Fact: Nobody plans a beauty look more thoughtfully than a bride-to-be. But before saying "I do" to any makeup style, most bachelorettes hoard bridal magazines, poll their friends for opinions, and scour the internet for Pinterest-worthy inspiration. Sound familiar? But the truth is, the more you search, the more you can become overwhelmed, right? Makeup artist and co-founder of LoveSeen, Troi Ollivierre, says, “you don’t want to look back at your photos and dislike the way you looked on your special day.” And it’s true! His best advice is to start by choosing one single feature or product you can’t pass up. “I think it’s best to pick one area you’d like to feature your eyes, lips or brows,” he says.
So to streamline the process of picking your bridal makeup, we're delivering 16 of the best A-list looks to serve up some serious bridal beauty inspo. Whether you're going for an unexpected eyeshadow color or classic features for a low-key affair, these are the looks you need to take to your glam squad, stat.
Meet the Expert
Troi Ollivierre has decades of experience as a makeup artist, and has had his work featured in Vogue, Elle, W, Vanity Fair, and more. In 2020, he co-created LoveSeen, a direct-to-consumer line of false lashes.
1. On The Glow
Glowy skin à la Hailey Bieber is by far the best accessory you can wear on your big day. Start your makeup prep with a hydrating sheet mask and use a moisturizing foundation to hide any traces of redness or breakouts for a dew that's sure to last all day. Finish with combed-out brows and a glossy lip.
2. White Hot
There are few other days in your life that you get to rock white from head to toe—we say run with it! A white cat eye will up your cool factor and pair perfectly with any wedding gown.
3. Lilac Lover
If you're looking to include your wedding color in places other than your centerpieces, consider incorporating it in your makeup look. This shimmery lilac eyeshadow makes your peepers pop (especially if you have green eyes) and is completely unexpected without going over the top. Complete the look with a crisp cat eye and glossy lip.
4. Silver Screen
Give your wedding-day makeup look an instant edge with the help of a metallic finish. This silver smoky eye looks sultry, stylish, and still appropriate for even the most formal ceremonies. We love how it looks paired with soft waves.
5. Vintage Glam
There's nothing more glamorous than an old-Hollywood-inspired makeup look. The classic pairing of a red lip, matte skin, subtle cat eye, and defined brows will look stunning as you walk down the aisle—and even better, it'll still look as timeless when you look at your photos twenty years from now.
6. Into The Gloss
If you haven't already tried an eye gloss, here's your sign to add it to your wedding-day makeup bag. A dab on top of your favorite eyeshadow will give your makeup that extra oomph you want on your big day.
7. Lash Out
If ever there was a day to go all out with your lashes, it's your wedding day. Whether it's with the help of semi-permanent extensions or DIY lash strips, a full set will give you that bright doe-eyed look. Just be sure to use waterproof glue if you know you're going to tear up during your vows.
8. Up In Smoke
Is it just us, or is the classic black smoky eye is the LBD of makeup looks? It goes with everything and always looks right for the occasion. Apply a black shadow at the lash line and blend it out with a wing at the outer corners. Pair it with a nude lip to keep the focus on your eyes.
9. Pearl Jam
As classic and feminine as pearls themselves, iridescent whites and pearlescent pinks are a perfect color combo for your wedding day makeup. To recreate this look, dab a pearly white shadow on the inner corners of your eyes and swap your blush for a pink highlighter. Finish with a glossy pink lip and groomed brows.
10. Starry Eyed
Not that you'll need any help putting a twinkle in your eye on the most romantic day of your life, but this glittery eye shadow certainly doesn't hurt. Whether you're going for a twist on a classic bridal makeup look or opting for full-on rocker chic, a silver glitter along the lids will make you shine as you walk down the aisle. Just be sure to keep the rest of your makeup subdued for the perfect balance.
11. Catwoman
The cat eye has long been a bridal staple, and we don't foresee that stopping any time soon. We love how Billie Eilish gives her black liquid liner a Marilyn spin by only winging out the outer corners. It creates a more sultry look, especially when paired with an eye shadow smudged along the lower lash line.
12. Gatsby Glam
We love a good 1920s glam moment, and this mauve makeup look is giving us flapper glam in the best way. Coordinate a pinky mauve shade on your lips and eyes, and swap a pink blush along your cheekbones for a truly vintage-inspired look—extra points for a beaded dress or headband.
13. Something Blue
If you have your something old, something new, and something used, we encourage turning to your eyeshadow collection for something blue. Reach for a powder blue to create a colorful smoky eye like Gigi Hadid. Finish off your look with a black liner and rows of falsies.
14. Go For The Bronze
If you've been searching for a classic bronzy eyeshadow situation, consider this Millie Bobby Brown look your ticket to found. A chocolate brown shadow smudged in your crease and a shimmery bronze applied on the lid are all you need to recreate it on your big day.
14. Pretty In Pink
Perfect for a garden wedding, this rosy combination of a monochromatic blush-toned lid and soft pink lip is the epitome of wedding-day bliss. Up the romance with fluttering lashes and face-framing tendrils.
16. Wine Tasting
We'd like to raise a glass to this elegant pairing of dewy skin, winged liner, and wine-stained lips. A wise choice for vineyard backdrops or fall weddings, this deep red-toned lipstick shade will turn heads, just the way you want it on your big day.
Want more bridal beauty inspo? Take our Beauty Quiz now to get in on the IPSY Glam Bag fun. Already an Ipster? Refer your friends to earn points, which you can use toward products. Share your favorite makeup looks with us on Instagram and Twitter @IPSY.
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