50 Wedding Makeup Ideas We Love, From Natural to Glam

It's never too early for a little inspiration.

Close up of Sofia Richie Grainge on her wedding day

@sofiarichiegrainge

Whether you've envisioned every detail of your wedding day for as long as you can remember or find yourself a tad overwhelmed with planning such an important event, makeup should be the last thing that stresses you out when it comes to your big day.

No matter your style—be it natural and ethereal or bold and maximalist—there's plenty of inspiration. Ahead, we've rounded up the best and most beautiful wedding makeup looks perfect for your big celebration—everything you need is right here.

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Mauve Lips

Paris Hilton with a smokey eye and mauve lips and a high ponytail

@danessa_myricks

Mauve lips don't have to be boring. Here, Paris Hilton pairs hers with a bold and smokey makeup look. The lips are glossed to perfection and provide an interesting contrast to her blonde high ponytail. To get the look, try the Lancome Color Design Eyeshadow Palette in Amethyste ($50).

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Silver Shadow With Brown Lips

Halle Bailey with a retro curled bob

@hallebailey / Instagram

Halle Bailey's shimmery shadow offers a touch of glam (and pairs perfectly with brown-lined and gloss-slicked lips).

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Berry-Stained Lips

Close up of Priyanka Chopra with berry lips and neutral blush

@priyankachopra

This look is all about the lip. Here, a berry stain is the star of the show, complemented by a subtle bronze base and eyeshadow.

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Retro Glam

Kim Kardashian with an updo and retro glam makeup for the 2023 Met Gala

@kimkardashian / Instagram

As Kim Kardashian proves, brown can look uber-romantic. Here, the star wears brown-lined lips with a coat of caramel lipstick paired with a smokey eye for maximum glamour.

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The Eyes Have It

Indian bride in gold jewelry with a smokey eye

@cherishbrookehill

Charcoal grey eyeshadow, black eyeliner, and soft pink cheeks and lips are a beautiful combination. Apply the shadows first if you're creating a smoky look, and clean up any shadow fallout before moving on to your complexion makeup.

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Doe-Eyed Glam

Sydney Sweeney with bouncy curls with a bow at the 2023 Met Gala

@sydneysweeney / Instagram

Sydney Sweeney's bouncy waves are so over-the-top that a simple makeup look was in order. Here, the actress' lashy eye look is topped off with a smudge of liner on each lid, while the lips are kept simple and neutral.

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Deep Purple Smokey Eyes

J. Lo with center parted waves and deep purple eye makeup

@chrisappleton1

J. Lo's deep purple smokey eyes provide a beautiful contrast to her neutral lip. For this look, keep the face simple in neutral tones, then rim the eyes in charcoal and add highlighter to the brow bone.

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Queen Of Earthy Neutrals

woman wearing Earthy Neutral makeu with brunette hair

@kensnation / Instagram

Earth-toned neutrals on the eyes and lips paired with poppy blush and highlight demonstrate an excellent way to create a dressier wedding day look with natural colors. For the smoothest skin, try using Yubi Beauty's Buff and Blend Duo ($24) to apply your liquid foundation for an airbrushed finish to your complexion.

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Natural Beauty

Black woman with hair worn in a bun and natural makeup

@cherishbrookehill

Natural makeup is popular for weddings, creating a "myself, but enhanced" aesthetic. This look includes beautiful and natural tones on the skin and lips and the slightest touch of drama on the eyes. Liquid eyeliner and false eyelashes can help create this effect—you'll love feeling like a glam version of your everyday self.

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Soft, Rosy Mattes

model in soft rosy matte makeup

@elizabethrsawatzky

We love how ethereal and fresh the rosy matte colors and textures are here. Going monochrome on the cheeks and lips allows for a natural feel that will hold up well through your planned festivities. For a soft rose blush color, try Lumene's Invisible Illumination Liquid Blush ($30).

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Matte Face With Rich Peach Lips

Sophia Richie Grainge in white wedding gown and low updo with a rich peach lipstick

@sophiarichiegrainge

Sophia Richie Grainge's matte base helps further highlight this rich peach pout. Use a liner that matches your lipstick to replicate the look, overdrawing the line slightly for the illusion of a fuller lip.

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Touch Of Glam

Constance Wu in side parted wavy hair with soft gold eyeshadow

Getty Images

Dark chocolate smoky eyeshadow, black eyeliner, and individual lashes create a glam eyeshadow look that isn't too fussy. Add glowing skin and a pinkish nude lip, and you're ready to walk down the aisle.

