15 Beautiful Wedding Makeup Looks Inspired by the Red Carpet
Get ready to dazzle when you walk down the aisle.
We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.
The first — and most important — rule of wedding makeup isn't "use waterproof mascara" or "powder your face so you don't look shiny in photos." It's this: Stay true to your own sense of style. Yes, you're The Bride, but you're also still you. Love color? Do a green smoky eye! Hate false lashes? Skip 'em! Your ideal wedding look is out there, we promise.
YouTuber Allie Glines created a gorgeous, classic bridal makeup tutorial using all drugstore beauty products. But there is no one way to do it. Check out our tips and tricks to showing off your personal style and looking your absolute best while walking down the aisle.
Reach for peach.
Rachel Brosnahan's shimmery eyes and peach lips are so wedding-appropriate. The Marc Jacobs Enamored Hi-Shine Lip Lacquer Lip Gloss in "French Tickler" ($28, sephora.com) will give you a similar look.
Go for the gold.
Have fun with eyeshadow on your wedding day! A shimmery gold shade looks especially striking on blondes, like Carrie Underwood. The Anastasia Beverly Hills Eyeshadow Single in "Tiger's Eye," ($12, sephora.com) is a great option.
Try a rosy pink lip.
Copy Emma Stone's dusty rose makeup for classic look that's beautiful in photos and in person. Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in "Pillow Talk" ($34, nordstrom.com) will give you the same kind of natural pink lip.
Warm up your cheeks.
A more subdued, bronze look like the one Chrissy Teigen wore at the 2018 Glamour Women of the Year Awards would be perfect for a summer wedding. Try a do-it-all product like the Bite Beauty Multistick in "Cashew" ($24, sephora.com).
Contour those cheekbones.
Poppy lips keep Kerry Washington's strong contour from looking severe. Use a grey-toned powder like Kevin Aucoin The Sculpting Contour Powder ($44, sephora.com), which comes in three shades, to create a natural-looking shadow.
Try a cat eye.
Would Adele really be Adele without her signature winged liner? If you feel similarly, break out the felt-tip for your wedding day. We recommend Revlon ColorStay Liquid Eyeliner in "Blackest Black" ($7, amazon.com), which won't smear or fade.
Highlight your skin.
Load up on highlighter and eyeliner while keeping the rest of your look natural, a la Gina Rodriguez. Get the look with a creamy highlighter like the BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector in "Moonstone," ($41, ulta.com).
Experiment with false lashes.
Take a cue from Allison Williams and focus your bridal makeup look on just one feature: your eyelashes! Enhance natural lashes by adding some individual falsies like the ones in the Ardell Individual Multipack ($6, amazon.com) and coating the entire thing with heavy-duty mascara. Try Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof ($23, sephora.com) so you're prepped for waterworks.
Go neutral all-over.
Yes, you can do no-makeup makeup for your wedding. The most important thing to consider is your base — you want your skin to appear glowing from the inside. To achieve this, use a radiant primer like the BECCA Backlight Priming Filter ($38, sephora.com).
Brighten up your cheeks.
Look at that glow! If your skin tone is similar to SZA's, consider using a coral blush like NARS Liquid Blush in "Coral" ($30, sephora.com) on your wedding day.
Rock a bright lip.
A deep pink lip has an Old Hollywood spin, especially when coupled with short finger waves like the ones Greta Gerwig has here. Get a similar lip color with Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Lipstick in "Jam" ($26, sephora.com).
Blend your blush.
Emphasize your blush and tone down everything else to mimic Saoirse Ronan's super flushed vibe. Work a liquid or cream blush — we recommend Glossier Cloud Paint in "Puff" ($18, glossier.com) — along the apples of your cheeks and up to the temples to create this natural rosy look.
Mix bold lips and eyes.
Some makeup experts would advise you to play up your eyes or lips, not both. Toss that piece of wisdom out the window and go for high drama! Taraji P. Henson shows us that sparkly eyes and berry lips can pair beautifully. Get her look with Glossier Lidstar in "Fawn" ($18, glossier.com), which is the exact eyeshadow she wore to the 2018 Oscars.
Bring the berry lips.
If you love a bold lip, you should certainly consider wearing one for your wedding. A deep plum like the one Betty Gabriel wears here would be especially stunning for a fall ceremony. Choose a formula like Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in "Glastonbury" ($34, nordstrom.com) to avoid drying out your lips.
Highlight with golden hues.
Planning a spring wedding? Try pairing golden cheekbones with a soft purple lip gloss. To mimic Danai Gurira's all-over glow, try a liquid body highlighter like This Works Skin Deep Golden Elixir ($68, amazon.com).
Anniversary Quotes That Celebrate All Love
Here's What to Write in a Wedding Card
24 Best Bachelorette Party Destinations
The Best Engagement Quotes to Announce Your News
