Your ultimate guide to bridal make-up
Because every bride deserves to look her best on her wedding day, we look at how to choose a make-up artist, uncover the latest wedding make-up trends and seek the advice of expert bridal make-up professionals who share their make-up tips for weddings.
Kate Ellen Makeup Artistry | @callib.photography
It’s a day when you’ll be seen from every angle, and that you’ll look back on in wedding photographs for the rest of your life. So, whether you go ‘full glam’, ‘soft glam’ or consider yourself the ‘no make-up type’, if you’re a soon-to-be bride chances are you’ll be looking to wear at least a little foundation, eyeshadow, lippie, blush and mascara on your wedding day.
What’s more, because bridal make-up requires special consideration, whether you’re a self-confessed novice, the queen of contour or a whiz with a blending brush, you’ll likely be looking for a professional make-up artist to apply your bridal cosmetics. So, ABIA’s Tanya Bywater delves skin deep, gets face-to-face with a couple of Australia’s best bridal make-up experts and unmasks all the bridal make-up musts that any future bride might want to be aware of.
Makeup by Elly Liana | @belloweddings
How is bridal make-up unique?
“Bridal make-up is in its own category because it needs to meet certain criteria,” says South Australian bridal make-up expert Gaetana Marjas, of Gaetana Marjas Hair and Makeup Artistry.
She lists longevity as a primary consideration, explaining that wedding make-up often needs to last as long as 12 to 18 hours.
According to Gaetana, wedding day make-up is also remarkable in that it needs to look beautiful in real life, as well as in photographs and on video, yet still feel fresh and not mask-like.
“It also needs to make sense as a daytime look as well as an evening look,” she emphasises.
Nhi Makeup Artistry | @oneweddings.worldwide
How to find the right bridal make-up artist for you
Given the complexities of wedding day make-up application, it makes sense that most brides look for the services of a make-up professional.
There can be a fine line between looking your best, and looking like someone you don’t recognise though, so finding a wedding make-up artist who is the right fit for your desired look, skin type and wedding day vibe is essential. With that in mind, here are some points to consider when looking for the wedding day make-up artist perfect for you.
Makeup by Elly Liana | @countrymilephotographyaus
Start early
Once you do find the bridal make-up artist for you, you’ll want to ensure they’re available on your wedding date, so the earlier you start your search the better.
Decide on make-up looks you like
Whether you’ve a preference for natural make-up or full glamour, or don’t know the difference between the two, flick through the pages of magazines and social pages and you’ll soon find some looks that appeal to you.
“Try for images that have the same colouring as you,” advises Victorian make-up expert Jessica Crew, of Crew Faced Makeup Artistry, who explains that these will best define your style, and can be kept as ‘inspo pics’ to show later.
Airlie & Co | @maple_and_june
Gaetana Marjas Hair and Makeup Artistry | @jessicamaryphotograph
Nhi Makeup Artistry | @mattandjacques
Amanda Higl Hair & Makeup | @mandymartin_photography
Erin Fedele Beauty and Makeup Artistry | @jimmykwoo
Research recommendations and reviews
Jessica also suggests, “brides should consider a make-up artist's reputation and experience when choosing the right fit for the day”.
So, once you know what make-up looks you like, ask around to find make-up artists that come recommended, or search up those near you in the ABIA Wedding Directory, then browse their website, portfolio and social pages to see if their past work aligns with your desired style. If it does, move on to reading their reviews — again you’ll find plenty of these, written by previous bridal clients, on ABIA’s website.
Factor in your skin
As with every profession, make-up artists offer expertise in different areas, so if you have unique facial features, your skin tone or skin type requires particular attention, are pondering airbrush make-up or need to take into account cultural considerations and preferences, seek out a make-up artist with appropriate experience.
Ask questions
While queries will differ by circumstance, these are some common questions brides ask their make-up artists:
- Will you have to travel to their studio, or does the artist offer a mobile make-up service?
- Do they offer bridal hairstyling as well?
- Do they have travel limits or charge travel costs?
- Can they also do the make-up for your bridesmaids or family members?
- How long will each application take?
- Do they have a team that they work with, and trust?
- How much do they charge and what’s included in their fee? Do the likes of false lashes or touch-up kits cost extra?
Lara Quinn Makeup | @abouttimeco
Take the time for a make-up trial
Once you’ve narrowed down your options and think you’ve found ‘the one’, a make-up trial offers a chance to ‘play around’ with looks, see how you both get on, and help confirm your decision before booking.
“A trial will determine if you are both on the same page,” Jessica explains.
