HOW TO: WEDDING & BRIDAL MAKEUP LOOKS
Weddings can be a high-pressure event, but that doesn’t mean that doing your own makeup is a bad idea. In fact, doing it yourself can be empowering and no one knows what suits you best as well as you do. Whether you have a vision of natural wedding makeup or a bold look, having the perfect makeup can help make your big day unforgettable. Having a longwearing wedding look is also a big consideration for brides, bridesmaids and wedding guests alike.
This guide to wedding and bridal makeup looks will help you choose a style of makeup that makes you feel confident and comfortable for the day. We’ll go through what to consider when choosing your wedding makeup look, followed by long wear product recommendations from foundation to lip colour. The Maybelline NY team is here to help you create your dream makeup look
HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR WEDDING MAKEUP LOOK
Unless you’ve been imagining every detail of your wedding day for years, many people can find the idea of dreaming up the perfect wedding makeup look from scratch to be an overwhelming prospect. However, it’s important to remember that no one knows your style better than you – or how to flatter your unique facial structure. Let’s work step-by-step through some questions to ask yourself to help come up with your wedding makeup look.
/STEP 1/ WHAT WILL YOU BE WEARING?
Your wedding hair and makeup should be planned to complement your outfit, ensuring the two work in harmony rather than competing.
For brides, think about the style and neckline of your gown, which will affect your hair look and in turn you makeup. For example, a less formal dress lends itself to flowing hair and gentle makeup, while a more structured dress may work better with an up-do and defined eyeline.
For bridesmaids, it's likely your outfit has chosen for you. Coordinating with the rest of the party to craft a look that echoes or balances the colours you're wearing can be a great place to start your wedding makeup.
/STEP 2/ WHAT'S THE STYLE OF THE WEDDING?
From wedding guest makeup to those getting married, using the style or mood of the wedding as makeup inspiration can be a great way to help you define your look for the day.
Does the wedding have a theme or a stunning colour combo for the décor? Go with it! This could involve letting the theme inspire your overall look or choosing a pop of lip colour to match the decorations.
/STEP 3/ LOOK FOR LONGWEARING FORMULAS
Whether you’re putting together bridesmaid makeup, getting married or simply attending as a guest, ensuring your makeup lasts all day is one of the key considerations for a wedding makeup look.
Make your base last bypriming and setting your foundation. We recommend using our Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Primer, formulated with SPF 20 and vitamin E for hydrating results with added UV protection. Set your longwearing wedding makeup look in place with ourLasting Fix Setting Spray. Mist all over your face from about 20cm away for a maximum matte effect that lasts 16 hours.
TYPE OF WEDDING MAKEUP LOOKS
Your wedding day can be full of nerves, so when you’re thinking about bridal makeup looks it’s important to go for something that feels like ‘you’. Your wedding day isn’t the time to try out a dramatic look you’ve never worn before, so we recommend combining elements you know work well and simply stepping them up a notch. Your wedding makeup should look like the best version of you, but you want to feel comfortable.
NATURAL WEDDING MAKEUP
A more relaxed option is a warm bronze eye for definition without the drama. If that’s more your speed we recommend blending a few shades from our Nudes of New York Eyeshadow Palette and follow up with a longwearing mascara. OurLash Sensational Sky High Mascara has a waterproof option to guard against the waterworks and an advanced formula combining full volume with limitless length.
If you’re having a summer wedding or even a beach wedding, opt for a lighter base that will feel breathable in a warm climate. For example, our Fit Me Tinted Moisturiser hydrates your skin without weighing it down.
VIBRANT/BOLD MAKEUP LOOK
However, that doesn’t mean your look needs to be understated if you’re a devotee of bold makeup. Go for bold by picking out one part of your makeup to make more dramatic, whether that’s a sultry smudge or a pop of colour. Whether it’s a bold lip or dramatic eyes, choose something that stands out.
Love a romantic smokey eye look? Then you can absolutely wear bold eyeshadow on your wedding day. Follow up with our Volum’ Express Colossal 36H Volumising Mascara to amp up your lashes. Want bold lips? Our Superstay Matte Ink Longwear Liquid Lipstick comes in a plethora of highly pigmented shades to help your pout get noticed.
GLAMOUROUS MAKEUP LOOK
If drama is more your style, go for a glamorous makeup look that enhances your features and slip on some hair accessories to accentuate your style.
Make your eyes pop with our Burgundy Bar Eyeshadow Palette, featuring 12 highly pigmented shades of warm burgundy to create indulgent definition. Use ourTattoo Studio Liquid Ink Eyeliner to create a bold wing, then swipe on our The Falsies Lash Lift Volumising Mascara to dial it up another notch.
For lip colour, our Color Sensational Cream Lipstick is enriched with hydrating Shea Butter to keep your lips comfortable all day.
CLASSIC WEDDING LOOK
Classic wedding makeup encompasses a longwearing base with a soft highlight of lip colour. Start by applying our Fit Me Matte & Poreless Foundation in thin layers to gradually build your desired level of coverage using your application method of choice. You know what works for you! Now with 40 shades, this foundation is enriched with micro-powders to help the coverage stay in place.
For lip colour, our Color Sensational Ultimatte Slim Lipstick creates an extreme matte finish in a versatile range of shades. The high impact pigments can withstand kisses, cake and champagne toasts.
All set for your wedding or bridal makeup look?
Our guide to How to Remove Waterproof Mascara without damaging your lashes will likely come in handy at the end of the night, so it’s well worth a read.
