Once upon a time, just before the happy couple finally said, ‘I do’, a bride-to-be had some very serious decisions to make. Sweetheart neckline or halter neck? Peonies or roses? But the biggest decision of all; What makeup would be walking her down the aisle?
It goes without saying that as a bride-to-be, your makeup needs to be flawless, long-lasting and more importantly, it should help highlight your beauty to all the eyes – and cameras – that are going to be on you.
Your choice of mascara needs to see you through those emotional vows, your lipstick through that all important first kiss and your setting spray should survive the wildest night of celebrating you’ve ever had.
From primers to eyebrow pens, we’ve gathered the ultimate shopping list that will cover you as you start the day a ‘Miss’ and finish a ‘Mrs.’.
So, whether you’ve booked a professional makeup artist or you’re ready for some makeup DIY, check out our top ten products guaranteed to make your bridal beauty game plan a dream start to your big day.
OUR TOP PICK
First thing to mention about this product is that it is packed with vitamins guaranteed to keep your skin looking fresh throughout the day.
Infused with Vitamin A, C, and E, this primer works by hydrating, brightening and nourishing the skin which helps to promote the natural moisture and keep your skin looking and feeling soft all day long.
Its silky formula delivers a sheer coverage, giving that all important natural finish every bride deserves.
A perfect choice to start your makeup routine, this primer smooths and preps skin for prolonged makeup wear and is also a great choice for normal, combination, and dry skin so every bride, no matter your skin type, can use it.
This cruelty-free vegan formula is a great base to help transform your face into a flawless, smooth canvas ready for makeup that lasts all day. The great news is that a small amount goes a long way, so this bottle is sure to last you well into the honeymoon and beyond.
Pros
- Long lasting – It stays on for hours without caking or flaking
- Hydrating – It works with your skin’s natural moisture
- Matte finish – Keeps your face shine free
- Non-irritable - Suitable for those with sensitive skin
Cons
- Scent – Can be a little overpowering for some users
EDITORS CHOICE
On your big day you want your skin to remain flawless and looking incredible for those all-important photos that you will one day look back on. And for those moments, this iconic foundation is a must have for your wedding day makeup selection.
This pot of magic is guaranteed to give you coverage for 24hrs and is available in over 60 different shades, so choosing a foundation that matches your skin tone has never been easier.
The matte finish, oil-free foundation controls oil all day and keeps you looking fresh and dewy from the aisle to the reception to the after party.
It’s a triple threat with its sweat, heat and humidity resistant technology and by also being waterproof, whatever the weather or time of year your wedding is booked for, this foundation will have your back.
The coverage is easily buildable but does skew more towards the medium-full end.
However, the likelihood of needing any complexion touch-ups during the day is greatly reduced so you can spend more time partying the night away on the dancefloor and less time looking at yourself in the toilet mirror.
Pros
- Durability – Provides full coverage all day and night
- Color match – Over 60 different shade available to choose from
- Flattering – Unifies the appearance of uneven skin tone
- Non-transferable – Once applied, it stays firmly put
- Protection – It also includes SPF 10
Cons
- Packaging – A lack of pump can be frustrating and messy for some users
- Speed – It sets very fast so be careful how much you initially apply
BEST VALUE
You’ve nailed your perfect bridal makeup! The foundation is flawless, the eyeshadow is popping, and the only thing left to do is make sure nothing moves, runs or sweats off for the rest of the day.
That’s where this bridal staple comes in. Designed to keep your makeup in place all day and through the night, this makeup setting spray is proven to be moisture proof for up to 16 hours and is ideal for dehydrated, tight and uncomfortable skin.
The patented cooling technology keeps the surface of your face cool, avoiding any sliding or melting of makeup and keeping you looking flawless until the last guests have left.
It’s lightweight, it lets the skin breathe and it doesn’t clog pores, so if you have sensitive skin prone to breakouts then this is the perfect choice for you.
The fine mist ensures that your face is fully covered and set and prevents fading and color shifting throughout the day.
So, if big bold colors are coming out to play on your wedding day, then this product is a must for keeping them looking anything less than immaculate.
Pros
- Made with Brides in mind – It is the only true bridal formula on the market
- Hypoallergenic – Breakouts and allergic reactions are unlikely
- Temperature control – Keeps you looking flawless no matter the weather
- Finish – Keeps makeup looking dewy
Cons
- Not great for oily skin – It keeps makeup in place, but the dewy finish isn’t great if your skin is oily
RUNNER UP
This award-winning product is a firm favorite with makeup artists for a very good reason; its multi-action formula works to optically correct, not mask, imperfections without creasing.
The luxurious texture and luminous finish help to avoid the ‘caked-on’ look some other concealers may give you. With high buildable coverage and lightweight texture, the power really is in your hands when it comes to creating that flawless finish.