While Gaetana stresses trials are not essential, especially for clients who are regulars, she concurs. “A trial is a good opportunity not only to test the make-up look and discuss any concerns that the bride has, but is also a chance for the bride to connect with their artist personally.”
Bridal make-up looks to consider
“The words ‘glowy’, ‘natural’, ‘nude’ and ‘bronzy’ have come up in emails and conversations more times than I can say,” admits Gaetana.
Descriptions and definitions of bridal make-up styles certainly vary, but they can be loosely broken down into three main categories, predominantly dependent on coverage and intensity.
High glamour or ‘full glam’ make-up
The most dramatic make-up look, this style typically involves full-coverage foundation, contour, highlight, and bolder colours — think red lips or smoky eyes — usually with big lashes.
Kate Ellen Makeup Artistry | @callib.photography
‘Soft glam’ or natural
Similar to ‘full glam’ in terms of coverage and application, this make-up look differentiates with a more natural, neutral, pared-back colour palette.
Lara Quinn Makeup | @trentandjessie
Natural or ‘no make-up’ make-up
This look takes a minimalist approach to make-up, using the likes of medium-coverage foundation, BB cream or tinted moisturiser to even the skin’s tone, while incorporating subtle hints of colour on lips, eyes and cheek bones.
Crew Faced Makeup Artistry | @megreadphotography
Bridal make-up steps
Regardless of the make-up look, most bridal make-up application follows a similar process which generally involves the following elements, adjusted according to personal preference. So, it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with these typical wedding make-up steps and talk through any concerns or questions with your make-up artist beforehand.
Gaetana Marjas Hair and Makeup Artistry | @jessicamaryphotography
Skin
Skincare preparation generally begins many months before the wedding. Most make-up professionals suggest you consult with a dermatologist, beautician or skin specialist well in advance of your wedding date if you wish to address any particular concerns, in order to establish a routine that works for you and to avoid any complications caused by potential skin reactions.
Gaetana also recommends, “avoiding oil-based skincare the day before and day of the wedding, staying hydrated, not trying any new skin treatments at least two weeks before the wedding, not waxing any areas of the face five to seven days prior, lightly exfoliating and moisturising skin in the days before the wedding and avoiding spray or fake tanning the face”.
On the wedding day your skin will, most likely, require hydration and priming, so ask your make-up artist whether they, or you, should address this, and ensure that any skincare products have been pre-tested, particularly if you’re prone to reactions or have sensitive skin.
Base
The finish you wish to achieve, the amount of coverage you desire and your particular skin type will all determine the products that your make-up artist chooses for your make-up base. Foundations in liquid, cream or powder forms, BB creams and tinted moisturisers might all come into play. Colour correction and concealer may also be applied, as needed, to achieve the ideal base.
Face
Depending on preference and need, your make-up artist may apply contour, blush and highlight — in liquid, cream or powder formulations, dependent on your skin type — to enhance your features and complexion.
Eyes
Your eyes will be defined with the likes of eyeshadow, eyeliner, mascara and false lashes, with brows enhanced to best frame them.
Crew Faced Makeup Artistry | @allie.claire.creative
Eyeshadow
While powdered eyeshadow is most commonly applied, Gaetana points out, “there are many cream and stick forms of eyeshadow now available for those who may either have sensitivities to powder products in the eye area, or prefer to avoid powder if they find it too drying”.
In addition to colour you may also want to consider shimmer or matte finishes, wing effects and placement in terms of eyeshadow application.
Eyeliner
Similarly, if you’re using eyeliner, there can be many variations and you’ll want to establish the colour, thickness, placement, effect — think winged, fox eye, smudged or sharp — and whether you prefer shadow, pencil or gel liner with your make-up artist prior.
Mascara and eyelashes
Given the emotions likely to surface, waterproof mascara is almost universally considered a wedding day essential, but preferences can vary vastly when it comes to lashes. Go natural, or opt for false lashes applied individually, in strips, or in combination, and consider both their length and placement.
Eyebrows
Most make-up specialists will suggest eyebrow waxing takes place several days prior to the wedding, to ensure enough time for any irritation to settle, but on your big day brows will generally be shaped and filled for optimal framing.
Kate Ellen Makeup Artistry | @billymcphersonimages
Lips
Jessica says she tends to favour a lip finish that her bride is familiar with, but traditional lipstick, lip gloss, lip stain and lipliner may all be applied, individually or in combination, at this stage.
