Bridal makeup is one of the many decisions that a bride must make before her big day. Natural, bold, vintage, classic, glamorous, boho, edgy – there are many different looks to choose from, but how do you choose? Like most wedding-related decisions, there isn’t one correct answer.
As a general rule, you’ll want to wear more makeup than you normally do. Sweat, tears, and hugs are all hard on your makeup, so you’ll want to make sure you start off by wearing enough. This will also emphasise your features in photos and ensure that your bridal beauty will shine through even in bad lighting and during ugly cries.
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If choosing makeup for your big day overwhelms you, start by finding looks that you gravitate towards. Search Pinterest or Google for “bridal makeup” and pin or keep track of looks you like best. Once you’ve collected at least 30 images, examine the entire collection and see what connects them – dewy skin? posy pink blush? long and luscious lashes? Whatever it is, hone in on those commonalities and you’ll eventually uncover your inspiration.
Generally speaking, there are three key bridal beauty looks with countless variations:
The Look: Feminine & Natural
- Dewy skin
- Medium coverage
- Nude or pink lips
- Neat and brushed brows
- Peach or pink blush
- Highlighted cheekbones
- Light eyeliner
- Iridescent eyeshadow in natural, earthy tones
- Natural-style false eyelashes
- Winged black liquid eyeliner
- Medium coverage
- Nude eyelids
- Red lipstick
- Light or no blush
- Bold brows
- Half or full set of false eyelashes
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The Look: Glam
- Smokey eyeshadow and liner
- Heavy coverage
- Full set of false eyelashes
- Bronzer
- Contoured cheekbones
- Bold brows
- Lipstick of choice
2. CHOOSE YOUR MAKEUP BASED ON YOUR VENUE & THEME
If you already have your venue and/or theme, consider building your beauty look around it. Whether it’s a beach or a backyard, your venue can give you cues on what type of beauty you naturally gravitate towards. For example, a beach wedding would be the perfect location for dewy highlighter, a touch of bronzer, and a soft, pink lip. A vintage style wedding would pair perfectly with a bold cat eye and vibrant red lipstick.
3. CHOOSE YOUR MAKEUP BASED ON YOUR DRESS
One of the most common ways to choose your bridal beauty is to base it around the overall style of your dress. If your dress features lace and flowing material, consider a soft, romantic look; a slinky, sexy dress calls for a smouldering smokey eye; and bold eyeshadow perfectly complements a non-traditional dress.
4. CHOOSE YOUR MAKEUP BASED ON YOUR SIGNATURE LOOK
If you’re lucky enough to have a signature beauty look, simply step it up a notch on your wedding day. Go a little stronger and bolder with all of your makeup to make sure it shows up in photos and lasts all day.
If you’ve hired a makeup artist for your wedding day, don’t be afraid to ask for their advice. After all, they’re the expert. Most makeup artists offer a consultation and/or a trial session, so this is the perfect opportunity to find out what looks best on you. Don’t forget to show them images that you like so they can get a clear idea of what you’re envisioning.
Photo Credit: Getty