As a professional hair and makeup artist who’s been doing weddings for the last five years, I can tell you a lot of insider tips and tricks when it comes to wedding beauty. I’ve done it all, from the simple and sweet classic bride makeup to the wild and free boho bride look, and everything in between. I love, love, love working with women, especially on one of the most important days of their lives — especially sharing words of wisdom, encouragement and inspiration with you lovely ladies. That’s why I wanted to share the top five wedding makeup requests I get every season. Why is this important? Here’s why — if you’re not entirely sure what you want or how to get the look of your dreams, let this be your go-to reference. From dewy, natural skin to a mattified maven, these are the standout makeup moments that women seek for a picture-perfect day of beauty.
Traditional Cat Eye
This is such a classic look, and it doesn’t surprise me that it’s one of the top makeup requests from my clients. You can go minimal with a soft shadow wing or take it up a notch with a bold graphic liner. Either way, it’s gorgeous, simple and completely universal.
Who doesn’t want dewy skin? For your big day or even everyday life, glowing skin helps you look more radiant and youthful.
Dewy Skin
To keep your skin luminous without a stark reflection showing up in your images, be sure to use a highlighter with a subtle shimmer rather than glitter, which can be too reflective. Depending on your skin tone, chose between pearlescent, golden, peach, pink opalescent, tan or rose gold highlighters. We used Benefit Cosmetics High Beam Liquid Face Highlighter ($26) on this bride’s upper cheekbones, the bridge of her nose, the center of her lower forehead, her temples and her cupid’s bow.
For the more natural look of an outdoor wedding, sun-kissed bronzed beauty is everything.
Sun Kissed
Your approach to this look also depends on your skin tone. For a fairer complexion, aim for a soft, shimmering peachy-bronzer. On a medium complexion, you can use a slightly deeper version like Anastasia Beverly Hills Illuminator in Riviera ($28). For deeper skin tones, grab a more orangey-bright pink base bronzer with a shimmer finish.
If you want to dabble with a smokey eye but you also want to avoid looking like you’re on the way to the club, this look adds just the right amount of drama.
Not-Too-Smokey Smokey Eye
NARS Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner in Madison Ave
Even my brides who aren’t veteran lipstick wearers tend to be drawn to a bold lipstick hue when it’s time to say “I do.” Remember to keep the rest of your look neutral so you don’t compete with your dramatic pucker.
Bold Lips
Whether you choose to go with a classic red or a more modern deep burgundy, there are tons of beautiful shades out there that are beginner friendly. Cecelia is wearing Too Faced Melted Liquified Long Wear Lipstick in Ruby ($21). This particular formula goes on like a lip gloss, but sets like a lipstick stain. The texture is soft, so it’s a little more forgiving for the lipstick newbie.
The best thing about all of these looks is the flexibility you have on your special day. Select the style that best fits you, and you’ll be as happy as you are beautiful.
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