In addition to colour tone, Gaetana suggests the options of glossy or matte textures may need to be considered here, along with the placement of lipliner, which may be used to outline the lips or be slightly overdrawn to achieve a fuller-looking pout.
Airlie & Co | @saltatelier_wedding
Finishing touches
Depending on your skin type, setting powder may or may not be applied, but most make-up professionals will recommend a setting spray, to set your look and help it last the day.
Gaetana Marjas Hair and Makeup Artistry | @jessicamaryphotography
What make-up to include in your bridal touch-up kit
Along with the likes of tissues, hair pins, breath mints, stain remover and a fresh spritz of perfume, it's a good idea to add a few touch-up make-up products to your bridal emergency kit.
“Lipstick and gloss will need to be reapplied periodically,” Gaetana advises, and suggests those prone to shininess may want to sparingly apply a little powder, if needed.
Jessica also lists her top three touch-up make-up products as, “blotting papers, touch-up powder and a lippie or gloss”.
Tweezers and lash glue may come in handy too, essentially though, with well set wedding make-up, there should be little maintenance needed.
Gaetana Marjas Hair and Makeup Artistry | @michellekenney_photography
What bridal make-up looks are trending at the moment?
“2025 will see a continuation of the clean make-up aesthetic, with glass-like skin, glowing, radiant finishes and a fresh under-eye area. We are seeing more of a playing up of blush on the cheeks, less definition of the lips, gloss is back — as if it ever really left — and a slightly less-fluffy brow than we’ve seen in the last few years,” Gaetana says.
She’s quick to point out through, “my go-to make-up looks for brides are created with the personality, personal preferences and style of the bride firmly in my mind. They are less about closely following trends, and more about taking parts of trends and techniques that best suit and complement the features of my bride”.
Jessica shares a similar perspective and encourages her brides to go with a look that they’ll love looking back on in their wedding photographs.
“Healthy skin is always in, as is bringing out the best in your features,” she emphasises. “My go-to make-up look for brides is healthy, glowing skin that looks lit from within.”
Kate Ellen Makeup Artistry | @trentandjessie
Tips and tricks for perfect bridal make-up
While there are many factors that go into perfecting wedding make-up, extending from style and make-up preference to skin type, facial features, artist’s technique, wedding theme and weather conditions, here are some general tips and tricks to keep in mind for your bridal make-up planning, bookings, application and on-the-day maintenance.
- Keep hydrated, on the day and in the lead-up, to enhance your skin in the simplest possible way.
- Take the time to find a bridal make-up artist that’s a good fit for you, by doing your research, seeking recommendations and reading reviews.
- Test any new make-up, techniques — including airbrush make-up — and skincare regimes well in advance of your wedding day, to ensure you’re comfortable with the look and in case of any adverse reactions.
- Consider the different make-up products available for each step of your wedding make-up application, taking into account your skin type and personal preference, and discuss these with your artist if you have any questions, suggestions or concerns.
- Check how your chosen wedding make-up looks in both natural and artificial light, and how it photographs.
- Consider who will do the make-up for your bridesmaids, attendants or significant family members. How many artists this will require and how long this will take.
- Weigh-up bridal make-up trends. “Classic bridal make-up is a look that you will love in your pics ten years from now,” Jessica suggests.
- Most bridal make-up artists will ask you to arrive with a clean, make-up free face, but check whether you, or they, should apply skincare products on the day.
- “Brides should brush their teeth and place any contact lenses in prior to make-up application, and be sure to wear something that can easily be removed without disturbing their hair or make-up,” advises Gaetana.
- “If there are tears, try to catch them as they fall,” Gaetana adds. “And dab — don’t wipe — with a tissue.”
- Include matching make-up touch-ups in your bridal emergency kit — especially lipstick or gloss, which may need to be reapplied regularly.
If you're engaged and planning a wedding in Australia the ABIA website will prove invaluable. It allows you to quickly search and find wedding vendors located all over the country, from wedding venues to celebrants, photographers, caterers, decorators, planners and coordinators, transport providers, hair stylists, make-up artists, florists, videographers, cake designers, live music and even dance lessons and photo booth hire. Each listing is reviewed and rated by couples who used the service for their own wedding, so you can benefit from past experiences. ABIA's website also compiles the latest wedding inspiration and ideas in the one place, touching on topics from sustainable wedding suggestions to destination wedding venues, multi-day wedding planning, the most amazing romantic getaways and honeymoon destinations in Australia and educational articles to help with every wedding planning step, from writing your vows to choosing your wedding flowers. You can even access an online wedding registry, that allows you to politely ask guests to contribute financially to a holiday or memorable experience.
