A lot of brides + bridesmaids are aiming for the no makeup-makeup look for their weddings, but on your big day, you may want to take a break from being a natural beauty. That means turning up the glam in a major way, whether you’re the new Mrs. or one of the bridal party babes. But just because you really want to tap into a wedding day “look” doesn’t mean you need a crew of stylists swarming your space. With just a little makeup know-how and a stacked kit, you can DIY the dramatic bridal looks yourself. Scroll through to learn the step-by-step on how to ace these bold looks that will wow on you and your girls.
Matte-ified Maven
Leave the satin-y sheen to your formal dresses with this matte all-over look that stuns with a natural lip shade and bronze smokey eye.
1. Apply your favorite foundation with a foundation brush, I used Chanel Vitalumiêre in 30 Cendre ($55).
2. Next, put your concealer on per usual under your eyes and blend in with a concealer brush. Also apply to the bridge of your nose, and the center of your chin, upper lip, and forehead as a highlighter — YSL Touche Éclat in No 2 ($41) is one of my favorites.
3. Set your makeup with a translucent powder to help everything stay in place, Japonesque Velvet Touch Finishing Powder ($26) is my go-to.
4. For bronzer, I am using one of my favorite drugstore finds, Wet n Wild Ticket To Brazil ($7).
5. Apply a matte mauve colored blush like Estee Lauder Pure Color Blush in Mauve ($46) to the apples of your cheeks going back towards your temples. This color and finish allows you to look slightly more dramatic, but always be sure to blend!
6. Using a fluffy eyeshadow brush, apply a light taupe eye shadow like Naked by Urban Decay ($54 for the “Naked” palette) into the crease of your eyes and extend the shadow slightly outside the corners of your eyes.
7. Using the same fluffy brush, apply a deep brown shadow like Buck by Urban Decay ($54 for the same palette) into the crease of your eyes and sweep it into the inner corners of your eyes.
8. Now switch to a smaller fluffy brush and apply the same color to your lower lash line to create a subtle smokey effect.
9. With a flat eyeshadow brush, apply a rose gold shadow like Antiqued by MAC ($17) to the center of your eyelid for that mavue-y pop of color.
10. Also apply the same shade onto the inner corners of your eyes.
11. Highlight your brow bone with a flat cream shadow like Vanilla by MAC ($17).
12. Line the inside lower waterline with a white eyeliner. I used MAC Pro Chromagraphic in Pure White ($30).
13. Add black eyeliner to your upper lash line. I love Palladio Retractable Eye Pencil in Pure Black ($8).
14. Now add a couple coats of your favorite mascara.
15. For lips, I used a mauve lipgloss, like Mineral Fusion Lip Gloss in Dare You ($12).
The rose gold accents add just enough glam to this not-so-basic fresh-faced look. Really, it’s next-level natural bridal makeup.
Don’t choose between a bold lip and dramatic eyes on your big day. With this DIY-able look, you can have ’em both.
Dual Boldness
2. Now apply your concealer under your eyes with a concealer brush — be sure to blend in that YSL Touche Éclat in No 2 ($41).
3. Bronze it up with Wet n Wild Ticket To Brazil ($8) using a bronzer brush.
4. Set your makeup with a translucent powder like Japonesque Velvet Touch Finishing Powder ($26).
5. On your brow bone, apply a flat cream shadow like Vanilla by MAC ($17) for a matte highlight.
6. Contour the creases of your eyes with light taupe Naked by Urban Decay ($54 for the “Naked” palette).
7. Then sweep on a black shadow like Creep by Urban Decay ($54 for the palette) across your lids using a fluffy eyeshadow brush. Be sure to blend into the creases.
8. Line your lower lash line with Palladio Retractable Eye Pencil in Pure Black ($8).
9. Using a flat eyeliner brush, add more black shadow over your eyeliner and gently smudge the liner down a little for a softer look.
10. Go big with mascara and apply a couple coats.
11. Pump up your brows with a shadow that is slightly darker than your natural color, I used Buck by Urban Decay ($54 for palette) for this effect.
12. On my lips I used a deep berry lipstick, MAC Cremesheen Lipstick in Hang-Up is a home run ($21).
Move over, blushing bride! This bold black eye and vampy lip combo are ceremony-ready.
Cue the cat eye — but that’s not all there is to this chic throwback look. Shimmery eyeshadow adds a romantic touch to your flirty flick that’s perfect for exchanging “I dos.”
Retro Shimmer
1. Apply your go-to foundation with a foundation brush, mine is Chanel Vitalumiêre in 30 Cendre ($55).
2. Brush on your concealer, like YSL Touche Éclat in No 2 ($41), in the T zone as well as under your eyes for a highlighting effect.
3. Set your makeup with a finishing powder like Japonesque Velvet Touch ($26).
4. Skip the bronzer for this look and jump right into blush! You’ll want a soft pink color, I am using Maybelline Dream Mousse Blush in Pink Frosting ($10).
5. Use your finger to apply an eyeshadow primer, like Put A Lid on It ($12) to make sure that your shadow will have extra dimension.
6. Using a flat eyeshadow brush, apply a shimmery mauve shadow like Mineralize Blush by MAC in New Romance ($20).
7. Using a small angled eyeliner brush, create a subtle cat eye with a gel liner like NYX Gel Liner in Jet-Black ($11).
8. Finish the look with a rosy pink lipgloss like Buxom Lip Gloss in Dani ($33).
Can this cat eye count as a way to wear “something old” in a totally modern way? When the brides make the rules, the answer is YES!
