While you may have carefully planned what your wedding party will wear, bridesmaid makeup might not be at the top of your list. It’s important for your bridesmaids to feel confident in their makeup, but it’s also okay to offer some guidance to create a cohesive look.
Choosing a Style
“Planning bridesmaid makeup should be as enjoyable as picking colors and flowers,” says makeup artist Alexandria Gilleo. “Having a vision helps create harmony, but that doesn’t mean everyone should look identical. Everyone has different skin tones and features, so a general theme can guide you toward beautiful results.”
Makeup artist Lucas Bowman notes that while bridesmaid makeup can be glamorous, it shouldn’t overshadow the bride. “Going over the top can seem attention-seeking and throw off the balance,” he says. “If the bride is wearing full glam, bridesmaids can follow a step behind if they prefer a bolder look. Just make sure the artists keep things tasteful.”
Tips for Perfect Bridesmaid Makeup
If you’re not hiring a professional, ensure your bridesmaids feel comfortable doing their own makeup or have a trusted friend to help. If you are working with artists, Brittany Lo, founder of Beautini and Beia Beauty, recommends sharing details in advance. Let them know your bridesmaids’ usual makeup habits—whether they prefer minimal or full glam—so the right artist can be assigned.
Also, inform artists about any skin concerns, like allergies, and the range of skin tones in the group. “This helps everyone feel beautiful and comfortable,” says Lo. “The more information you provide, the better prepared the team will be.”
For bridesmaids wanting to look their best in photos, skincare prep is key. “Start a consistent routine at least four months before the wedding,” advises Rachel Liverman of Glowbar. “Whether you’re targeting acne or just aiming for glowing skin, give treatments time to work. Avoid trying anything new the week of the wedding to prevent unexpected reactions.”
When the wedding weekend arrives, focus on skin prep. If you’ll be outside, use SPF to avoid sunburn, which can be hard to cover. “It’s easy to forget, but it’s super important,” Liverman says. To keep skin hydrated, drink plenty of water during pre-wedding events, suggests Lo. And no matter how tired you are after the celebration, always remove your makeup before bed to keep your complexion clear.”Start with a clean base,” advises Liverman. “I recommend using a cleansing oil to remove makeup and daily impurities, prepping your skin for your nighttime routine.” A well-prepped canvas ensures your makeup applies smoothly.
For wedding day makeup, longevity is key. Long hours, tears, and dancing can challenge even a professional look. “I’m selective with primers, but setting sprays and a touch-up kit are essential for keeping makeup fresh,” says Gilleo. “My favorites are the Urban Decay All Nighter Spray and the Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Setting Spray. The Fenty Beauty Invisimatte Blotting Powder is perfect for precisely mattifying any shiny areas without looking cakey.” And if you’re skipping false lashes, waterproof mascara is a must. Lo recommends Lancôme Monsieur Big Waterproof Mascara: “It glides on beautifully for bold, thick lashes that won’t smudge all day.”
Don’t forget post-cocktail hour touch-ups. “Always bring your own long-lasting lip liner and favorite lip color for refreshing throughout the night,” suggests Gilleo.
Looking for bridesmaid makeup inspiration? Here are ideas to suit almost any wedding style, from natural glow to full glamour.
Glowy Glam
For a dewy, radiant look, ask your artist to highlight cheekbones and skin. “This style uses hydrating skincare, dewy foundation, and highlighter on the cheekbones and brows for a clean, luminous finish,” says Lo. Offer highlighters in a range of shades, from soft champagne to warm bronze, to complement all skin tones.
Soft, Smudged Eyes
A traditional smoky eye might feel too heavy for a wedding. Instead, Lo suggests “a softer, more natural take by making the eyes a focal point with a smudged effect.” Use shadow on the lids and under the eyes for cohesion, and consider colors that match the bridesmaids’ dresses rather than standard black or silver.
Au Naturale
For a fresh, minimal look, consider a no-makeup makeup style. “A classic, clean look never misses,” says Lo. “Use light coverage to even out redness, soft shadow on the lids, a subtle liner, and a natural lip color.”
Soft Glam
A popular request, “soft glam” typically features neutral eye shades enhanced with lashes or volumizing mascara. “The face is usually close to full coverage with light contouring and a soft blush,” explains Lo.
Bronze Glow
Give bridesmaids a sun-kissed radiance with a bronze glow. “This look warms the skin with contouring and bronzer applied strategically,” shares Lo. “Neutral eye tones often complement the complexion.”
