Top Wedding Makeup Tips & Advice for Beautiful Brides

One of the things you can count on for your wedding day is that you’ll be the most photographed person there. So while it can be tempting to only focus on aspects like decor, food, venue, and music—it’s important to also take some time and give your bridal makeup some thought. 

In addition to booking a makeup trial ahead of the big day, there are some helpful tips you can follow to look your best as you walk down the aisle. These 5 bridal makeup tips offer just the advice you were looking for on how to let your bridal beauty shine through.

5 Makeup Tips for Your Wedding Day 

1. Choose Waterproof Makeup

Let’s face it—waterworks are an unavoidable part of your wedding day. So why not be prepared? You may be misty-eyed as you’re walking to the altar, but who says your makeup has to falter?

Using waterproof, long-lasting eye shadow is a no-brainer to avoid smeared makeup at the inevitable tearjerker moments. This also leaves you free to sweat without worrying about smudges as you light up the dance floor with your killer moves.

2. Avoid Harsh Ingredients

Depending on the length of your ceremony and the day’s events, your bridal makeup typically stays on for 8 to 10 hours, if not more. 

So, one of the best things you can do for your skin is to choose vegan cosmetics and avoid products with any harsh ingredients on this day and in the weeks leading up to your wedding. This makeup tip applies regardless of whether you’re doing your own bridal makeup or are hiring a professional artist. 

3. Balance Your Look

Finding balance in your bridal makeup will help you look timeless and classic. This means choosing where you’d like to go bold and where you’re sticking to neutrals. 

If you’d like your makeup to draw focus to your eyes, you can create a soft smokey glam look from a warm neutral eyeshadow palette. Or just add dramatic lashes with a gentle wash of color on your lids. Balance this with a “your lips but better” shade in a matte or glossy finish, depending on your preference. 

4. Carry a Touch Up Kit

A tip to keep your wedding makeup looking fresh for every photo is carrying mini versions of a few products with you for touch-ups throughout the day. If you’re hiring a professional artist, you can also request a touch-up kit or a pot of extra lipgloss if you’re wearing a unique shade that they’ve mixed for your skin tone. 

5. Afterparty Chic

This wedding makeup tip is for brides who want to wear some color on their special day but still love a traditional look. Our advice is to keep your bridal makeup simple and bring the colors out for the afterparty. While most brides simply reserve a separate dress for the reception, you can go a step further with your favorite bright eyeshadow palette for a vibrant makeup look after the ceremony. 

Whether you’re a bride of traditional tastes or are looking for something bold and vibrant, choosing long-lasting products will allow you to enjoy your special day without worrying about anything else.