When should wedding makeup appointments be booked?

As soon as possible, since hair and makeup artists book up early. We recommend locking someone down as soon as the wedding date and venue are set. Schedule trials one to three months before the wedding.

How much does it cost to hire a makeup artist for a bridesmaid?

This really depends on location, how involved the look is, and an artist's level of experience, but average rates in the U.S. tend to be between $50 and $350 per service.

Who pays for bridesmaids' makeup?

If the bride requires every member of her bridal party to have their makeup done, she should cover the full cost for each bridesmaid. However, if it's optional, it's perfectly fine to ask the bridesmaid to cover the cost—although splitting it 50/50 is a nice gesture.

30 Bridesmaid Makeup Looks Your Friends Will Love

After a successful makeup trial, you'll have your wedding beauty look nailed down to the exact shade of lipstick. But has your bridal party started thinking of bridesmaid makeup looks that they may want to rock down the aisle? Dress fittings and bachelorette party planning aren’t the only things on a bridesmaid’s to-do list, you know.

From that low-key, no-makeup makeup vibe to glamorous eyeshadow blends that use every shade in the palette, these bridesmaid makeup looks are sure to complement a wide range of personal styles and wedding themes. Best of all, they’ll let your best friends’ natural beauty shine through.

If the bridal party plans to have their makeup done by pros, have each 'maid bring a photo reference to speed the process along. Similarly, if everyone is taking charge of their own big-day beauty, it’s helpful to have a makeup idea to mimic.

We’ve pulled together an array of super-stunning bridesmaid makeup looks for you and your besties to peruse.

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Fresh-Faced Beauty

Fresh-faced brunette bridesmaid with natural coverage, glowing skin, and pink lips in pink plunging dress — Photo by Mel Barlow; Event Planning by Carole Grogan of Bright Blue Events; Makeup by Megan Lombardi & Megan Mortenson; Bridesmaid Dress by Reformation

This beauty is simply effervescent. While most brides and bridesmaids choose a full-coverage foundation for the big day, a CC cream will show off freckles and a natural glow while offering more color-correcting properties and coverage than a tinted moisturizer. After laying down the base, apply a rosy cheek tint to bring out a beautiful flush.

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Luminous Highlight

Smiling brunette bride in white satin road sitting on bed surrounded by smiling brunette bridesmaids with matching side-parted chignons and gleaming cheek highlights in champagne-hued satin robes — Photo by Olvera Photography

A swipe of a light-reflecting highlighter on the cheekbones will brighten up the whole face. Need proof? Look no further than these gorgeous, radiant bridesmaids. If you’re doing your own makeup, apply a cream highlighter with a blending sponge for a natural all-day glow.

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Smoked-Out Liner

Brunette bride and bridesmaid in matching robes and smoked out eyeliner pouring champagne into glass — Photo by @_phillipjohn_ of The Portos; Beauty by Miss Harlequin Makeup & Hair

Check out that sultry, smoked-out liner on this bridesmaid. A soft kohl liner and, of course, a bit of blending will help you mimic this lusty look.

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Charcoal Shadow and a Nude Lip

Smiling brunette bridesmaid in yellow lengha with charcoal eyeshadow and a nude lip — Photo by James x Schulze; Event Planning by Aimee Monihan of Mountain Occasions; Hair & Makeup by Full Circle Aspen; Bridesmaid Dresses by Raw Mango; Floral Design by Rishi Patel of HMR Designs

A nude or neutral lipstick is a match made in heaven to charcoal-hued shadows. The effect is glamorous, without looking too done-up.

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Gold-to-Black Transition

Brunette bridesmaid with gold to black gradient smoky eyeshadow having lipstick applied by makeup artist — Photo by JAYlim Studio; Beauty by Eva Gerapetritis

The seamless transition of these eyeshadow hues is simply stunning. While the darker outer corners are moody and alluring, the flecks of gold catch the light beautifully.

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Pretty in Pale Pink

Smiling bridesmaids in blush dresses and pale pink lipsticks looking behind the door — Photo by Holtz Wedding Photography

Keep the bridesmaid dresses in mind when dreaming up bridesmaid makeup looks. The pale pink eyeshadow these ‘maids are wearing perfectly complements their frocks.

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Soft Brown Smoky Eye

Smoky blends don’t have to be limited to basic black shadows. We love the dimension these soft brown and taupe hues bring to the smoky eye look.

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Gorgeous Rose Gold

Brunette bridesmaid in pink pajamas having monochromatic rose gold eyeshadow, lips, and blush applied by makeup artist with fluffy brush — Photo by Gavin Cato; Beauty by Michelle Cato

Rose gold is a universally flattering shade that’ll complement a wide range of skin tones and bridesmaid dress colors. Plus, it looks equally gorgeous on the eyes, as a highlighter or blush, and on the lips.

