How to Do Your Own Wedding Makeup So It Looks Professional (2024)

While many brides hire a professional makeup artist to help them look (and feel) their best on their wedding day, doing your own glam is a worthwhile alternative—particularly if you want full control over your look. “It ensures there’s no room for disappointment on your wedding day,” says Reina Kim, a makeup artist. Plus, opting for DIY wedding makeup will save you money and time: By choosing not to hire a professional, you won’t have to pay for someone else’s services, coordinate with an additional vendor, or go out of your way to attend trials. “This means you’ll have more time and resources to focus on other essential aspects of wedding planning,” Kim says.

That being said, if you’re a novice who doesn’t know how or where to start, going the do-it-yourself route could potentially create more stress. And even if you do have your daily makeup routine down to a science, you still might be unsure how to pivot that to a more long-lasting, bridal-inspired look.

There are also external factors to consider, such as your photographer. "You want to make sure the makeup photographs well," says Jenny Luu, a bridal makeup artist. "A lot of times it really depends on the photographer you choose." Some photographers opt for more true-to-color and natural-looking photos, while others are known for a moodier aesthetic. However, even regardless of your vendor's vibe, there's a universal truth when it comes to the camera: "About 30 to 40 percent of that makeup might not show up in your photos," Luu says. "You always want to add a little bit more for the camera."

If this sounds like a lot to think about, don't worry. To help you understand all of the factors to consider before landing on a DIY approach, as well as how to be your own wedding-day makeup artist, we spoke to the experts for a step-by-step tutorial and all of their best tips.

Should You Really Do Your Own Wedding Makeup?

It depends. "If you're a bride that typically doesn't wear makeup, I wouldn't suggest going the route of doing it yourself for your wedding day, just because of longevity," Luu says. Unlike your everyday makeup, which you may have the ability to easily touch up every few hours, your bridal makeup needs to stay in place for your ceremony, reception, and after-party. However, if you feel confident and comfortable doing your own makeup—and have the time to practice your desired look—a DIY approach may work for you.

What to Consider Before Making the Decision

To start, think of the commitment required for DIY wedding makeup. "This makeup is not your everyday quick application," Luu says. "When you're having it professionally done, it does take 45 minutes to an hour." You'll also need to reserve hours before your big day for practice and preparation. "It does take a lot of research if you're planning to do it yourself because it's not like your everyday application," Luu adds. Ask yourself: Do you have the time to devout to that research—or would you rather outsource it to a professional?

Doing your own bridal makeup also requires skill. Even if you're leaning toward a more natural look, that type of glam can still be tedious and complicated. "Natural doesn't mean it's going to be quick," Luu says. In actuality, it requires tons of careful, light layers—and a lot of makeup. You should also think about whether you want more of glowy or a matte look. "A lot of brides want that dewy look, and sometimes you don't want to be too dewy because dewy can also result in the makeup not staying," Luu says. "It'll slip and slide on the face, especially if you're not using a powder."

Still stuck on whether or not to go for DIY wedding makeup? Consider asking yourself these questions to decide:

• Do I feel comfortable doing my makeup on a regular basis?
• Do I feel confident in my ability to nail my desired look?
• Do I have all of the products and tools that I need—and feel okay using them?
• Will I have time on the morning of my wedding to do my makeup?
• Will I have time before my nuptials to practice and prepare?

How to Nail Your DIY Wedding Makeup

If you responded to each of those questions with a resounding "yes," DIY wedding makeup may be a great option for you. Here are the steps to take before your big day to make sure you're setting yourself up for success.

Know Your Look

The internet is full of beauty inspiration for your wedding day. If you aren’t sure what kind of look you’re going for, start doing research. For instance, look up your favorite celebrity’s latest red carpet looks or head to a professional makeup artist’s Instagram page to browse photos of her clients.

You can even consult TikTok or YouTube for full tutorials that you can replicate. Kim advises finding someone with similar facial features for a more tailored guide. “Following makeup trends that don’t suit your face can [result in an] awkward appearance,” she says. She also warns against copying a look that you see online just because it’s trending. Instead, make sure that you actually like it.

When thinking of your look, consider which colors will complement your skin tone best, whether it’s warm bronze hues or cool blue tones. “Finding the right shade for your skin is crucial,” Kim says. “You can even mix different shades to create your perfect match.” Instead of leaving it up to guesswork, you can also ask a professional to identify a color that best suits your complexion.

Make Sure You Have the Right Products

Whether you typically swipe on a touch of mascara and lip gloss and head out the door or do a full face of makeup everyday, you already have your go-to products. Don't be afraid to rely on those tried-and-true formulas, especially since experimenting with something new may result in an allergic reaction or unwanted breakout. If you really want to upgrade one of your items, make sure you do so months before your affair and thoroughly assess the effect it has on your skin. However, Kim says you may want to consider splurging on quality makeup brushes to really get that photo-worthy look. “Makeup is a delicate art, and small differences can easily affect the result,” she says.