The formula includes vitamin E, providing you with hydration throughout the day and the magnolia bark extract and grape seed extract help to reduce redness and cover even the most stubborn of imperfections while still managing to feel weightless and creamy.
The unique powders incorporated into this product even out skin tone and provide invisible skin correction leaving skin looking radiant, fresh and natural.
So, whether your sleeping pattern has gone out the window or even if those stubborn dark circles have been troubling you for a while, this product is guaranteed to cover, highlight and contour your face to perfection.
Pros
- For all skin types – Anyone can use this product and still achieve incredible results
- Free from – Alcohol, parabens and fragrance so great for sensitive skin
- Application – Easy to apply with the applicator brush provided
- Color match – Over 30 different shade to choose from
Cons
- Size – The bottle if small so you’ll soon find yourself ordering more
RUNNER UP
When it comes to choosing the perfect mascara for your wedding day, there are several factors that come into play.
No matter how many happy tears you shed, your mascara needs to be leak proof, smudge proof and it should frame your eyes all day long without looking clumpy and heavy. Luckily, we’ve done our research and have the answer to all of your worries.
This MAKE UP FOR EVER mascara is high performing and not only helps add volume but also length and curl to create voluptuous lashes for the bride-to-be.
The synthetic fiber brush is cone-shaped with a precision tip to help separate lashes for a fuller effect, perfect for when all eyes are on you as you walk down the aisle.
Its non-sticky wax complex gives a clump free application, and the rich black pigments provide extra color and coverage to every lash.
The flake free formula lengthens even the shortest of lashes and is super long lasting even after just one application.
Thankfully, it’s also waterproof so whether the rain makes an appearance on your day, or the speeches have you in tears, this mascara will be staying put until the celebrations are over.
Pros
- Waterproof – Smudge-proof and waterproof formula to last the entire day
- Application – a 2-in-1 cone-shaped brush with a precision tip helps separate every lash
- False Lash Effect – It volumizes lashes to give a fuller effect
Cons
- Removal – Oil based makeup remover is very much needed with this product
RUNNER UP
To accentuate your cheekbones and give your face that ultimate rosy glow, a little pop of color is all you need to compliment the rest of your makeup.
This much-loved product will help you create that youthful appearance and with its perfect shade of pink, it’s guaranteed to brighten everyone’s complexion ready for their special day.
The hint of shimmer included in this product takes any complexion from dull to radiant and with a buildable color, each bride can decide on what level of blush suits them.
Available in two sizes, full and mini, this product is great to pop in your bridesmaid’s handbag should you need to freshen up during the night.
By either sweeping it on your cheeks as a soft blush or dusting it all over the face as a brightening finishing powder, this product really does give you the versatility needed when deciding on the right products to see you through each stage of the big day and even the morning after.
Suitable for any skin tone, this beautiful blusher is guaranteed to keep you looking fresh, healthy and radiant, even when you’ve celebrated a bit too hard!
Pros
- Coverage – Buildable for different preferences
- Brightening – Highlights the face with its hint of shimmer
- Packaging – Soft, natural-bristle brush included
- Versatility – Use as blusher or finishing powder
Cons
- Fragrance – Quite a strong fragrance which some users may not like
RUNNER UP
Your choice of lipstick is almost as important as your choice of wedding dress and should serve as the finishing touch to your bridal makeup look.
Globally adored, the iconic Pillow Talk collection from Charlotte Tilbury makes for a romantic, dreamy makeup look suitable for every bride on her big day.
The nude-pink shade enhances the natural hue of your lips helping to create the most natural looking version of you and with a long-lasting color of up to 10 hours, this lipstick is suitable for any bride, of any age and skin tone.
The hydrating and moisturizing formula is enriched with 3D glowing pigments for a ‘lit-from-within’ lip look, giving you that full-bodied pout that you’ll need for that all important bridal kiss.
Thanks to the unique, square-angled lipstick tip, applying the product is a breeze as it mimics the shape of a lip brush allowing for precise application.
Although the product has a matte finish, it features a hydrating formula – Charlotte’s secret ingredient – as well as orchid extract to protect and soothe lips for a cashmere finish that will last all day long.
Pros
- Suitable for any bride – Formulated for every woman no matter the age or skin tone
- Complimentary products – Waterproof lip liner also available
- Long lasting – Will stay put throughout the celebrations
- Universally loved – Best selling lipstick unique to your natural lip color
Cons
- Drying – For some users, if your lips are already dry then this product may highlight that. Make sure you moisturize ahead of use for luscious lips.