If you have a strapless dress, you can add a highlight to your shoulders and décolleté by applying Alleven London's Colour Shield Glow Luminzing Body Enhancer ($52) and Bathing Culture's  Outer Being Face and Body Oil ($32).

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Minimal Eyeliner and Bold Lips

Li Junli in dark red lips with glam evening outfit and makeup

@danessa_myricks

A bold swipe of color on the lips with minimal eyeliner and flushed skin is a serious win for your wedding day makeup (especially if your ceremony is outdoors and the weather is warm). This is an easy look to maintain through all your special moments—and will photograph beautifully.

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Flushed Cheeks and Lids

asian woman with hair in pigtail braids and natural flushed makeup

@brittsully

Flushed skin with just enough highlighter and lashes shows us how less is more for wedding makeup, and we're here for it. For anyone who wants longer lashes, adding false eyelashes to your eyes is an instant fix, while keeping the color to your cheeks and lips is a soft beauty look you'll love wearing if you're more of a makeup minimalist.

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Vibrant Lips and Winged Liner

Kimberley Anne Woltemas with a bright red lip

@kimmy_kimberley

A classic red lip brings a new level of sophistication to your wedding makeup. Be sure to shape your lips with a matching liner to ensure nothing bleeds or runs where it's not supposed to.

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Graphic Liner

Adriana Lima with winged eyes and red lips

Getty Images

No shortage of glam here, this crimson lipstick with graphic eyeliner is a bold way to express yourself on your wedding day—and an excellent choice overall. Practicing the wing shape of your liner before your wedding day will help you get a feel for exactly how you want it. In search of crimson lipstick? Check out Kevyn Aucoin's Unforgettable Lipstick in Bloodroses ($30).

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Dewy Skin and Nude Lips

Eva Longoria in dewy makeup with peach lips

Getty Images

Dewy, glistening skin will always make for a good wedding makeup moment, so it's important to find out what highlighter formulation you like best. From creams to powders, test products to figure out which you like most. Placing a highlighter on the brow bone and cheek, as pictured here, is the ultimate finishing touch to any bridal makeup look.

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Smoky Bronze

Hailee Steinfeld in Smoky Bronze makeup

Getty Images

A smoky bronze eye paired with neutral lipstick looks beautiful with a white dress (or any color dress, really) and is ideal for wedding makeup because of how polished it is. Apply the bronze shadow as your base color and then build from there—it will set the tone perfectly for whatever else you add.

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Smudged Liner

Lily Collins in smudged eye makeup with a bun and bangs

@makeupvincent

Smudge a smoky eyeshadow on the lash line and move on to the next important step: glowing skin and nude lipstick. This eyeshadow look proves you can add dimension to your eyes without full-on smoky drama. The chocolate hue is a nice switch-up from everyday blacks and browns.

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Peachy Glow

Dua Lipa in peachy makeup

Getty Images

A soft, monochromatic palette of neutrals paired with lots of mascara to wake up the eyes will surely turn heads as you're walking down the aisle.

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Soft Mauve

Allison Williams with neutral eye makeup

Getty Images

Wearing eyeshadows that enhance your eye color is a nice touch for bridal makeup. The soft mauve shades featured here are lovely, allowing the eyes to stand out and the rest of the makeup to look clean and fresh.

Byrdie Tip

To recreate the illuminated eyes integral to this look, use a peach color corrector to neutralize any dark circles. Then, go over your color corrector with a concealer one shade lighter than your skin tone.

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Bold Lip and Shimmery Lids

Martha Hunt with burgundy lipstick

Getty Images

Sparkly sheer eyeshadow paired with a deep, rich lip color allows for just enough glam on your big day—and it's always fun to include some sparkle in your makeup for an extra touch of happiness. Apply a sheer, shimmering shadow to your eyelids with your finger or a brush, and clean up any sparkle fallout before moving on to the rest of your makeup.

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Allover Subtle Pink

Pakistani bride with bold eye makeup

@pakistanibride / Instagram

Think pink for this bridal look. You can see traces of the happy hue on the eyes, cheeks, and as a lip color too. The eye makeup is beautifully blended, while lips are glossy and cheeks are radiantly glowing.

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Rose Gold Gleam

Cindy Mello with rose gold eye and lips

@cindymello / Instagram

Rose gold eyeshadow complements many skin tones, and a touch of sparkle allows the rest of your makeup to be sheer and natural.