Here are some products you may want to consider having on hand for your wedding makeup:

• Primer
• Foundation
• Concealer
• Blush
• Bronzer
• Highlighter
• Powder
• Eyeshadow
• Mascara
• False eyelashes and glue
• Eyeliner
• Lipstick or lip gloss
• Lip liner
• Setting spray
• Makeup brushes
  

Prep (and Take Care of) Your Skin

Good makeup ultimately starts with your skin. "Flawless makeup really relies on how the skin looks," Luu says. "Skin prep is the most important thing." Devote time prior to your wedding day to taking care of your complexion. You may consider visiting a dermatologist or licensed esthetician and asking them for a pre-wedding routine. Glowing, healthy skin will make a massive difference when it comes time to apply your makeup.

And while it might be tempting to spend a little time outdoors to achieve a natural tan before you trade vows, make sure you practice sun safety. Prolonged exposure can lead to sunburns, uneven skin pigmentation, and dryness. This trifecta can make applying makeup even more complicated, and you might even have to buy a new shade of foundation to match your new skin tone, according to Kim. If you’re heading on vacation before your big day or your pre-wedding schedule is packed with outdoor gatherings, make sure to apply and reapply sunscreen every two hours.

Practice Your DIY Makeup Look

Like anything in life, getting your makeup look exactly right will depend on how much time you devout to practicing it. By trialing your wedding-day glam, you'll be able to identify what works and what you need to adjust, says Beck Wainner, a celebrity makeup artist. “Did this makeup application last all day or not?” she encourages brides to ask themselves. “What did I do differently this time that makes me like this look more? It will help you narrow down what look you want to go for and choose products that you know will last throughout the day.” Not to mention, having a few rehearsals will give you the confidence you need to create your look on the day of.

DIY Wedding Makeup: A Step-by-Step Tutorial

Looking for a step-by-step breakdown ahead of your big day? Here's an expert-recommended one to follow.

Step 1: Prime Your Face

On the morning of your nuptials, prepping your skin is crucial. Use a lightweight, hydrating moisturizer to give yourself a glow and an eye cream to correct dark circles and depuff your face before applying your makeup, says Lynnette Cole, a licensed esthetician. And if you want your look to last from the ceremony through your after-party, don’t overlook primer. “Primer helps smooth the skin’s appearance and helps the makeup wear longer,” she says.

Step 2: Apply Your Base Products

Your base is arguably the most important part of your look. Unlike your typical day-to-day makeup, you'll want to make sure you pick a long-lasting foundation that won't slip or slide. After applying your foundation, add in any blush, concealer, or bronzer.

Step 3: Blend It Out

For an airbrushed, professional-level look, you’ll want to thoroughly blend your foundation, bronzer, blush, and any other product you apply to your face. When you follow this step, you’ll eliminate harsh lines and produce a seamless finish that looks flawless in photos—and in person.

Step 4: Apply Some Setting Powder

After you’ve added all of your products to your face, you’ll want to seal it with a light dusting of setting powder. Cole notes that including a layer of powder will keep your makeup looking natural and fresh. Additionally, this cosmetic item will prevent unwanted creases, Wainner adds.

Step 5: Consider Your Eyes

Elongated eyelashes will make your face pop. Wainner says she loves adding false lashes for thicker, longer strands. “You’ll want to stand out in pictures and look like yourself but elevated,” she adds. However, since applying lashes can be difficult, especially if you aren’t used to wearing them, Kim encourages you to practice putting them on before doing it on your big day. After applying your lashes, add in any eyeshadow, eyeliner, or mascara. This is also the perfect time to fill in your eyebrows.

Step 6: Apply Lipstick or Lip Gloss

Whether you gravitate toward lipstick or lip gloss, stick to your tried-and-true lip method when it comes to DIY wedding makeup. And don't forget about lip liner. "If you fill in the lips with the lip liner, that will help ensure that the lipstick lasts a little bit longer," Luu says.

Step 6: Add Body Makeup

Makeup isn’t just reserved for the face. In addition to accentuating your complexion, eyes, and lips, make sure to add product to your body—including particularly visible areas. For instance, if you’re wearing a dress with a plunging neckline or one with a backless design, you may want to cover up blemishes on those areas. “Body makeup ensures a consistent and polished appearance from head to toe,” Kim says. To apply, she recommends blending the foundation you used on your face with a moisturizer, and using a fluffy brush to apply a thin layer to the exposed spot on your body. She also loves adding highlighter to your collarbone and shoulders for a hint of shimmer.

Step 7: Finish With Setting Spray

Once you’ve completed your makeup look, finish it off with setting spray. This essential product will make your look last longer, avoid any caked-on effect, and prevent your makeup from transferring onto your gown—or your partner’s outfit.