Your Guide to Wedding Day Make-up Looks
Content editor
Em Newton
Choosing the best wedding day makeup look: natural vs glam
Your wedding day is one of the most photographed moments of your life and your make-up should help you to feel confident and radiant.
When it comes to choosing a wedding day make-up look, the key decision is whether to go natural or embrace a more glamorous look.
Natural
Think dewy skin, neutral eyeshadow and a subtle lip. A natural look enhances your features without overpowering, perfect for daytime ceremonies, outdoor venues and understated dresses.
Classic glam
Glamorous make-up is the ideal complement to evening receptions and elegant gowns. Begin with a full-coverage base and then pump up the drama with shimmering eyeshadow, bold eyeliner and statement lipstick.
Prepping your skin for make-up
Flawless wedding day make-up starts with a consistent skincare routine. The healthier your complexion, the better your make-up will adhere. Plus, it will last longer.
At least six weeks before your wedding day, focus on creating a routine of cleansing, gentle exfoliation and hydration. On the day, apply a lightweight primer to help your make-up last from vows to the last dance.
Finding the best foundation for your wedding day
To achieve that coveted bridal glow, opt for a foundation with a dewy finish. The best foundations and concealers for wedding days tend to meet three important criteria:
1. Long-wear
Select a formula that resists humidity and tears.
2. Photo-friendly
Avoid SPF-heavy formulas that can cause flashback in photographs.
3. Buildable
For all-day comfort that looks natural.
Pro tip: Test your foundation in natural light and take a few photos to ensure it looks seamless on camera.
The best wedding day lipstick
The best wedding-day lipstick complements your overall look. For a natural aesthetic, soft pinks, nudes, or peach tones work well. For glam style, bold reds or berry shades make a statement.
Opt for a long-wear formula (we like Clinique's Pop) designed to withstand toasts and kisses. For touch-ups throughout the day, arm yourself with a matching lip liner.
The best wedding day mascara
With happy tears inevitable, a waterproof mascara is non-negotiable. Find a formula that adds volume without clumping and holds a curl. Estée Lauder's Doublewear Mascara gives 15 hours of wear, with zero smudging.
Pro tip: A brown mascara may work better if you have a paler complexion or are going for a more natural look.
How to do your own wedding make-up
While hiring a professional make-up artist may help to reduce stress, it’s absolutely possible to do your own wedding make-up. YouTube and TikTok are great for finding wedding make-up tutorials.
If you do choose to do your make-up yourself, make sure you have time to practice and test the look thoroughly. Plus, allow yourself plenty of time.
Pro tip: Wash your make-up brushes a few days in advance. Clean brushes ensure even blending and will help your look to last.
Published 12.22.2025