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Dramatic Slate Grey Smoke

woman with 1970s style waves and bold silver makeup

@kehaulanisanares / Instagram

This slate-grey look caught our eye instantly. When working with matte eyeshadow textures, it's important to apply an eyeshadow primer first to ensure the shadow stays in place and blends smoothly on the lids.

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Monochrome

Adut Akech with monochromatic makeup

@adutakech / Instagram

When going for a monochromatic makeup look like this one, using multi-use products that can be worn on the eyes, lips, and cheeks is a game-changer. They'll make application easier and more precise.

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Hint of Copper

Sophia Esperanza with a hint of copper eye makeup

Getty Images

Copper-toned eyes, bold brows, and a touch of gloss on the lips are majorly inspiring. Pro tip: Brush a pomade through your eyebrows to ensure the hairs stay in place and maintain their shape throughout the day.

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Cool Highlight

Ally Maki with lavender eyeshadow aand retro waves

Getty Images

We love the cool silver highlight on the browbone seen here. Pair it with a mauve lip to ground the look.

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Pop of Pewter

Joey King with smokey pewter eye makeup

Getty Images

Pewter shadow on the lids blended out with black in the crease is a dressy look that works especially well for a nighttime wedding. To enhance the color on the eyelids, apply an extra layer of shadow.

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Romantic Neutrals

woman with loose curls and amaranth makeup

@elizabethrsawatzky

Similar shades on the eyes and lips—with a subtle pop of color on the cheeks—create a romantic wedding day makeup look. Since there are several different shades of neutral, finding what works best with your unique skin tone will aid in making sure that you look and feel your best.

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Accessorized Eyes

Gemma Chan with bold red lips and crystals beneath her eyes

@gemmachan / Instagram

Red lips come in all shapes and colors, and this fiery orange-red tone paired with subtle black eyeliner and iridescent stones offers a modern twist on traditional wedding makeup. The most important thing when selecting a bold lip is finding a long-lasting formula that doesn't wear off or transfer when you want it to stay put.

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Golden Lids and Neutral Lips

Imaan Hammam with natural hair and golden makeup

Getty Images

If you plan to wed outdoors during the summer, everyone's favorite hour of natural lighting (golden hour, to be exact) will happen during your ceremony. This rich, golden light brings out the glow in every skin tone, so make sure you've applied enough highlighter so your complexion gleams into the evening.

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Subtly Smoked Eyes

Madeleine Madden in soft smokey eye makeup with wavy retro hair

@cherishbrookehill

Soft, smoky eyes are a reliable choice for a formal wedding. Start by blending the shadow in smaller amounts versus trying to apply too much too soon. This will result in a more sophisticated look that's not messy.

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Royal Blue Liner

Anok Yai with Royal Blue eye makeup

@anokyai / Instagram

A touch of royal blue eyeliner counts as "something blue" and is sure to make your eyes pop on your big day. This blue is the perfect example of why a pop of color should be incorporated into your wedding makeup look.

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Dramatic Eyes and Lips

Ella Balinska with dark and dramatic winged eye makeup

Getty Images

If there's going to be any drama on your wedding day, be sure to keep it on your eyes and lips only. This crimson smoky eye and lip look sealed with a touch of glitter in the center of the lids is a dream come true for anyone looking to take their makeup to the next level.

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Extra-Long Lashes

Yara Shahidi with over the top eyelashes

@yarashahidi / Instagram

A soft makeup look paired with voluminous lashes checks all the boxes for subtle wedding makeup.

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Shiny Gray Lids

Dua Lipa in smokey metallic eye makeup for the Met Gala 2023

@dualipa

Gray, silver, metallic, oh my! A charcoal smoky eye with a shimmering highlight offers a different option for those who want to focus the glam on their eyes. A champagne highlight on the cheeks paired with dark nude lipstick ties the look together.

38 of 50

Pink and Winged Lids

Selena Gomez with winged eyeliner

@selenagomez / Instagram

Don't have a plan other than winged eyeliner for your wedding day? We're here for it—it's all the statement you need. Glossy lips and soft blush allow the liner to take center stage.

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Enhanced Natural

Emily Ratajkowski with natural everyday makeup and center parted hair

Getty Images

Shimmering champagne shadow, neutral pink lips, and soft skin make this look ideal for a neutral wedding look. It's especially perfect for those aspiring to a "myself but better" aesthetic.

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Earthy Eyes

Taylor Hill with earth toned smokey eye makeup

@taylor_hill / Instagram

Earth tones on the eyes, a few coats of volumizing mascara, and softly colored lipstick—what's not to love? Looking for a good mascara? The Grande Cosmetics GrandeDrama Intense Thickening Mascara ($25) has a thick brush and a formula that helps bring serious volume to eyelashes.

