting powder.
For the Beach Bride
For brides planning a beach wedding, Baraf suggests arranging a spray tan at least two days before the big day to allow time for any necessary adjustments or extra rinsing. The makeup should mirror the bronzed glow of the body, with warm hues, delicate shimmers, and a touch of coral. Quirimit’s guidance for beach brides is focused on durability. “Avoid using products rich in oil as they tend to deteriorate in environments close to water,” he advises.
For the Vintage Bride
Those who adore vintage styles can use a blend of timeless elements to craft a retro bridal look. Quirimit suggests that those drawing from the grace of bygone beauty should integrate one or all of the following components into their wedding day makeup: a traditional winged eyeliner, a complete set of lashes, and a durable classic red lipstick.
FAQ: Bridal Makeup
What Kind of Makeup Should a Bride Wear?
Bridal makeup should enhance the bride’s natural beauty while ensuring she looks her best throughout the entire wedding day. Here are some key considerations for bridal makeup:
Long-Lasting:
- Products: Use long-wearing, waterproof products to ensure makeup stays intact through tears, sweat, and kisses.
- Setting Spray: A high-quality setting spray can help lock in makeup.
Timeless:
- Classic Look: Opt for a timeless and elegant look that will still be beautiful in photos decades from now.
- Neutral Tones: Neutral and soft colors often work best to enhance natural features without overpowering them.
Photography-Friendly:
- HD Makeup: High-definition makeup products are designed to look flawless on camera.
- Avoid SPF: Some flash photography can cause SPF-containing products to create a white cast.
Customized to Skin Type:
- Skin Type: Choose products suited to the bride’s skin type (oily, dry, combination) to ensure comfort and longevity.
- Skincare Prep: Proper skincare preparation helps achieve a smooth base for makeup application.
Personal Style:
- Comfort: The bride should feel comfortable and confident in her makeup. It should reflect her personal style and preferences.
- Consultation: A trial run with a professional makeup artist can help determine the perfect look.
What Are the Steps of Bridal Makeup?
Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving a flawless bridal makeup look:
Skincare Preparation:
- Cleanser: Start with a clean face using a gentle cleanser.
- Exfoliation: Lightly exfoliate to remove dead skin cells (do this a few days before the wedding).
- Toner: Apply a toner to balance the skin’s pH levels.
- Serum: Use a serum tailored to the bride’s skin concerns (hydration, brightening, etc.).
- Moisturizer: Hydrate the skin with a suitable moisturizer.
- Eye Cream: Gently apply eye cream to hydrate and reduce puffiness.
- Sunscreen: Apply a lightweight, non-greasy sunscreen if the wedding is outdoors.
Primer:
- Face Primer: Apply a primer to create a smooth base and help makeup last longer.
Foundation:
- Foundation: Use a long-wearing foundation that matches the bride’s skin tone. Blend well with a brush, sponge, or fingers.
Concealer:
- Under-eye Concealer: Brighten the under-eye area.
- Spot Concealer: Cover any blemishes or imperfections.
Contour and Highlight:
- Contour: Define facial features like cheekbones, jawline, and nose using a contour product.
- Highlight: Apply highlighter to the high points of the face: cheekbones, brow bone, bridge of the nose, and cupid’s bow.
Blush:
- Blush: Add a natural flush of color to the apples of the cheeks, blending upwards.
Setting Powder:
- Setting Powder: Lightly dust setting powder over the face to set the foundation and concealer and control shine.
Eyes:
- Eye Primer: Apply an eye primer to ensure eyeshadow stays put.
- Eyeshadow: Use neutral and soft shades to enhance the eyes. Blend well.
- Eyeliner: Define the lash line with eyeliner.
- Mascara: Apply waterproof mascara to upper and lower lashes.
- Eyebrows: Fill in and shape brows with a pencil, powder, or gel.
Lips:
- Lip Liner: Outline and define the lips to prevent lipstick from bleeding.
- Lipstick/Lip Gloss: Apply a long-lasting lipstick or gloss in a shade that complements the overall makeup look.
Setting Spray:
- Setting Spray: Spritz a setting spray over the face to lock in the makeup and ensure it lasts all day.
