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While you might have a detailed breakdown of what your wedding party will wear as they join you down the aisle, the bridesmaid makeup plan has probably not been the first thing on your priority list. And while your bridesmaids should always wear makeup that helps them feel their best while standing by your side, it’s perfectly fine for a couple to curate some direction around the wedding party’s beauty aesthetic.
“Planning bridesmaid’s makeup looks for the big day should be just as fun as selecting color schemes and florals! It’s always helpful to have a vision in mind to create a cohesive and harmonious look for the bridal party,” says makeup artist Alexandria Gilleo, who does makeup for stars like Ali Krieger in addition to bridal beauty. “This isn’t to say that everyone should get the same exact makeup look because everyone has different skin tones, textures, and features. However, having a general theme can help guide everyone towards a stunning result.”
Makeup artist Lucas Bowman advises that while bridesmaid makeup can go glam, it should shy away from outdoing the bride. “It could come off attention seeking as well as just imbalance taste levels,” he says. “If the bride is full glam, then the bridesmaids could follow a few notches behind if they enjoy a heavier glam as well. When communicating with makeup artists and hairstylists, I would ask them to do what people ask within the boundaries of not going over the top.”
If you aren’t hiring a makeup artist for your wedding party, it’s important to make sure your bridesmaids feel comfortable executing the beauty looks themselves or have a trusted friend to pull off the style. If you are working with a professional, Brittany Lo, founder of wedding hair and makeup company Beautini and Beia Beauty, says it’s helpful to provide information that can prepare the team ahead of time. For instance, you should share the group’s beauty habits. “Do they generally not wear a lot of makeup? Do they wear full glam 24/7? This will help determine the team that is sent as some artists are heavier-handed than others,” says Lo.
She also says to let artists know about any skin concerns like allergies and the range of skin tones in the group to bring the right products. “I think it is very important in order to ensure every person in the bridal party in addition to the bride feels beautiful and comfortable in their own skin. The more the bride can communicate the group’s overall beauty preferences and skin tones, the better the team can prepare and be set up for a successful wedding day!”
Bridesmaids who want to look their best for wedding photos should consider preparing in advance to get their skin in the best shape for makeup application. “The most important skincare tip I can give to bridesmaids is to start and maintain a consistent routine at least four months before the big event,” advises Rachel Liverman, founder and CEO of Glowbar. “Whether you’re aiming to treat acne or simply achieve glowing skin for the wedding, it’s essential to give your routine or treatment enough time to be effective.” She adds, “Don’t try anything new the week of the wedding. You don’t want your skin to unexpectedly react to a new face wash or serum.”
When the wedding weekend arrives, it’s time to really think about your skin prep. If you’re doing anything outside, Liverman advises using SPF to avoid a burn that can be hard to cover. “You might be so focused on makeup that you forget this step, but it’s super important,” she says. Want to help both your skin and physical well-being at an early morning makeup appointment? “During the rehearsal dinner or welcome party, make sure to drink lots of water in between the cocktails so your skin stays nice and hydrated for the wedding day as well,” suggests Lo. Another way to keep your complexion looking good throughout a wedding weekend? “As tempting as it might be to fall into bed after the party, it’s really important to take off your makeup,” says Liverman. “I recommend using a cleansing oil because it helps to prep your skin for your nightly routine by breaking down everything your skin has come in contact with throughout the day.” Taking these steps to prepare your base is the best way to ensure your makeup looks will be applied smoothly.
The most important part of wedding day makeup is making sure it lasts. Long hours, tears at the ceremony, and sweat on the dance floor can do a number on a professionally crafted makeup look. “I don’t love all primers; however, setting sprays and a touch-up kit can also help keep makeup looking fresh throughout the day and night,” shares Gilleo. “My go-to setting spray is Urban Decay All Nighter Spray and Milk Skin Hydro Grip Setting Spray. Fenty Invisimatte pressed powder is also great for precision powdering in any hot, shiny spots and never looks overly powdered or too-done.” And if you’re not opting for lashes, waterproof mascara is also a must. Lo’s favorite is Lancome Monsieur Big Waterproof Mascara. “This mascara glides beautifully on the lashes to create a bold, thick look while not smudging or smearing for the entire day,” she says.
Finally, don’t forget maintenance after indulging in cocktail hour or the reception meal. “I suggest always bringing your own favorite lip color and long-lasting lip liner for touchups throughout the night,” says Gilleo.
Ready to choose which beauty look is best for your wedding party? Ahead, find bridesmaid makeup ideas that can fit almost every wedding aesthetic—from natural, glowy styles to full-coverage beats.
Glowy Glam
Photo: Twah Dougherty
If you want your bridesmaids to embrace a dewy, glowing makeup look, ask your makeup artist to remember to pack highlighter. “This skin-forward style focuses on highlighting the cheekbones and skin with hydrating skincare, dewy face coverage, and highlighter applied to the cheekbones and brows to create a clean, glowy look,” shares Lo.
Soft, Smudged Eyes
Photo: Philip Gross
A proper smoky eye may feel more suited for a night at a club than a wedding. “[Instead, try] a more natural take on a smokey eye by making the eyes a focal point and softening the darkness with a smudged look,” says Lo. She suggests creating this style with shadows on the lids and under the eyes to create a cohesive look, and notes that the shades don’t have to be dark to create this aesthetic.
Au Naturale
Photo: Dos Más En La Mesa
For a fresh aesthetic, you can always request your bridesmaids to do a no-makeup makeup look. “Opting for a classic, clean look for a wedding can never miss,” says Lo. “This entails light coverage to remove redness and soft shadow on the lids with a soft liner and lip color to create a classic, natural look.”
Soft Glam
Photo: Greg Finck
One of the most requested looks for bridesmaids is what makeup artists call “soft glam.” “This is where you generally play up the eyes with generally neutral shades but add lashes or thickening mascara to make the eyes pop,” explains Lo. “The face coverage can vary but is generally close to full coverage and will include light contouring and a soft pop of color on the cheeks.”
Bronze Glow
Give your bridesmaids the illusion of a sun-kissed complexion with a bronze glow. “This look focuses on contouring the face to give warmth to the skin and adding bronzer and color in specific parts of the face,” shares Lo. “Often neutral tones are used on the eyes to compliment the skin.”
Winged Liner
Photo: Hunter Abrams
Both Gilleo and Bowman recommend bridesmaids consider a minimal cat-eye look for a wedding. To balance the statement liner, pair it with a classic base and soft pink cheeks.
Natural Contour
Photo: Aria Isadora
“My personal favorite is natural, yet snatched with minimal makeup for a dewy, fresh-faced look,” says Gilleo. For this look, pair a light- to medium-coverage base, soft brows, and light mascara with a slightly more defined contour.
Pretty in Pink
Photo: Valorie Darling
Let your bridesmaids think pink on your wedding day. Bowman suggests having your makeup artists apply rose hues as accents for eyeshadow, blush, and lips for a pretty, youthful aesthetic.
Strong Eyes
It’s all about finding balance in your makeup looks, so if your bridesmaids want a stronger eye, keep the rest minimal. Gilleo suggests pairing “sultry eyes using smoky and deeper tones with neutral peach or nude tones on the face and lips.”
Color Pop
Photo: Pamela Hanson
Don’t be afraid to stray from neutrals for eyes or lips. Gilleo loves using pops of color in makeup looks for outdoor weddings. “Think of a blush or lilac tone which is so ethereal, fresh, and modern,” she says.