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Glossy Lips and Lids

woman with wavy hair and natural makeup

@juliaperesg / Instagram

Brushed-up eyebrows, soft skin, and a touch of sheer coral on the lips epitomize effortless cool. The look feels relaxed and ideal for anyone who wants to look their best (and not stressed) for their wedding.

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Sheer Blush Tones

black woman with ethereal everyday makeup

@najiyahimani / Instagram

These soft blush tones and the barely-there-eyeliner make for a gorgeous, more traditional makeup look. Consider going au natural with the lips and opting for a balm instead of lipstick or gloss.

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Brown-Lined Lips

Kim Kardashian with a bleached blonde blowout and lined lips

@kimkardashian

We love how Kim Kardashian paired her ombre lips with a classic smokey eye and sky-high lashes.

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Blue and Gray Smoky Eyes

Kourtney Kardashian in blue and gray smokey eye makeup and a wedding veil

@kourtneykardash

We love the addition of a blue-gray hue to Kourtney Kardashian's smoky eye, as seen at her Italian wedding to Travis Barker. The color picks up on the blue detailing in her ensemble and is perfect for someone who wants something a little more unique.

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Smudgy Chocolate Lids

Lindsay Lohan in smudgy brown eye makeup and a ponytail

@lindsaylohan

Lindsay Lohan's famous red hair contrasts beautifully with this smudgy chocolate eye makeup. Here, a blending brush was used to create a subtle cat-eye effect, with the brown color surrounding the eyes. Use a dark black pencil to line the entire eye for a bold look.

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Subtle Glow

Duckie Thot in orange-hued glowy makeup and a white dress

@duckiethot

This look makes a strong case for letting highlighter be the star of your wedding makeup show. We love the shimmering lids and brightened under-eye.

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Natural Lip

CANNES, FRANCE - MAY 23: Jennie Ruby Jane attends "The Idol" photocall at the 76th annual Cannes film festival at Palais des Festivals on May 23, 2023 in Cannes, France.

Andreas Rentz / Staff / Getty Images

Looking to let your accessories take center stage? Then sticking with a natural makeup look is a must. Here, the lips are neutral but amplified with a slick of gloss, while the eyes are lined ever-so-slightly and finished with a sweep of mascara.

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Crimson Lip and Powdered Face

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 05: Kim Petras attends the 65th GRAMMY Awards on February 05, 2023 in Los Angeles, California

Kevin Mazur / Contributor / Getty Images

Leave it to Kim Petras to bring the drama with the very definition of a bold lip. We love the juxtaposition of a powdered, matte face with crimson lipstick.

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Silver Gleaming Lids

Quinta Brunson with natural center parted hair and silver eye makeup

@danessa_myricks

Quinta Brunson's silver lids pair perfectly with her sparkly dress, and we love the contrast with the brown-lined lips. For this look, use a silver shadow and line only the top of the eyes before adding lashes for extra oomph.

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Amplified Lashes

Mary J. Blige with extra long eyelashes and lined cat eye makeup

@danessa_myricks

Here, Mary J. Blige pairs sky-high lashes with a sweeping cat eye while keeping the rest of the face relatively low-key. The result is a sexy, sophisticated look perfect for an evening affair.

FAQ
  • How much do makeup artists charge at weddings?

    The cost of a professional makeup for weddings can vary depending on what services you would like (for example, eyelash extensions), as well your geographic location. In general you can expect to pay around $100 to $250 (and up) for bridal make-up services.

  • What is HD bridal makeup?

    HD makeup has light-diffusing pigments and helps even out skin tone. One of the great benefits of using it for your wedding makeup is that it looks fabulous in photos. Those who have dry skin may find that this type of makeup is drying, so make sure you use a good moisturizer. It is also important that you wash your face thoroughly at night to avoid breakouts. 

  • What are some wedding makeup tips for concealing pimples?

    First of all, don’t stress about a couple of pimples on your wedding day! The night before, consider using Peace Out Salicylic Acid Acne Healing Dots to help shrink the pimple. The day of your wedding, if your pimple is red and swollen you should rub an ice cube on it for a few minutes to calm it down. Next, apply your foundation. Skip the “dewy finish” concealers and look for a concealer that dries to a matte finish. Apply a small dot to the pimple and gently blend it until the redness is gone. Finish off with a dusting of powder.

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