28 wedding makeup looks that are beyond beautiful
All the bridal beauty inspo you need
Deciding on the perfect bridal makeup look isn't easy, do you play it safe? And go with a classic-but-cool eyeliner flick and nude lipstick combo. Or do you make a statement? And opt for something a little more bold (I'm thinking, red lip and a smokey bronze eyeshadow). The options are endless and the final decision is important – I mean, the winning look is going to be immortalised in photos forevs…
Our advice? Experiment. Yup, get busy and try them all out. Whether you're going out for a walk around the park, or just running to the post office on a Saturday morning to return that overdue asos package... Recreate the looks at home, and see how they make you feel ahead of the big day. It’s also important to test the longevity of the products that you’re vibing with, to make sure they aren’t going to slide off your face at the first hint of warmth (particularly important if you're having a summer wedding) or cling to any dry patches in your wedding falls in the wintery months.
If application isn’t your thing, brands like Bobbi Brown offer free virtual consultations to master specific makeup looks so you can perfect a cat eye or banging red lip in the run-up to the wedding. So handy.
To start you off, we've trawled the internet (and some of Instagram's coolest beauty influencers) to bring you a round-up of all the inspiration you could ever need. From glowing skin to subtle smoky eyes, these are the looks that'll see you through the wedding season.
Soft neutrals
Nobody does dreamy neutral makeup quite like MUA, Danessa Myricks. Take inspo for the big day and opt for monochromatic nude shades across eyes, lips and cheeks. Perfection.
Classic cool
A touch of shimmer in the corners of your eyes will make them appear wider and brighter. Team with a petal-pink lip and well-groomed brows, et voila.
A bold lip
Why not go for the wow-factor on your wedding day? With a statement red lip. Keep the rest of your makeup paired back, to really play up the pout.
Gloss girl
We want every speck of our complexion to glow on the big day, from our cheekbones to our lips.
No makeup makeup
The key to pulling off no makeup-makeup is nailing glowy skin - just like our ultimate beauty muse, Lesley Buckle (aka, @FreshLengths). Opt for a dewy-finish foundation then pinpoint conceal any blemishes or discolouration. Finish with a sweeping of highlighter across the high points of your face (brow bone, cheekbones and cupid's bow).
Milky Bronze
Opting for a monochromatic makeup palette with creamy brown shadows and a matching lip colour, gives the complexion a soft definition.
Subtle sparkle
A hint of glitter works a treat for brightening and enhancing the eyes. Add a rosy nude lip and a swipe of bronzer to complete the look.
Fresh-faced
Sculpted brows, fluttery lashes and fresh-faced complexion = the dream combination.
Pretty in pink
Don't be afraid to incorporate some eye colour into your wedding day makeup, a sweeping of pale pink gives a softness to the complexion. Take the colour over your lips and lids for a fresh-faced finish.
Cut-Crease Cool
Is there anything chicer than a soft, smokey cut-crease? I think not. Team with a glossy lip and you're all set.
Smokey shadows
A touch of shimmer on the eyes teamed with a soft, matte, brown shadow is sultry but sophisticated. Team with a nude lip and subtle contouring.
Smokey chic
Who says bridal makeup has to be paired back? We're making a case for the smoky wing with a ashy matte shadow and hint of highlight across the cheekbones.
Wing it
An eyeliner flick is a simple yet classic style for brides. If you fancy a softer finish, swap the out liquid liner and use a charcoal shadow to carve out your flick instead.
All about orange
A bold orange lip is the epitome of cool (especially for summer brides), use a lip pencil to carve out a flawless lip line and then fill in the remainder of your pout with a matte lipstick.
Subtle liner
If you can't live without your black eyeliner flicks, just slim them down instead. To recreate the look, make sure you're using the best liquid eyeliner instead of a pencil, as they're more precise and less likely to smudge.
Smokey liner
Use a kohl liner to give eyes a stunning smokey definition on the big day - just make sure it's waterproof to avoid any smudging from the happy tears.
Make a statement
If the thought of a barely-there makeup look has you yawning, go for something a little bolder. This glossy smoked-out eye and burgundy lip, is the best example of sophistication meets cool-girl.
Fuchsia Lip
Wow, wow, wow. Everything about this bright pink lip colour is stunning. Teamed with glossy highlighter and fluttery lashes = the perfect combo.
Highlight heaven
A highlight so glowy your guest will be wondering if you literally descended from heaven. Keeping the rest of your glam neutral means you can go hard on the glow.
Grey haze
Thought smokey eyes had to be dramatic? Nuh-uh. Just a wash of grey in the socket link will give definition and a subtle smokey effect.
Victoria Jowett is an award-winning journalist and the former Beauty Director at Cosmopolitan UK. She was named one of PPA’s 30 Under 30 for her work in beauty journalism and oversees the skincare, hair, makeup and fragrance content across all of Cosmopolitan’s platforms. She's worked in the beauty industry for over 13 years (and tested 1000s of products), making her an expert when it comes to recommending beauty brands that truly work. Having started her career working weekends on a makeup counter, Victoria began interning at the likes of AnOther and IDOL magazine, before landing her first Beauty Writer job at weekly fashion magazine, LOOK. Joining Cosmopolitan in 2016, Victoria has always remained a beauty fanatic and has been lucky enough to interview everyone from Britney Spears to Kourtney Kardashian about their beauty routines. Follow her on LinkedIn.
Keeks Reid is the Beauty Director at Cosmopolitan UK. While she loves all things beauty, Keeks is a hair fanatic through and through. She started her career in beauty journalism in 2013 as editorial assistant at Blackhair and Hair magazines working her way to Acting Editor of Blackhair magazine at 23 years old. She spent much of her career working in trade hairdressing media at Hairdressers Journal, Salon International and the British Hairdressing Awards. Which is why she is a regular contributor to Cosmo's Curl Up franchise. Now, alongside her Cosmo work, she presents, creates content on social media and works with a range of beauty companies; from magazines and websites to beauty brands and salons.
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