:max_bytes(200000):strip_icc()/WeddingDayMakeup-87d325b9d0f841eab68cc6ed25a9db07.jpeg)
@laura_makeup_and_hair / Design by Zackary Angeline
Your wedding day is going to be the most photographed day of your life, and those photos will last a lifetime. Achieving a flawless bridal beauty look is all about what's in your makeup bag. In an effort to put your best face forward, we suggest upgrading your bridal makeup kit well before the big day. To help you find the best cosmetics for your wedding-day look and beyond, we came up with an editor-approved list of products.
Keep scrolling for our list of makeup must-haves for the bridal beauty look you've been dreaming of.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Wedding-day-makeup-essentials_color_a_rev-be561dcd98f7434880e92619c4d2d2da.jpg)
Foundation
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettingReady-77-aca914b543b34c879f1e807c6640401b.jpg)
Photo by Bokeh Photography; Makeup by Mooi Studio
Your foundation will depend on your skin type. However, most brides tend to purchase a liquid foundation, as they're easily blended and give the most "natural" of finishes. Of course, if you happen to have a go-to, you need not switch it up on your big day.
Concealer
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/0ugCk_IE-2862dd2b5642422188b1ddc53319aa1c.jpeg)
Photo by Lauren Baker
Think of concealer as your little multitasking BFF. When applied, it can brighten target areas, hide a pimple or dark spot, and even out your complexion. But when it comes to your wedding day, you may want a more heavy-duty one, meaning it will stay put from your first look to your evening reception. Whether you need this baby to cover dark circles or just hide a pesky pimple, we did some homework for you already.
To ensure that you have your makeup routine down pat, be sure to pencil in a wedding makeup trial a month or two ahead of your wedding day. Doing so will allow you to refine your makeup look and make any necessary product swaps.
Blush and Bronzer
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/MonisCorey-35_WeddingDay-6144d47be2354b8fbc34fd9d67380fe0.jpg)
Photo by To The Moon
A quick flush of rose or soft pink can bring life back to your face. When choosing a bronzer, aim for one that's at most two shades darker than your skin color. Anything above two shades, and you run the risk of looking a little artificial. For busy brides, we recommend NARS Blush and Bronzer Duo. This all-in-one cheek duo delivers the perfect bronze glow with a natural-looking flush of color.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__brides__public__brides-services__production__2017__10__31__59f8a0cb7da3b36643510d34_nars-blush-bronzer-duo-c676b569ee7b4669b4a08269079f77e0-40d96589ba1944fd8370c7b9f4734e6a.jpg)
Courtesy of Sephora
Primer
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/AMANDAALESSANDRO_0001-d6317b60476e4daf9752a8ab52fb1937.jpg)
Photo by Sara Lobla
You'll want your makeup to stay in place from ceremony to reception, so it's absolutely necessary to have a primer in your bridal beauty stash. If your skin is on the dry side, there's a primer for that. A little bit of discoloration? There's one for that, too. One of our favorites is the Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer. Its silky, airy texture feels amazing on the skin, plus it works overtime to reduce the appearance of redness, pores, and wrinkles.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__brides__public__brides-services__production__2017__10__31__59f894f49898e619fc51664a_hourglass-primer-e458ff93724b469a8f0323f2797d7ef3-3b82c2f11fcf4615abf7d2a9d8f05714.jpg)
Courtesy of Sephora
Makeup Sponge
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/AlyssaJames_0041-a658d7f8b8c94845a88689c1d8202ca9.jpg)
Photo by Pat Furey
Simply put, these guys are a game-changer. When used right (never use your sponge dry), your skin will look just like those flawless Snapchat filters. Naturally, we love the OG of makeup sponges, the Beautyblender, as it promises impeccable coverage with minimal product waste.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/04947709_zi_pink-f5e42f6548a64b78865c5fe2b492ab6f.jpg)
Courtesy of Sephora
Setting Powder
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/44-lauragordonphotography_wennaandxin-24aff2e393be4a13b348c1e791d17b97.jpg)
Photo by Laura Gordon
Lock in your concealer and foundation with a pressed or loose setting powder. Make Up For Ever's Ultra HD Microfinishing Pressed Powder blurs and reduces shine with one swipe of a brush, and its lightweight formula absorbs excess oils to give a visibly flawless finish.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Untitled-cd694bb41a704121b6147df96b485642.png)
Courtesy of Sephora
Mascara
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/MacarenaandJose.PhotographyJFKImagenSocial30-50c1b40be5ba42d88e82bf9a56d2f32f.jpg)
Photo by JFK Imagen; Makeup by Lorena Carbajal
Whether you're looking for length or a bit of volume, mascara is an absolute necessity in your makeup bag. Add a few swipes of your go-to before applying false lashes (if you plan to), and softly darken your lower lashes for an extra hit of definition.
To avoid any smudging or flaking in between photos, be sure to invest in a good waterproof mascara.
Eyeliner
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Alicia_Alvaro-12-3f022c6323924a75aaba4db3a0108f7f.jpg)
Photo by Juan Trijillo
Define your eyes with a waterproof yet blendable liner. Try to stay away from black (unless your eye look demands different), as it can appear a bit harsh around the eye area. Opt for brown instead. We like Charlotte Tilbury's Rock 'n' Kohl liner in Barbarella Brown.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Untitled-a9df2b42d08e4fca82c6e2de0b318415.png)
Eyeshadow Palette
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/keliphotography-6443copy-cf30188d79884e93a9a9ec1fa2590cf7.jpg)
Photo by Ke-Lie Photography
Whatever eye look you're going for, chances are you're going to use an eyeshadow palette. Typically, brides aim for a natural eye look, combining shimmery champagnes and soft pinks with matte browns. A perfect palette to achieve this look? Bobbi Brown's Nude Drama II Eyeshadow Palette. Containing a range of rich matte browns and shimmery pinks, these eyeshadows blend seamlessly for the perfect nude eye.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/anastasia-palette-1c7961815e604367bab2c57a91b34513.jpeg)
Courtesy of Sephora
Lipstick
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Katie-Ruther-TayaraWedding-255-1f9f23ca6c5045469a676cae147bf88b.jpg)
Photo by Katie Ruther
Your lipstick serves as the finishing touch to your makeup look, so this is a staple in your bridal beauty stash. Unfortunately, given that there are so many formulas to choose from—matte, satin, gloss, etc.—it can be difficult to choose just one. We're here to help with that, too.
Highlighter
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Meganadam-mexico-wedding-090-f21fc409bd6a4f7e86686a3d1b181008.jpg)
Photo by Addison Jones
There's absolutely nothing like a good highlighter to give you that lit-from-within glow. Seriously. It's all about choosing the formula that's right for you, whether it be a powder, balm, or liquid.
Blotting Paper
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ShannaGiedlFavorites-0046-d71ca2167257432ba9951b122fa38bbf.jpg)
Photo by Madeline Broderick Photography
Last but certainly not least, blotting papers are a must-have for touch-ups throughout the day. Small enough to keep in your purse, a quick swipe will lift away shine without smudging your makeup.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/s1925940-main-zoom-3afbc66d8c5043c5af77c447a36745d8.jpg)