Calling all upcoming brides, this one’s for you. First off, congratulations, second, if you’re stressed out over your wedding day makeup, we’re here to help.
Our Global Education Ambassador and Artistry Lead Janeena Billera, shares her top tips on the latest wedding makeup trends and looks.
What are the Key Bridal Makeup Looks Right Now?
“There’s really two main categories that a bride will gravitate towards,” explains Janeena. “The Soft Traditional Bridal look or the bold Modern Glam."
The Soft Traditional look is such an easy choice because it looks great on everyone and really pulls the entire bridal look together without taking away from the rest of the overall vibe.
The Modern Glam look is a little more adventurous, but can be such an interesting take on wedding day makeup. This might include a bold lip shade and/or a graphic liner.”
She adds: “It goes without saying, but makeup trends come and go, it’s important to stick to what makes you feel beautiful. We want to incorporate products and techniques that reflect and enhance your natural beauty, and create a look that lasts throughout all of the celebrating.”
“My favorite look right now is something that leans more in the natural, but polished direction. Brides that want to look like a better version of themselves without completely altering their natural features, are my ideal client. Soft sculpting and accentuating one standout feature at most, for an effortlessly chic effect is what I'm into at the moment.”
Should a Bride Have a Look in Mind or Let the Makeup Artist Choose?
“It’s always helpful when brides have a specific aesthetic in mind, or provide look inspiration. I love when brides clue me in on the makeup color palette they naturally gravitate towards and what looks and placement suit their skin best."
“Whether they bring in reference photos of others, or even photos of themselves when they truly loved their makeup, all of this helps put a guide in place. It's also helpful to understand what a bride does not prefer, to provide context around what to avoid.”
Top Tips for a Successful Bridal Makeup Trial
“Aside from providing inspiration, it’s helpful to set aside time to actually walk through the overall look of the wedding—hair, nails, dress, accessories, florals, color story etc. All of these details help the artist get a better idea of the bride's personality and overall look wanting to be achieved. Many artists encourage waiting on booking a trial until the wedding is close to 3 months out, that way these details are confirmed and sorted,” explains Janeena.
“Another tip I tell brides is to limit the number of guests at a trial. The bride may choose to bring the entire bridal party to a dress fitting but try to just bring along one additional person (two max) to avoid indecisiveness. A bridal artist prioritizes you, putting importance on what you love and what needs a bit of tweaking to get it just right for the big day.
Finally, start off with a more natural look (remember it’s easier to add, than take away) and gradually increase the amount of makeup if preferred. Most importantly it’s important for a bride to voice their opinion during the trial.This is the time to make the necessary adjustments so on the day of, everything runs smoothly.”
How About Skincare?
“If you’re someone that has a specific skincare routine try not to stray from it too much. The evening before the big day make sure your skin is hydrated. On the day of, come bare-faced (unless the artist implies otherwise) and they will properly prep your skin for a long wear look. For the day of, an artist will put focus on prepping skin with lightweight, fast absorbing skincare that is designed for a bride's skin type to avoid pilling or makeup separation."
What Does Bridal Makeup Cost on Average?
“There are many different pricing factors to take into account. Rates will vary depending on market, artistry experience, travel, and the timing package etc. Generally, a bride can expect to spend anywhere between $250.00 - $800.00 for a bridal makeup package, and this excludes the bridal party. For the bridal party, rates can be between $75.00 - $200.00 a face. A la carte options are always available so it's important to ask about this."
What’s the Schedule for the Day?
“To start, it's recommended to consult the wedding planner to help determine the best start time. I normally recommend arriving 30-45min early for set up, to avoid rushing in the end. For application timing, I usually schedule around 60-70 minutes for the bridal makeup application and 45 minutes per additional face. In terms of makeup application order, it’s always safe to schedule one to two bridal party applications prior to touching the bride. This way they are fresh for photos and have plenty of time for touchups in the end if needed. Not to mention, when the bride is finished a little early, they’re able to take getting ready photos and tie up loose ends.”
How About Tips for Brides Doing their Own Makeup on their Big Day?
“While it can absolutely be a bit more budget friendly to DIY, self application during an already stressful day can feel extremely overwhelming. If a bride is highly considering this, being prepared with the right products, studying up on application is key and remember, practice makes perfect! Researching products that provide long wearability is equally as important.“
What is your Top Tip for Brides on the Big Day?
“No matter what, try to stay in the moment because the day will fly! Prioritize putting focus on just creating those precious memories with your partner and loved ones.”
Want more tips on wedding day makeup? Start with some of these products recommended by Janeena, that are a must-have for your big day.
Wedding Day Skin Prep:
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Start by misting skin with HA-Revive Hyaluronic Mist.
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Add 4-6 drops of HA-Revive Hyaluronic Drops into palm and press into skin.
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Apply an even layer of either HA-Revive Hyaluronic Hydrator or Oil-Free Moisturizer - depending on if you need hydration or shine-control, and massage into skin.
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Apply Barrier Balm to prep lips.
Prime + Prep
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Choose a primer based on your client’s skin type or needs. Apply an even layer to clean skin for a smooth, even canvas.
Tint + Hydrate
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Apply an even layer of C-Shield Anti-Pollution Moisture Tint to the face. Blend thoroughly to even out skin tone and boost skin protection.
Perfect the Base
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Layer Luminous Liquid Foundation SPF 18 over primer/tint and blend until seamless for a luminous, skin-like finish.
Conceal + Brighten
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Choose a shade in Luminous Brightening Concealer to correct, lift, and brighten. Apply under the eyes and to areas that need extra coverage. Blend for a flawless finish.
Set + Control Shine
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Set makeup with one of either our Luminous Setting Powder / Perfecting Powder to polish the look and control unwanted shine.
Define the Eyes
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Shape and lightly fill brows with the Precise Micro Browliner to frame the face.
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Apply a small amount of Essential Eye Base / Shadow Primer to the eyelids and blend evenly to prep for shadow.
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Use all four shades of the Cool Glow Shadow Quad to build depth and dimension across the lid.
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Apply a deeper shade of Cream Stay Shadow Stick along the lash line and crease. Blend well to soften and diffuse color.
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Line the upper lash line, with the Precision Liquid Eyeliner, extending slightly for a subtle winged effect.
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Apply Water Resistant Mascara to both upper and lower lashes for a defined finish.
Add Warmth + Flush
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Apply Cream Bronze Stick to bronzing and contour areas (cheeks, forehead, jawline) for warmth and dimension. Blend well.
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Choose a shade of Cream Blush Stick that suits your client. Apply to the apples of the cheeks and blend into bronzer for a seamless transition.
Define the Lips
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Line and define lips with your chosen shade in Precision Lip Pencil (I recommend either Natural/ Vino). Lightly fill in lips to add depth and volume.
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Layer Satin Lipstick (French Nude / Peach Bliss) over lip pencil for a rich, vibrant color payoff.
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Finish the lip look with a touch of shine and added moisture with Conditioning Lip Gloss (Whisper / Cloud 9).