This post was updated on March 14, 2025.
Feeling beautiful is something we all want every day, but especially on our wedding day! While shots of rings, flowers, and décor surely capture precious details worth remembering, there’s no question that all eyes are on the bride(s), and they will continue to be as memories of the day are preserved in wedding photos for years, decades, and generations to come.
Your bridal makeup plays a significant role in helping you feel radiant and confident on your big day. As a professional makeup artist, I know how important it is to choose a look that enhances your natural beauty while aligning with your vision for your wedding day. There are countless styles to choose from, but in an effort to help brides determine which hair and makeup style suits them best, I thought it would be fun to explore three different wedding hair and makeup “looks” most often requested by brides.
I worked with a talented team of professionals to create three different looks on our model, Griffin Nelson. The catch? She would have to wear the same dress with all three looks. We also kept the lighting the same and photographed her in the same way to keep all other variables consistent. This allows you to focus solely on the hair and bridal makeup changes and truly appreciate the differences in each style.
For this shoot, we chose three specific looks: a natural/minimalist look, a classic/traditional look, and a dramatic/glamorous look. Since we’re using the same model for all three looks, there isn’t going to be a lot of variation as far as facial features and obviously, skin tone, but you can still get a sense of each of the looks and hopefully, see which of these three bridal makeup looks you are drawn to the most!
Look One: Minimal and Glowing Bridal Makeup
Lately, I’ve noticed most brides and clients come to me asking for a more natural-looking bridal makeup application. Because the mental image of “natural makeup” differs for everyone, and because makeup preferences are extremely subjective, I want to make sure I understand what my clients are picturing when they say they want a “natural look” for their special day. Some people might mean almost no makeup at all. Others might be picturing more of a soft glam look. That’s why sharing some inspiration photos is a great way to ensure you’re on the same page as your makeup artist!
The “no makeup makeup” look — to me — captures what their spouse sees when they wake up next to their bride in the morning. Minimal. Natural. Delicate. Glowing. This is probably one of my favorite looks to create because my clients feel like “themselves.” Don’t be deceived, though. Griffin is wearing nearly as much makeup (perhaps a bit more) compared to the other two looks. A skilled bridal makeup artist knows how to enhance features subtly, using soft foundation, a hint of blush, and a neutral lip to bring out a bride’s natural radiance.
A minimalist look is perfect for brides who want their wedding day beauty to feel effortless. It works especially well for outdoor weddings, beach ceremonies, and intimate gatherings where a fresh, dewy finish complements the natural setting.
Look Two: Classic and Traditional Bridal Makeup
When I envision a classic bridal look, I think of eyes subtly lined with a little flick of a wing, soft, blushed cheeks, and a semi-rouged lip. This is my rendition of the classic, traditional bride. The inspiration for this look comes from my late grandmother’s wedding day photo. This photo, taken nearly 60 years ago, is prominently displayed in our home and reminds me of the woman who taught me grace, class, and perseverance. Her makeup matched everything I remember loving most about her.
This look embodies timeless elegance. It’s the style you see in bridal magazines year after year because it never goes out of fashion. A bridal makeup artist crafting this look focuses on defining the eyes while keeping the overall effect soft and sophisticated. A bride choosing this makeup for her wedding day is opting for a refined, picture-perfect style that will look just as beautiful in 50 years as it does today.
Because we wanted to maintain the consistency of the shoot for each look, we left the flower crown on, though it does not perfectly fit this look. However, the earrings — coincidentally her grandmother’s — are the perfect “something old” accessory. The earrings would not necessarily fit with the first look, though. Special occasion accessories play a big role in complementing bridal makeup and overall wedding aesthetics.
Look Three: Glamorous and Bold Bridal Makeup
In my humble opinion, nobody does full glam and bold bridal makeup better than Persians. That’s right… my own heritage is what comes to mind when a bride asks for this type of look. When I think of glamorous and bold, I picture a smoky eye with a pop of color; generally a royal color, and in the case of this shoot, teal.
Knowing that Griffin doesn’t wear a lot of makeup on a day-to-day basis, I was curious and perhaps a bit nervous to see how she’d receive this look. Her reaction to this look was amazing! She suddenly took on a diva persona (in a good way) and really commanded the rest of the shoot. Jeannine photographed her in another dress as well with this look, and the glamorous, bold Griffin really shined through.
For brides who love drama and want to make a statement, a glamorous bridal makeup look is perfect. Think bold lashes, contoured cheeks, and striking red lips that add a touch of luxury to your wedding day ensemble. A bridal makeup artist skilled in this style will ensure that the makeup remains flawless throughout the celebrations, capturing the essence of confidence and sophistication.
Choosing the Right Professional Makeup Artist
This project was so fun, and I hope it helps create a visual comparison that future brides can look at as they determine which makeup and hair look to go with on their wedding day!
However, even with these helpful photos of Griffin, many brides won’t be able to envision which style will most complement their face shape and features. That’s why choosing a bridal makeup artist with lots of experience (ahm, like me) and cultivating a relationship before the wedding day is the best way to go! Scheduling a trial makeup application or booking your bridal makeup artist for your bridal shower or bachelorette party gives you the opportunity to see your look in advance and make any necessary adjustments.
Whether you’re going for a natural, glamorous, or bold bridal look, your bridal makeup should complement your dress and overall aesthetic. Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and your bridal makeup should reflect your personality, making you feel your absolute best. And one last thing, if you need a little inspiration on finding the perfect gown and overall look to match your dream bridal style, explore these stunning wedding dresses.
Credits:
Model & Shoot Stylist: Griffin Nelson
Photography: Jeannine Rae Photography
Hair: Amanda Brookins
Dress: Lenora by Wtoo from House of the Bride
Flower Crowns: Waiting on Wildflowers
Beauty is about perception, not about make-up. I think the beginning of all beauty is knowing and liking oneself. You can't put on make-up, or dress yourself, or do you hair with any sort of fun or joy if you're doing it from a position of correction.
kevyn aucoin