Touch-Up Kit:
- Essentials: Prepare a touch-up kit with essentials like lipstick, blotting papers, and setting powder for any necessary touch-ups throughout the day.
Summary:
What Kind of Makeup Should a Bride Wear?:
- Long-Lasting: Use waterproof and long-wearing products.
- Timeless: Opt for classic, neutral tones.
- Photography-Friendly: Use HD makeup and avoid SPF products.
- Suited to Skin Type: Choose products that match the bride’s skin type.
- Reflect Personal Style: Ensure the bride feels comfortable and confident.
What Are the Steps of Bridal Makeup?:
- Skincare Preparation: Cleanser, toner, serum, moisturizer, eye cream, sunscreen.
- Primer: Apply face primer.
- Foundation: Blend evenly across the face.
- Concealer: Under-eye and spot concealing.
- Contour and Highlight: Define and highlight facial features.
- Blush: Apply to the apples of the cheeks.
- Setting Powder: Lightly dust over the face.
- Eyes: Primer, eyeshadow, eyeliner, mascara, eyebrows.
- Lips: Line and apply lipstick/gloss.
- Setting Spray: Lock in the makeup with setting spray.
- Touch-Up Kit: Keep essentials handy for touch-ups.
FAQ: Bridal Makeup Costs and Inclusions
How Much Should You Spend on Wedding Makeup?
The cost of wedding makeup can vary widely based on several factors, including the makeup artist’s experience, location, and the services provided. Here’s a general breakdown of what you might expect to spend:
Average Cost:
- Basic Packages: $150 to $300
- Mid-Range Packages: $300 to $500
- High-End Packages: $500 and above
Factors Influencing Cost:
- Experience and Reputation: Highly experienced and well-known makeup artists typically charge more.
- Location: Prices can be higher in metropolitan areas compared to rural locations.
- Services Included: Packages may include additional services like trials, travel expenses, or touch-up kits.
Additional Costs:
- Bridal Trials: Often range from $50 to $150. This helps ensure you’re satisfied with your look before the big day.
- Travel Fees: If the makeup artist needs to travel to your location, additional charges may apply.
- Bridal Party Makeup: Adding bridesmaids, mothers, or other guests can increase overall costs.
Budget-Friendly Tips:
- Package Deals: Look for makeup artists who offer package deals for the bride and bridal party.
- Local Artists: Consider hiring a talented local artist who may charge less than high-profile professionals.
- DIY Touch-Ups: Save on touch-up services by having a friend or family member handle minor touch-ups.
What is Included in Bridal Makeup?
Bridal makeup packages generally include a range of services designed to ensure the bride looks flawless on her wedding day. Here’s what is typically included:
Consultation:
- Initial Meeting: Discussing the bride’s preferences, wedding theme, and any specific makeup styles or looks she desires.
Makeup Trial:
- Practice Run: A trial session to test out the makeup look and make any necessary adjustments. This helps ensure the bride is happy with the final result.
Day-of Makeup Application:
- Full Face Makeup: Complete makeup application on the wedding day, including foundation, contour, blush, eyeshadow, eyeliner, mascara, eyebrows, and lips.
- False Lashes: Application of false eyelashes if desired.
- Setting Spray: To ensure the makeup lasts all day.
Skincare Preparation:
- Moisturizing and Priming: Prepping the skin with moisturizer and primer to create a smooth base.
Touch-Up Services (Optional):
- On-Site Touch-Ups: Some packages include the artist staying for touch-ups throughout the event.
Travel:
- On-Location Services: The makeup artist traveling to the bride’s location. Travel fees may apply depending on the distance.
Bridal Party Makeup (Optional):
- Additional Makeup Services: Makeup for bridesmaids, mothers, and other important guests. These are often offered at a discounted rate when booked with the bridal makeup.
Touch-Up Kit:
- Essentials: A small kit with essential items like lipstick, blotting papers, and setting powder for the bride to use throughout the event.
Summary:
How Much Should You Spend on Wedding Makeup?:
- Average Cost: $150 to $500+ depending on various factors.