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Luxe Lashes

Blonde smiling bride with curly hair having veil straightened by blonde smiling bridesmaid with curly hair and thick, fluttery lashes in pink dress — Photo by Holtz Wedding Photography; Beauty by Eva Gerapetritis & Boho Hair Salon

Even if you don’t normally wear falsies, they’re recommended to brides and bridesmaids to make the eyes pop in wedding photos. This bridesmaid’s look is all about the lashes, as she chose an extra thick set of flirty falsies.

10 of 30

Super Sharp Eyeliner

Smiling bridesmaids in black dresses, cat-eye eyeliner, and bold red lips carrying books — Photo by Treebird Photography; Hair by Candice Cuardos; Makeup by Lauren Leitzke; Bridesmaid Dresses by Fame and Partners, Nasty Gal & Asos

The sharpness of these bombshells' eyeliner, coupled with their vampy lip colors, lends an overall vintage vibe. If you’re a novice with eyeliner, an ultra-fine felt-tip eyeliner pen will have you mastering the look in no time.

11 of 30

A Red Lip

Laughing bridesmaid in pink dress with red lipstick holding bouquet — Photo by Jennifer Larsen

This classic shade can turn any bridesmaid into an Old-Hollywood starlet. Plus, a red lip looks lovely with nearly any color dress. Paired with a black gown, scarlet-hued lipstick is pure glamour, while a poppy red shade looks oh-so romantic next to a pretty-in-pink frock.

12 of 30

Creamy Shadows

Blonde bridesmaid with whimsical flower crown wearing glossy cream eyeshadow and mauve lipstick in mauve dress — Photo by Holtz Wedding Photography; Beauty by Marlena Makeup Artistry & Boho Hair Salon

Cream eyeshadow, as opposed to pressed powder formulas, can give lids a glossy appearance that’s especially gorgeous for summer weddings. Just be sure to use an eyeshadow primer to keep the cream from settling into any creases as the day wears on.

13 of 30

Winged Liner

Brunette bridesmaid in floral robe and chignon wearing brown eyeshadow and black, flicked eyeliner while makeup artist applies blush with fluffy brush — Photo by Jason Bihler Photography; Beauty by Canaan James

We’ll forever be fans of fabulous, flicked eyeliner like this beauty is sporting. The blended brown shadows add just the right amount of drama.

14 of 30

Matching Lips

Smiling brunette bride and bridesmaids with matching pale pink lips and faux fur shrugs holding bouquets in front of skyline — Photo by Laura Gordon

With subtle, pinky hues, this entire bridal party is killing the natural makeup look. The matching, blush-hued lippyies keep them from looking washed out and are perfectly suited for the chilly winter festivities.

15 of 30

Dark and Sultry

Brunette bridesmaid in pink floral robe with dark smoky eye and bronze contour having lipstick applied by makeup artist with lip brush — Photo by Erin Wilson Photography

Equal parts glamorous and sultry, a dark smoky eye is likely to never go out of style. Just remember that blending is your best friend when it comes to keeping the look from appearing overpowering or heavy.

16 of 30

Sunshine Sheen

Radiant brunette bridesmaid in floral robe with gold shiny eyeshadow, highlighted brow bone, sculpted cheeks, glowing complexion, and clear glossy lip — Beauty by Hannah Elisabeth Beauty

This is a gilded goddess if we've ever seen one. The light-reflecting golden eyeshadow and glossy lip brighten up her entire complexion so she's bound to glow in wedding photos.

17 of 30

A Pop of Punchy Pink

Smiling bridesmaids in white robes with glowing skin and bright pink lipstick sitting on white couch in front of blue wall — Photo by Cavin Elizabeth Photography

What’s not to love about this bridesmaid's punchy pink lipstick? A bright, saturated shade like this is a great choice for summer weddings and tropical beach nuptials.

18 of 30

Moody Fall Makeup

Blonde bridesmaid with side-swept fishtail braid and raspberry velvet dress wearing a moody, amethyst-inspired plum smoky eye, fluttering lashes, and autumnal berry lip — Beauty by La Belle Visage

But what about fall and winter weddings, you ask? While a more muted palette is suitable no matter the wedding theme or season, bolder, deeper colors and metallic finishes are a perfect match for the cooler months. The amethyst-inspired purple tones in this bridesmaid's look are an unexpected touch full of the season's richness.

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Delicate Dove Hues

Smiling brunette bridesmaid with floral tiara and pink strapless dress wearing subtle dove gray eyeshadow while being escorted down the aisle — Photo by Katherine Dalton

Keep the makeup look light if you or your bridesmaids are flaunting statement-making floral headpieces or major accessories. With a wash of delicate dove gray hues, this bridesmaid’s eye makeup is subtle yet stunning.

20 of 30

Go for Gold

Brunette bridesmaid in floral-print robe and mauve lip getting gold, metallic smoky eye with deep brown outer corners applied by makeup artist — Photo by Janelle Elise; Beauty by Nashville Wedding Stylist

This luxe look takes the (wedding) cake: The intensely metallic shadows create a glitzy, gilded haze, while the warm brown drifting along the outer corners adds dramatic dimension. A high-shine mauve lip is the perfect finishing touch.

