Best Wedding Makeup Tips From The Experts

Your wedding day is one of the most photographed moments of your life, so flawless, long-lasting makeup is a must. We spoke to our talented Recommended Suppliers for all their essential wedding makeup tips. We’ll walk you through how to achieve a flawless base that endures through every kiss, photo, and tear. From insider secrets on the best beauty products and the questions you need to ask your makeup artist, we've gathered all the expert advice you’ll need to look and feel your best as you walk down the aisle. 

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Best wedding makeup tips from real wedding makeup artists who expose their best gatekept products

How To Make Your Wedding Makeup Last All Day

One thing that was mentioned across the board, is that layering is the key to making any wedding makeup last. Start with a hydrating primer, any long-wearing foundation, using finely milled setting powders in oily areas or areas that crease and finish with a setting spray to lock everything in. Anna Jones Bridal recommends taking your time with blending and patting light layers together, so everything looks seamless rather than thick and cakey. 
 

Okay, so you’ve got the technique down but what products do you use? Luckily for you, we don’t gatekeep here and neither do our makeup artists. Our makeup artists LOVE using these products to ensure the wedding makeup lasts all day. For even more tips, head to our dedicated article on how to make your wedding makeup last all day. 

The Powders

The Setting Sprays

Best Wedding Makeup Tips For A Flawless Base - Skin Preparation

Again, there was a common consensus with our makeup artists on achieving a smooth and flawless base. The answer is - skin prep! 

Why Skin Prep Is Important

Maayan Winter MUA explains, “Here’s the thing: base products sit so much nicer when the skin is smooth. Just like when you paint a textured or cracked wall—the colour won’t change the texture; it’ll just add colour. So, my tip is to take a few minutes and do a quick face mask on the day. I like the Dior 1-Minute Mask. It’s a fast-acting mask that makes the skin look beautiful and ready for makeup. The Charlotte Tilbury Dry Sheet Mask also preps the skin beautifully. Just one warning: it is not a cute look, so make sure your wedding photographer isn’t around.” 

Don't Overdo It

Anna Jones Bridal recommends that “A bride should always prioritise skincare before the wedding day, and this doesn’t need to be complicated. Making sure you aren’t overdoing it is just as important as doing anything at all. I always suggest my brides educate themselves on any active ingredient they’re using and why, sometimes brides are doing too much and causing excess oiliness or dehydration, this all effects how the makeup sits and lasts. A simple skincare routine is paramount, cleanse, hydrate, and exfoliate.” 

Exfoliate

On that note, Audrey McCarthy Makeup’s top tip is exfoliating! “Exfoliating regularly, either with a chemical or physical exfoliant, in the weeks leading up to the wedding ensures that your skin is smooth and ready for makeup application. Combine this with a hydrating moisturiser and primer for a flawless, long-lasting base that suits your skin type.” 

Let Layers Soak In

Rhia Rose Makeup Artist also says that the key to achieving a flawless base is by “allowing each layer to settle before moving on to the next to ensure a smooth, even application and avoid pilling.” You can see our 12 month skincare guide for an in-depth routine you can tailor to your needs.

Questions You Should Ask Your Makeup Artist

1. Tell your makeup artist your skin type and your skin concerns.
2. Discuss your everyday makeup routine and products. This is so your makeup artist can assess what you’re already comfortable with and achieve an authentic final look. 
3. Come prepared with inspirational photos and styles along with the overall theme of your wedding day. 
4. Are they making the trial mandatory, or do they offer an online consultation? 
5. Ask if they have insurance and a backup plan in case they cannot make it. 
6. Do they charge extra for lashes? 
7. Do they offer a touch-up kit for your day?
8. Ask to see their portfolio to make sure their style matches what you want to achieve. 
9. Be open to advice and suggestions from your MUA, after all, they’re the experts! 
10. Don’t forget to discuss travel arrangements for the wedding day (especially if it’s a destination wedding). 

2024 Wedding Makeup Looks We Love Right Now 

Soft Glam 

Rhia Rose Makeup is currently loving soft glam looks with a touch of modern sophistication. Think luminous skin, subtly defined eyes, and a statement lip in either a classic red or a soft nude. To achieve this, focus on glowing skin with strategic highlighting, softly blended eyeshadows that enhance your eye shape, and a lip colour that complements your overall palette.

Luminous Skin 

Glazed doughnut nails but for the face! Audrey McCarthy Makeup is all about soft, dewy bridal looks right now with a focus on luminous skin and natural hues. “I love the use of blush to add a healthy flush to the cheeks—it’s such a beautiful way to bring life and warmth to the face. To achieve this, I use cream-based products for a seamless glow and add subtle highlights on the high points of the face for that ethereal, lit-from-within look.” Audrey also loves tight lining the eyes to keep them looking big and bright while still providing definition, making it perfect for a soft yet polished look.

Clean Girl aka Clean Bride 

Maayan Winter MUA says, “I’m going to say something bold—I think we’re seeing the end of the ultra-glowy, dewy era. Yes, it’s still popular, but I’m noticing a subtle shift toward a softer, fresher, satin finish. I recently did a hyper-natural look with no fake lashes and even no foundation, and I loved it! The highlighter was minimalist and not glittery. It was a little more grown-up and sophisticated, and I feel we’ll see more of it next year.” 

Monochrome & Cool Tones 

Anna Jones Bridal is obsessed with cool toned makeup looks. “Bobbi Brown’s ’Taupe’ eyeshadow stick is an easy way to achieve a quick cool toned look that has lasting power, pair this with Makeup by Mario’s Master Mattes palette or Natasha Denona’s My Mini Dream palette and you have the perfect cool toned eye. I always apply individual eyelashes on the outer of the eye to elongate and make the look more sultry.” She loves playing with monochromatic makeup looks, which you can achieve by using the same shade of blush on your eyes and cheeks.

Our Makeup Artists’ Best Wedding Makeup Products & Why They Love Them 

Advice From The Experts - What Makeup Artists Wish You Knew 

“I always advise brides to trust the process and enjoy it. Your wedding day is about celebrating your unique beauty, so choose a look that enhances your natural features rather than masking them. And remember, makeup should feel like a luxury, not a chore—take the time to pamper yourself on your big day.” - Rhia Rose Makeup

“My best advice for brides and couples when it comes to makeup is: don’t try to morph into the image of a ‘bride’ you see in commercials and magazines. In a way, it’s easier with makeup because the only person you need to impress is yourself! You are the only one whose opinion matters because you’re going to wear it all day. When you truly feel comfortable with your makeup and aren’t constantly worrying about it (Are they standing too close to me? Can they see the layers of foundation?), the value is incredible. You’re not only going to feel great and confident on the day, but you will also enjoy looking back at the photos and reliving the memories. If there’s a time and place to invest in a good makeup artist, this is as good as any.” - Maayan Winter MUA

Best wedding makeup tips from the experts including trending bridal makeup looks

Stuck with wedding makeup inspiration? Head to our roundup of wedding makeup ideas to get you started. If you’ve got your makeup inspo covered, then head to our bridal accessories article to focus on some other finishing touches to your bridal look.