RUNNER UP
One item that should never be missed from your bridal makeup checklist is the eyebrow pen/pencil. Just as important as the skin, eyes and lips, your eyebrows frame your face and help to give your eyes that all important lifted look.
This flexible micro-brush tip pen allows you to create both thin and thick lines helping to mimic real life hairs and giving you a much more natural finish than other products out there.
The 16hour smudge and transfer-resistant formula is perfect for a day of up-close congratulating and photo taking, making this product a no-brainer for your bridal makeup bag.
Whether you are lucky enough to be blessed with thick brows or if you’re still recovering from the overplucking 90s trend, this eyebrow pen is here to help.
With a choice of 10 shades, each buildable and giving a laminated finish, finding the perfect color match for your eyebrows is as simple as NYX.
Pros
- Cruelty free – This product is not tested on animals
- Pro Styling Brush – With extra thin bristles
- Formula – Non-sticky and
- Breathable - No sweaty feet for the sake of protection
Cons
- Dispense – Color may not be as strong with the first few uses
RUNNER UP
Whether you opt a natural look or something a bit smokier, your eyeshadow choice should make you feel like the ultimate princess on your wedding day.
Your eyes, as they say, are the windows to your soul and these 16 all-new, highly pigmented colors are there to flatter what you already have and make your eyes pop.
The palette includes 8 matte colors, 2 shimmers, 3 metallic options and 3 sparkle modern nude shades, all of which are guaranteed to suit every bride’s skin tone and all of which are ultra-buildable for you to achieve that perfect color.
It may be hard to believe, but not only do these eyeshadows look good, but they also feed good.
By including skincare ingredients such as Coconut Water, Hyaluronic Acid, and Alpine Rose, these eyeshadows work to draw and lock in moisture while nourishing the surface of your skin and keeping your delicate eyelids healthy and happy as you strut your stuff down the aisle and into the next chapter of your life.
Pros
- Options – 16 shades to achieve the results you want
- Ingredients – Kind to your most delicate skin area
- Long lasting – When used with eye primer they last all day without creasing
Cons
- Application – Shimmer options look more pigmented when applied with fingers rather than a brush
RUNNER UP
The best setting powder should both mattify your complexion and keep your foundation in place and this lightweight, breathable option, thankfully, does both!
Inspired by their long wear setting sprays, Urban Decay created this powder to lock in your makeup and give you all-day oil and shine control.
The translucent pressed powder glides on evenly and helps to soften and mattify the skin keeping it feeling fresh and natural all day long.
While some powders can turn cakey and dry out your makeup, this powder smooths the skin for an even complexion creating a translucent, matte finish.
Its waterproof setting means that you can cry, sweat or even get wet, but once this powder is set, it will lock in your makeup for a full 11 hours.
It works on a wide range of skin tones and extends the life of foundation and concealer and helps to block shine without dulling your natural bridal glow.
If you have large pores or suffer with skin issues, this powder is a great choice as it helps to blur pores and imperfections allowing you to look your best without drawing attention to any problem areas.
Pros
- Sets makeup – without overpowering your look
- Long lasting – No need to re-apply once it’s set
- Coverage – Light and non-transferrable
- Complexion – Great if you’re prone to oily skin
Cons
- Application – It doesn’t come with an applicator so make sure you have your powder brush to hand
Buyer’s Guide
How Do I Choose My Bridal Makeup?
When it comes to bridal makeup you first need to decide if you are going to be doing it yourself or if you are going to have a bridal makeup artist do it for you.
If your choice is the latter then you need to do your research and find an artist who matches your style and produces looks that you like, then organize to meet up before the big day.
When you meet you should be clear about what you want and take this opportunity to communicate any concerns about your skin.
As much as you should let them know what you would like, you should also inform them of what you don’t like so they can fully understand what you are aiming for.
Remember to ask lots of questions; what brands do you use? Is my vision achievable? Would you suggest making any changes to the overall look? Etc.
If you are going it alone, make sure you do your research on bridal makeup products and look at both the positive and negative reviews. You should also pull inspiration from celebrities and magazines, so you know exactly what you like and what you don’t.
It’s always good to ask loved ones for their opinions but remember that you need to feel comfortable wearing that makeup on the big day so don’t go with someone else’s vision.
Have a practice run of your bridal makeup way before the big day to make sure you look how you envisioned.
You also want to make sure that all the products work well and suit your skin. If there are any problems, then testing beforehand gives you plenty of time to find another option that would be better suited to your skin type.
Lastly, remember to check the weather forecast leading up to your wedding as this can have a massive impact on what products to use.
If it’s going to be a hotter than average day then you’ll probably want something a little lighter on your skin and waterproof products, whereas if it’s a cold wintery day, you may want to use products that will hydrate the skin and help you achieve that all day glow.