- Influencing Factors: Experience, location, services included.
- Additional Costs: Trials, travel fees, bridal party makeup.
- Budget Tips: Look for package deals, consider local artists, DIY touch-ups.
What is Included in Bridal Makeup?:
- Consultation: Discussing preferences and style.
- Makeup Trial: Practice session to finalize the look.
- Day-of Makeup Application: Full face makeup, false lashes, setting spray.
- Skincare Preparation: Moisturizing and priming.
- Touch-Up Services: Optional on-site touch-ups.
- Travel: On-location services.
- Bridal Party Makeup: Optional services for bridesmaids and others.
- Touch-Up Kit: Essentials for maintaining the look.
FAQ: Essential Bridal Makeup Products
What Are the Essential Products for Bridal Makeup?
To achieve a flawless bridal makeup look, it’s important to use high-quality products that ensure longevity, a natural finish, and comfort. Here’s a comprehensive list of essential bridal makeup products:
Skincare Preparation:
- Cleanser: A gentle cleanser to start with a clean base.
- Toner: To balance the skin’s pH levels.
- Serum: Tailored to the bride’s skin concerns (hydration, brightening, etc.).
- Moisturizer: A suitable moisturizer for the bride’s skin type.
- Eye Cream: To hydrate and reduce puffiness around the eyes.
- Sunscreen: A lightweight, non-greasy sunscreen if the wedding is outdoors.
Primer:
- Face Primer: To create a smooth base and help makeup last longer.
- Recommended Product: Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer
Foundation:
- Long-Wearing Foundation: Ensures even coverage and a natural finish.
- Recommended Product: Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation
Concealer:
- Under-eye Concealer: To brighten the under-eye area.
- Spot Concealer: For covering blemishes and imperfections.
- Recommended Product: NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer
Contour and Highlight:
- Contour Kit: For defining facial features.
- Highlighter: To add a glow to the high points of the face.
- Recommended Product: Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit and Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector
Blush:
- Blush: Adds a natural flush of color to the cheeks.
- Recommended Product: NARS Blush in “Orgasm”
Setting Powder:
- Setting Powder: To set foundation and concealer and control shine.
- Recommended Product: Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder
Eyes:
- Eye Primer: Ensures eyeshadow stays put.
- Eyeshadow Palette: Neutral and soft shades to enhance the eyes.
- Eyeliner: To define the lash line.
- Mascara: Waterproof mascara for lengthening and volumizing lashes.
- Eyebrow Pencil/Gel: For filling in and shaping brows.
- Recommended Products: Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion, Urban Decay Naked Palette, Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner, Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara, Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz
Lips:
- Lip Liner: To define and prevent lipstick from bleeding.
- Lipstick/Lip Gloss: Long-lasting lip color in a shade that complements the overall makeup look.
- Recommended Products: Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Lip Liner, MAC Lipstick in “Brave,” Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb
Setting Spray:
- Setting Spray: To lock in makeup and ensure it lasts all day.
- Recommended Product: Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray
Touch-Up Kit:
- Essentials: Lipstick, blotting papers, setting powder, and other necessary items for touch-ups throughout the event.
Summary:
Essential Bridal Makeup Products:
- Skincare Preparation:
- Cleanser, toner, serum, moisturizer, eye cream, sunscreen.
- Primer:
- Face primer (Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer).
- Foundation:
- Long-wearing foundation (Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation).
- Concealer:
- Under-eye and spot concealer (NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer).
- Contour and Highlight:
- Contour kit (Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit) and highlighter (Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector).
- Blush:
- Natural blush (NARS Blush in “Orgasm”).
- Setting Powder:
- Translucent setting powder (Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder).
- Eyes:
- Eye primer (Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion), eyeshadow palette (Urban Decay Naked Palette), eyeliner (Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner), mascara (Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara), eyebrow pencil/gel (Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz).
- Lips:
- Lip liner (Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Lip Liner), lipstick/lip gloss (MAC Lipstick in “Brave,” Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb).
- Setting Spray:
- Long-lasting setting spray (Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray).
- Touch-Up Kit:
- Essentials for maintaining the look throughout the event.