Five celebrity makeup artists share their favorite products and tips for achieving a natural glow.
As couples embrace more authentic wedding styles, brides are following suit with fresh-faced makeup that enhances their natural features. Taking cues from celebrity brides like Sofia Richie and Vanessa Hudgens, brides are opting for barely there makeup over the heavily contoured looks that once defined wedding day beauty.
“You don’t want your makeup to look dated in your wedding photos,” said Lisa Eldridge, London-based celebrity makeup artist and founder of Lisa Eldridge Beauty. “When I see photos of someone like Grace Kelly on her wedding day, I think it could have been yesterday.”
Five celebrity makeup artists share some of their go-to makeup products and tips to help you achieve the perfect glow on your wedding day.
Lisa Eldridge
“Your wedding day look should be whatever makes you feel the most beautiful,” Ms. Eldridge said. “Also keep in mind that less is more when it comes to makeup application, especially when dealing with perceived problem areas, such as blemishes or patches of redness. Use light, targeted application on the areas with minimal product to keep your makeup looking as natural as possible.”
“This medium-coverage foundation is clinically proven to last for a minimum of 12 hours and photographs beautifully. These types of formulations can sometimes be a little more drying to last all day, so you may need to compensate by adding more moisturizer beforehand and using less setting powder than normal.”
“I always keep this French pharmacy moisturizer in my kit. It’s a makeup artist’s favorite for a reason — it’s inexpensive and works really well as a primer for makeup. I like using it on skin that is drier or if the bride is getting married in a cold climate.”
“Smudge-proof, waterproof mascara is a must for all of those happy tears. This mascara’s flexible formula prevents flaking or running. It’s also buildable for fluffy, fanned-out lashes.”
Pat McGrath
New York-based celebrity makeup artist, founder of Pat McGrath Labs and the creative director for Louis Vuitton’s new beauty brand
“Brides are embracing lit-from-within complexions with glowing skin, neutral and rosy tones on the eyes and lips and an overall look that feels refined, yet romantic,” Ms. McGrath said. “To achieve this, avoid techniques or products that can overpower your face, such as heavy contouring, overly drawing eyebrows or using ultra-matte finishes, which can look flat in natural light and photos. Opt for more light-handed makeup applications and breathable, long-wearing formulations.”
“I always begin makeup application with this essence to hydrate and prep skin for a smooth base and radiant finish. It’s a lightweight emulsion formulated with floral antioxidants that protect and calm skin.”
“Layering your base is key for luminous skin that looks as stunning in person as in photos. This set includes a makeup primer, lightweight foundation and setting powder to create a flawless complexion. If you’re using concealer to cover imperfections, such as dark circles under the eyes and blemishes, apply small amounts before foundation.”
“I swear by this budge-proof, creamy lipstick. It offers intense color and stays put through every kiss and dinner course without feeling dry. Line lips to define and shape before applying lip color. Then, add a layer of lip gloss over the lipstick to create dimension. Avoid anything too glossy or slippery, as it won’t provide the longevity needed for a big day.”
Cyndle Komarovski
Celebrity makeup artist and Chanel beauty ambassador based in New York City
“Overly glammed makeup looks have become less popular as more brides seek to feel comfortable and genuine on their wedding day. While dramatic looks have their place, the shift toward more intimate and intentional celebrations has encouraged a preference for makeup that feels fresh, light, and natural,” Ms. Komarovski said.
“This is one of my go-to formulations for lips at the moment. It lives up to what it promises —hydrating, buildable color. It feels incredibly comfortable throughout the day and adds just the right amount of color without looking overly ‘lipsticky’.”
“I’m loving soft and delicate eye makeup in neutral shades with a subtle shimmer to enhance the eye shape. This cream eye shadow is easy to use and the shade in ‘Undertone’ is a great base that works well on all skin tones and looks beautiful either alone or layered.”
“I go for this light-to-medium coverage foundation because it’s very buildable, but allows your skin to shine through. After applying, add a touch of cream highlighter on the cheekbones, brow bones and the bridge of the nose to accentuate your features.”
Mary Wiles
Celebrity makeup artist based in New York City
“Even if you don’t normally wear much makeup, having a good foundation base and softly defined brows, eyes and lips will make you look polished on your wedding day and enhance your natural features in photos,” Ms. Wiles said.
“Makeup formulations have come a long way since I started in the early ’90s, which is great for weddings and long-wear products. Lips stains are perfect for longevity. Apply a lip liner first then add a little gloss on top of the stain to the center of your lips if you want some shine.”
“Some long-lasting cheek colors can get dry or waxy, but I like the lightweight formulation of this liquid blush that melts into your skin.”
“I prefer very fine-point gel eyeliners for smooth and precise application. This waterproof liner stays in place with without smudging or fading and it’s buildable for more definition.”
Misha Shahzada
Celebrity makeup artist based in New York City
“A flawless complexion is the basis of every bridal makeup look and always remains a top trend. While the rest of the look can be tailored to highlight your unique features, such as your eyes or cheekbones, the key is to keep the overall style timeless, as your photos will be cherished forever,” Ms. Shahzada said.
“For a flawless yet breathable finish, apply a lightweight moisturizer under this foundation stick. I like how it provides impressive coverage and a naturally dewy glow while maintaining hydration.”
“This primer ingeniously creates a smooth, shine-free base, while strategically adding glow to the high points of your face, such as your nose and cheekbones, and prevents an overly matte or greasy finish.”
“This eye primer not only locks in eye shadow, but also has a correcting tint to enhance color payoff and controls oil throughout the day.”
