Here’s How to Do Your Own Wedding Makeup If Mega Glam Just Isn’t for You

Should You Do Your Own Wedding Makeup?

This, of course, depends on your personal preferences. The best reason to go with a professional is that makeup artists will understand how to apply makeup that will look the best in photos. “A professional makeup artist will use their education and experience to assess your undertones, face shape, and skin type, to ensure they use the best shades, techniques, and products on you,” says Kuhl. 

Hiring a professional can also help take one more thing off of your plate on the big day. “Getting ready should be one of the most fun, relaxing, and memorable moments of your wedding day,” says Kuhl. “By hiring a pro, you get to fully immerse yourself in the excitement and joy of your wedding day.”

However, if you want to do your own makeup, that’s totally fine! Just make sure that you practice your look ahead of time to take out any extra stress or guesswork on the wedding day. “Keep in mind, [doing makeup yourself] still requires planning, practice, and the right products,” says Kuhl.

What to Consider Before

Does doing your own makeup calm you down or stress you out? The answer to this question can be a great jumping-off point to deciding whether or not to do your own makeup on your wedding day. From there, and with the considerations listed above, you can make an educated decision that works best for you. 

Tips to Succeed at DIYing Your Wedding Makeup

Prioritize Skincare 

“Your makeup will only look as good as the skin underneath,” says Kuhl. “Flawless makeup starts with healthy, hydrated skin.” It’s best to get on a consistent skincare regimen months before your wedding is going to take place. A great place to start, according to Kuhl, is to book a skincare consultation beforehand to see where your skin can improve. This can be done with a makeup artist, esthetician, or dermatologist. They can recommend products that are tailored for your skin needs. Try the products months before your wedding to see how your skin will react to them. “The last thing you want is an adverse reaction close to your wedding,” says Kuhl.

Find Your Inspo

This is the fun part! See what makeup looks you find beautiful in other brides or even celeb red carpet events. Don’t know where to start? Kuhl recommends choosing photos that highlight eye makeup styles (soft glam, smoky, or natural elegance); skin finishes (dewy, matte, or radiant); and lip color options (classic nude, soft pink, bold red, or something unique).

Pick the Right Products

You could reach out to a makeup artist to find the right products, or do some research online for what you’re looking for—whether that be long-lasting formulas or finishes that look best on camera.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Sometimes the vision in your head doesn’t match up to what actually happens when you start applying makeup. Make sure to practice a few different looks before choosing the one you’re going to go with on the big day. 

How to Do Your Own Wedding Makeup Like a Pro

List of steps—be hyper specific! Please give each one a subheading and description and link to IPSY products and blogs throughout.

1. Exfoliate

If your makeup has ever gone on cakey or flakey, dead skin buildup could be the culprit. “Be sure to gently exfoliate one to two times weekly your face, lips, and your full body to help remove dry patches and create the perfect canvas for smooth, even makeup application,” says Kuhl. “Designate specific days for this so you stay on track.”

2. Get on a Wellness Routine

Remember, your skin absorbs your lifestyle choices as well. “In addition to skin and makeup advice, I provide my clients with game-changer wellness suggestions leading up to the main event,” says Kuhl. “I encourage them to prioritize workouts to help build those healthy endorphins which will help release the stress and the toxins, drink spring water, and consume lots of hydrating fruits and veggies with clean protein. Also, avoid too many processed foods and alcohol, as they can cause puffiness and dehydration.”

3. Use a Primer Based on Your Skin Type 

If you have dry skin, Kuhl says to use a hydrating primer like the STUDIOMAKEUP Silk Hydration Face Primer; or, if you have oily skin, to use a mattifying primer like the PINKLIPPS COSMETICS Major Matte Face Primer. This will create a solid base for your foundation to last for hours.

4. Apply Foundation in Layers 

According to Kuhl, this helps build durability and can help the foundation last even longer. Reach for a buildable foundation, like the E.L.F. COSMETICS Soft Glam Satin Foundation. 

5. Use Waterproof Mascara and Eyeliner 

This is a no-brainer! You’re likely going to sweat, shed tears, or all of the above. Make sure your makeup doesn’t run down your face and melt off. For a run-proof mascara option, we’re huge fans of the BELLÁPIERRE COSMETICS Volumelash Waterproof Mascara.  

6. Use a Setting Spray 

This is every makeup artist’s secret weapon when it comes to keeping makeup looks locked in place. We love the MISCHO BEAUTY Setting Spray for a little extra glow to boot. 

7. Put Together a Bridal Touch-Up Kit 

This genius idea from Kuhl will allow the bride to make touch-ups throughout the night. Just be sure to designate a bridesmaid who will keep it handy all night long. “Pack blotting papers, a mini powder compact with a mirror, lipstick and gloss, toothpicks, breath fresheners, and a couple of compact brushes for touch-ups,” suggests Kuhl. 

Final Thoughts

Bridal makeup is a deeply personal choice, and if you have confidence in your skills and if applying makeup doesn’t stress you out, there’s no reason you shouldn’t take on this task for your big day. With a few helpful tips above—like getting on a glowing skincare routine before the big day and keeping a touch-up kit on-hand—no one will ever have to know that you didn’t go the professional route for bridal makeup.