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Subtle Contour

Smiling brunette bridesmaid in pink robe and subtle bronze contour holding hands with smiling brunette bride with chignon and floor-length lace robe — Photo by David Salim; Event Planning by Design Anarchy Studio; Hair & Makeup by Lala Barbie & Marcela Bantea

Kim K, eat your heart out. We love how subtle this beauty’s cheekbone contour is. While it still expertly shapes the face, the light touch allows her natural glow to take center stage.

22 of 30

Soften That Smolder

Smiling brunette bride and bridesmaid in floral robes with warm smoky eyeshadow and peachy-pink lips laying on bed admiring wedding rings — Photo by Kristen Curette; Hair by Graciela Saldivar; Makeup by Paloma Garcia

To soften deeper eyeshadow shades, keep the rest of the face neutral. A peachy-pink lip brings a delicate freshness to the warm, smoked-out shades adorning this bridesmaid's peepers.

23 of 30

No-Makeup Makeup

Some bridesmaids prefer to avoid bold makeup choices that could potentially detract from the bride (impossible if you ask us!). But regardless, the no-makeup makeup look is one that works for countless styles, seasons, and wedding themes. Incorporate elements like the healthy lit-from-within glow, a pretty posy lip color, and defined lashes for a naturally beautiful look.

24 of 30

Velvety Lipstick

Smiling brunette bridesmaid in red crushed velvet dress and matte lipstick helping other bridesmaids zip up brides dress — Photo by Shane and Lauren Photography

While we love glossy lips, matte lipsticks—like this ‘maid’s earth-toned pout—are an excellent choice for bridesmaids as they typically have a stronger staying power than their high-shine counterparts. Exfoliate and moisturize lips before applying to ensure a silky smooth application that doesn’t dry, feather, or flake.

25 of 30

Monochromatic Makeup

Smiling brunette bride in sweetheart-neckline wedding dress with smiling brunette bridesmaids in blush dresses all wearing matching monochromatic blush pink makeup and holding bouquets — Photo by Love Is My Favorite Color; Event Planning by A Very Beloved Wedding

To complement the blush bridesmaid dresses, this bridal party chose a similarly rosy monochromatic makeup look. This technique keeps the eyes, cheeks, and lips all in the same color family and is often rocked by celebs and bridesmaids, alike. It's just that good.

26 of 30

Muted Shadows and Raspberry Lips

Smiling brunette bridesmaid in silky lilac robe wearing muted, neutral eye makeup and a just-bitten, raspberry-colored lipstick — Beauty by Vanity Belle

We’re loving this chic contrast: The muted, neutral eye makeup is a comely companion to those just-bitten, raspberry-colored lips.

27 of 30

Glitter Bomb

Smiling brunette bridesmaid in black dress with glittery metallic smoky eye and nude lip having makeup applied by makeup artist — Photo by Asha Bailey Photography; Makeup & Hair by Jackie Romero

Shine on, bridesmaids! Fit for a glamorous ballroom wedding, this gorgeous, glittery eye makeup will have the entire bridal party looking radiant.

28 of 30

A Matte Base

Blonde bridesmaid with chignon and light blue robe wearing matte foundation, soft neutral smoky eye, and nude lip with a pop of luminous highlighter along the brow bone — Photo by Hannah Elisabeth Beauty

How pretty! Here, matte shadows and makeup create a clean, elegant base, while an icy pop along the brow bone and cheek lend just a touch of luminosity.

29 of 30

Double-Dose Liner and Extra-Long Lashes

Smiling blonde bride with half-up, half-down hairstyle and white robe showing off pale pink lip, extra long thick lashes, and black, kohl-lined eyes — Photo by Hello Blue

Kohl black liner along both the upper and bottom lashes can make peepers pop, as do extra-long lashes. To mimic this makeup, look to a lengthening mascara formula made to define—rather than thicken—and be sure to swipe on a primer beforehand to help those lashes reach new heights.

30 of 30

Brown-Eyed Beauty

Brunette bridesmaid in black robe with shimmery and matte taupe eyeshadow having creamy neutral lip color applied by makeup artist with lip brush — Photo by Zach Harrison Photography; Beauty by Nashville Wedding Stylist

This makeup composition has all the goods. From the range of shimmery and matte taupe shades that are adorning the lids, crease, and brow bone to the creamy neutral lip color, there’s a lot to love here—a perfect fit for a day filled with love.

FAQ

When should wedding makeup appointments be booked?

As soon as possible, since hair and makeup artists book up early. We recommend locking someone down as soon as the wedding date and venue are set. Schedule trials one to three months before the wedding.
How much does it cost to hire a makeup artist for a bridesmaid?

This really depends on location, how involved the look is, and an artist's level of experience, but average rates in the U.S. tend to be between $50 and $350 per service.
Who pays for bridesmaids' makeup?

If the bride requires every member of her bridal party to have their makeup done, she should cover the full cost for each bridesmaid. However, if it's optional, it's perfectly fine to ask the bridesmaid to cover the cost—although splitting it 50/50 is a nice gesture.

47 Wedding Hairstyles Perfect for Your Bridesmaids