All eyes are on you walking down the aisle and numerous photographers are poised, ready to capture your every gaze, laugh and tear for that everlasting wedding album. Oh, and don’t forget the hundreds of guests who can’t resist snapping a photo or dozen of you too. No pressure! It really is no surprise that a bride-to-be feels compelled to look her most beautiful on her wedding day! As if the mammoth task of choosing the “perfect” dress isn’t stressful enough, it isn’t always easy to know which direction to take with your makeup either!
Don’t panic! Our top 6 wedding makeup looks are here to offer you some suggestions, inspiration and tips. From classic natural beauty to full on vintage vixen, these popular, natural and striking looks will hopefully give you some idea of how you want to look on your big day and, most importantly, how to achieve the look.
#1 The “No Make Up” Look
Source: via beautyhigh.com
The ‘no makeup’ look portrays seemingly effortless beauty, yet in reality it actually takes a little more work than you think. If you’re thinking of going down this au naturale route, you’ll need to focus most of your attention on your skin.
Tips:
- Exfoliate and moisturise thoroughly then use a little tinted moisturiser and concealer to cover any blemishes or unevenness (a BB cream would be great for this!).
- Go easy on the powder, it is all too easy to get carried away for that lovely matte finish but remember: natural skin is never matte!
- Keep your eyes and lips simple and use only a sweep of mascara, minimal to no eye liner and a tinted lip balm instead of lipstick.
- Add a final spritz of facial mist to keep your skin looking dewy and you’re good to go!
#2 The Understated Look
Bobbi Brown says: “On your wedding day, you should look like yourself at your most beautiful,” and this is precisely what I call the “understated look!” Minimalist, unfussy and refined, this look is all about using makeup to highlight your natural beauty whilst ensuring that you still look like you. Kate Middleton famously opted for this look for the royal wedding in 2011 and even applied all her makeup herself!
Tips:
- Choose a sheer liquid foundation – you’re using makeup to highlight your natural beauty not mask it! Alternatively, mix your full coverage foundation with a bit of moisturiser.
- Apply a sweep of apricot cream blush and choose a lipstick close to your natural lip colour.
- Opt for nude or beige matte eye shadows and use individual lashes for a subtle flutter (as opposed to a more obvious strip of falsies).
#3 The Romantic Look
Source: via pinterest.com
Have you ever seen a photo of a bride whose face exudes radiance and elegance? Soft and delicate, the romantic look incorporates subtle hues, soft smokey eyes, rosy cheeks and pale pink lips resulting in a bride who truly glows.
Tips:
- Definitely use a highlighter like Benefit’s High Beam or YSL Touche Éclat on your cheek and brow bones to get the full glow effect.
- Use a pink or rose cream blush on the apples of the cheeks and blend upwards.
- Carefully smudge your eyeliner under the eye to make sure harsh lines are well and truly gone!
- Apply a strip of false feathery lashes to enhance the soft look.
#4 The “Bling” Look
Source: via tumblr.com
If you love all things that shimmer and your wedding incorporates more than a few sparkly details then you’re a “bling bride!” Not one to shy away from a little glitter, you’ll want your makeup to make you stand out as much as those rhinestones on your tiara! Well I say go for it – it’s your day and you deserve to shine!
Tips:
- Sparkle subtly and opt for shimmering metallic eye shadows blended with a classic smokey eye.
- A thin line of silver or gold liquid glitter eyeliner looks absolutely gorgeous!
- Finish your look with light catching lip-gloss for that extra twinkle.
#5 The Vintage Look
Source: via pinterest.com
If your wedding has a vintage vibe then there is no better excuse to go for the much loved vintage look! Far from the natural look, this old Hollywood glamour look embraces red lips, flawless porcelain skin, fabulous eyelashes and matching nails.
Tips:
- Stay out of the sun in the weeks preceding your wedding to ensure your skin is as alabaster as possible.
- After applying foundation, use a pressed powder for a perfect matte finish la Dita Von Teese.
- Create well-defined eyebrows with a brow pencil and set with brow powder and gel.
- Use liquid eyeliner with lashings of mascara.
- Blot your red lipstick to make it velvety matte.
#6 The Seasonal Look
While spring and summer brides usually opt for natural looks like the “romantic” and “no makeup” look because it fits with the seasons perfectly, autumn and winter brides may want to incorporate the theme or season into their makeup palette. Let me tell you: It works beautifully!
Tips:
- Fall Brides: Think berry or plum lips and keep the eyes simple with subtle toffee eye shadow.
- Winter Brides: Why not go for an ice princess look and opt for beautiful frosty pink lips and pale shimmery eye shadows.
- Christmas Brides: Use bronzer to create a warm glow. Christmas brides can also get away with a striking rich cranberry lipstick.
So, whether you’ve decided to apply your own wedding day makeup or just need some ideas to present to your hired makeup artist, with a little bit of inspiration, information and practice, you will be the beautiful blushing bride you envision yourself to be! We’re sure of it!