Wedding Day Makeup: A Photographer's POV

How should my makeup look for the camera?

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bride with veil covering her face.

If you were to open Google right now, and enter the term “Wedding makeup”, you would be hit with approximately 143 million results within 1.4 seconds, of which, the images are categorized into groups such as “Natural Bridal makeup”, “Smokey Eye Bride”, “Romantic Bridal Makeup", “Soft bridal makeup” “Dramatic Bridal Makeup”, and everything in between! There are so many inspiring looks to be found on Pinterest, Instagram and TikTok, but it really comes down to what makes you feel your best.

I have photographed hundreds of Brides in my 11 years as a wedding photographer, and I have observed a few things that are worth mentioning:

SKIP MINERAL SUNSCREEN: Seriously. It is reflective. Without a doubt, using a daily UV protection is important, but instead of a mineral block, consider a protection measure that does not contain zinc or other reflective ingredients. Ask your makeup artist about options that will NOT make you look like you just stepped off of a Ghost Busters set.

FULL FOUNDATION or FRESH FACE: In my humble opinion, there is NO in-between here. You either go all in, or stick to your tinted SPF lotion and skip the foundation completely. Your beauty artist will surely have different foundation options for you to choose from, but when you are choosing a look for your day, don’t be afraid of full coverage. In many cases, a bride’s makeup will be done earlier in the day, and you will appreciate a makeup application that not only holds up through all of your portraits, but still looks fresh and gorgeous when the wedding march begins. And don’t forget…. if you’re getting married in the warmer months…and perhaps wearing a heavy, layered gown or garment…. sweating can ruin a light foundation application faster than you can say ‘y’all, I need a touchup!’

EXPERIMENT: Whether you are hiring a professional makeup artist, or DIYing for the big day, it is important that you do a trial run in the months leading up to the wedding day. This will this give you a chance to get to know your makeup artist, and to play around with different looks without a strict timeline staring you down. Another benefit might be that it gives your the opportunity to schedule your engagement session for the same day, so you can see how that makeup looks on camera, and holds up through all those pictures! And By all means, try new things!

BE AUTHENTIC: Yes, it is true that you may be wearing more makeup than you would in your day-to-day, but this DOES NOT mean that your look must be a complete departure from your personal style.

COMMUNICATE: Be very clear and up front about looks that you LOVE, but also looks that you want to stay away from. Trust me, your makeup artistry team will appreciate your honesty.

LASHES: Do not be afraid to wear false lashes! The added length and volume provide drama, make your eyes pop, and give very romantic/sweet-sexy vibes. My personal advice is that you choose quality lashes, and a lash adhesive with a matte finish. It is slight pet peeve of mine when you can see a shiny glue line in portraits.

SPRAY TANS: Look, I get it. you want a little sunkissed glow. No one wants to feel pasty or washed out in a wedding gown... but for the love of puppies, do NOT get a cheap spray tan. If you must get sprayed, consider contacting a professional who can customize a natural color for your skin tone, and who also sprays the forumla by hand. Trust me.