Winged Liner
Gilleo and Bowman recommend a minimal cat-eye for bridesmaids. Balance the statement liner with a classic base and soft pink cheeks. While liquid liner creates a sharp, lasting flick, you can also achieve the look with a pencil for a softer effect.Natural Contour
Photo: Aria Isadora
“My personal favorite is a natural, snatched look with minimal makeup for a dewy, fresh face,” says Gilleo. Achieve this with a light to medium coverage base, soft brows, light mascara, and a slightly more defined contour.
Pretty in Pink
Photo: Valorie Darling
Let your bridesmaids embrace pink on your wedding day. Bowman suggests using rose tones as accents on the eyes, cheeks, and lips for a pretty, youthful look.
Strong Eyes
Photo: La Dichosa
Balance is key in makeup. If your bridesmaids prefer a bold eye, keep the rest minimal. Gilleo recommends pairing “sultry, smoky eyes in deeper tones with neutral peach or nude shades on the face and lips.”
Color Pop
Photo: Pamela Hanson
Don’t shy away from color on the eyes or lips. Gilleo loves adding pops of color for outdoor weddings. “Think blush or lilac tones—they’re ethereal, fresh, and modern,” she says.
Red Lips
Photo: Molly Peach
A bold red lip always makes a statement. If it suits your bridesmaids’ complexions and your color palette, let them go for it. Since red can fade, make sure they bring their own lipstick for touch-ups throughout the night.
Lots of Lashes
Photo: REEM Photography
To make eyes stand out, add lashes. Whether using a full strip, a half strip for a cat-eye, or individual lashes, extra volume makes a big impact. Check in advance if your bridesmaids need to bring their own false lashes, as not all makeup artists provide them.
Mauve Lids
Photo: Jose Villa
A soft, purple-tinged mauve is perfect for enhancing brown and green eyes. This toasted shade adds depth and makes your eye color pop.
Defined Brows
Photo: Anne Rhett
Frame the face with a clean, bold brow. Ask your makeup artist to use light, soft strokes with a brow pencil that matches your bridesmaids’ natural brow color. Having tweezers on hand to tidy stray hairs is also a good idea.
Glossy Lips
Photo: Emilie White
Let your bridesmaids shine with an extra dose of lip gloss. A tinted lip oil, like Dior’s cult favorite, or a simple clear gloss can add a glassy finish to any lip color.
Airbrush Effect
Photo: Jose Villa
Want more coverage? Consider makeup that gives your wedding party an airbrushed look. While a little shimmer is fine, a good face powder creates a flawless, matte base that controls shine all day.
Lined Lips
Photo: Shannon Yen
Make your bridal party’s lips pop with a defined lip liner. It shouldn’t create too harsh a contrast, but it helps shape the lips and add subtle volume to balance the face. Lip liner also helps your look last all day.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs 17 Bridesmaid Makeup Looks for Every Wedding Theme
Q Why do I need to consider the wedding theme for bridesmaid makeup
A The makeup should complement the overall vibelike a soft romantic look for a garden wedding or a bold glam look for a blacktie event It ensures the bridal party looks cohesive and enhances the wedding photos
Q Im not a makeup pro Are these looks doable for beginners
A Absolutely Many looks like FreshFaced Glow or Classic Neutral focus on enhancing natural features with simple techniques We include tips for easy application
Q Whats a universal bridesmaid makeup look that works for almost any theme
A The Timeless Soft Glam is a great choice It features defined eyes a soft blush and a versatile lip color that photographs beautifully and suits most settings from church to ballroom
Q How do I choose a look that will last all day and night
A Look for keywords like longwearing satin finish or waterproof Techniques like priming setting with powder and using creambased products then setting them are key for longevity
Q What makeup look works best for an outdoor or beach wedding
A Opt for SunKissed WaterResistant looks These use lightweight sweatresistant formulas waterproof mascara and dewy natural finishes to withstand humidity and look fresh
Q Can you suggest a look for a formal evening wedding
A Bold Lip Lined Eyes or Smoky Eye Elegance are perfect These feature more dramatic elements like a classic red lip or a blended smoky eye that stands out in low lighting
Q What if the bridesmaids have very different skin tones
A Focus on adaptable looks defined by technique rather than specific shades The guide should suggest how to customize colorsfor example a berry lip can range from deep plum to bright magenta to flatter different complexions
Q How can we make sure the makeup looks good in photos
A Avoid makeup with high SPF or pure white silica powder as they can cause flashback Matte or satin finishes typically photograph better than super