The perfect night wedding bridal makeup is all about complementing your dress and highlighting your most flattering features. Whether you go for a dramatic smokey eye and a rich cranberry lip or a soft natural look, choose a makeup style that suits you.
Think back to weddings you’ve attended or been a part of in the past. What about the bride made you think, “Wow! She looks stunning!”
Eyes
Blue eyes can be incredibly striking on their own, but bringing colour to the eye area with eyeshadow and liner is a great way to make them really pop on your wedding day. While dark smokey eyes are a common bridal makeup choice, it’s important to use a light touch and blend the colour well so it doesn’t look too heavy or overpowering. Using a pale pink or champagne eyeshadow on the lids is ideal for this, creating a soft and ethereal effect that complements rather than overpowers your natural beauty.
Another eye-catching option for blue eyes is a smoky nude look that’s more subtle than a traditional black smoky eye. Using a lighter bronze shade all over the lid and then blending a darker brown into the crease can give you a dramatic yet flattering look that’s perfect for a night wedding. If you do decide to opt for a bold, smoky eye, make sure to pair it with an equally bold lip colour to create balance and contrast.
Lips
Whether you love rocking a cat eye for date night or prefer to keep your makeup more natural, stick with the styles you already know and feel most comfortable with. However, don’t be afraid to step up your look for the big day—it’s your wedding, after all! The best bridal makeup looks are those that reflect your aesthetic and make you feel like the most beautiful version of yourself.
For a dressy yet timeless option for a night wedding bridal makeup, opt for pewter shadow paired with a soft mauve lip colour. This look will ensure you turn heads as you walk down the aisle. You can also amp up the drama with a bolder lipstick shade and dark mascara. Don’t forget to sweep a subtle highlight over your eyebrows, and finish off the look with a long-lasting lip colour that’ll stay put throughout the day and photos.
The perfect wedding makeup for brown eyes is warm and earthy, like this bronze eyeshadow paired with nude lipstick. You can add a bit of drama with black eyeliner, but be sure to apply the liner lightly and smudge it out with your finger for a cleaner look. If you want to add a touch of sparkle, try applying a sheer glittery sheen on your lids—it’s an easy way to get that bride-to-be glow without overdoing it.
Cheekbones
Evening wedding makeup often includes highlighting the cheekbones. It’s an easy way to frame the face and looks especially flattering when you’ve chosen a dark eye look. Using a blush that matches your skin tone will give you a natural-looking glow, which can also complement your hairstyle (especially if it’s flowing) and the colours of your dress. It’s also a good idea to add a hint of bronzer around your hairline and neck to create depth, as this helps your cheekbones stand out.
If you’re a bride who wants to keep it simple, opt for a light foundation or tinted moisturizer to even out your complexion. Add a subtle blush and illuminator to make your cheeks glow, and finish with a touch of highlighter on the top of your forehead. A natural-looking lip colour is also a good choice for this wedding style.
Face
For a romantic yet earthy night wedding bridal look, blue eyes really shine when paired with a neutral eyeshadow and a soft, brown lip shade. If you want to add a bit of drama, try a smokey eyeshadow in shades of navy or grey. For a subtle glow that highlights your cheekbones and cupid’s bow, sweep a cream highlighter (like this one from Ofra x Nikkietutorials) across the high points of your face.
The most important thing to remember when choosing a night wedding bridal makeup look is that it should be a reflection of your aesthetic, not a trend. “It’s always best to stick with a classic look that looks timeless and beautiful rather than something too trendy,” Sesnek says. And don’t be afraid to pull in inspiration from other people to create a unique look that feels totally you!