DIY Wedding Makeup: Ultimate Guide 2024 + Pro Tips & FAQs

10+ PHOTOS
25 PRO TIPS
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DIY wedding makeup is a fantastic idea for several reasons. Firstly, it allows you to achieve a look that is uniquely yours, tailored perfectly to your style. Secondly, it provides a sense of accomplishment and a personal touch to your special day. Lastly, it can significantly cut down your wedding expenses.

To ensure you have the best tips and tricks, we’ve teamed up with a make-up artist Wayne Goss, who hosts over 4m YouTube subscribers and almost 700k Instagram followers. He shared professional insights and step-by-step guidance, especially for Wedding Forward readers.

Dive into this article and learn how to nail your DIY wedding makeup like a pro!

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Preparing for DIY Wedding Makeup

Different Skin Types

Different skin types require different approaches to makeup. Oily skin benefits from matte products to control shine, while dry skin needs hydrating formulas to avoid flaky patches. Combination skin needs a balance, and sensitive skin requires gentle, hypoallergenic products.

Understanding your skin type helps you choose the right products and techniques, ensuring your makeup for wedding looks flawless and lasts all day. By tailoring your makeup routine to your skin type, you can achieve a radiant, natural makeup look for your wedding.

Renowned makeup artist Wayne Goss emphasizes the importance of choosing products that are specifically suited to your skin’s needs:

Expert Tip
Make sure to wear the right undertone with skin types
Try to tailor your makeup instead of the skin tone. Make sure you're wearing the right undertone suited to your skin type.
For example, if your skin is oily, you might need a powdered foundation. But if you have dry skin, then cream is likely more suitable for your skin.

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Right Tools and Products

Having the right tools and products is essential for a successful DIY makeup wedding.

  1. Start with a good set of brushes, including foundation, concealer, eyeshadow, and blush brushes. Sponges, like a beauty blender, are perfect for blending foundation and concealer seamlessly.
  2. Key products include a primer to create a smooth base, foundation matching your skin tone, concealer to cover imperfections, and setting powder to lock everything in place.
  3. Don’t forget eyeshadow, eyeliner, mascara, blush, highlighter, and lipstick to complete your look.With these essentials, you can create stunning natural makeup looks for your wedding.

With these essentials, you can create stunning natural makeup looks for your wedding.

This detailed guide reviews various types of brushes, explaining their specific uses and how they can enhance your makeup application:

Creating a Makeup Schedule

To ensure your wedding makeup DIY goes smoothly, start practicing your look at least a month before the big day. This allows you to perfect your technique and make any necessary adjustments.

On the day of the wedding, create a detailed schedule. Begin with skincare, then move on to the base makeup, eyes, cheeks, and lips. Allow extra time for any touch-ups and setting the makeup. By sticking to a schedule, you can achieve a flawless, stress-free makeup application, ensuring you look your best with your DIY makeup wedding.

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Step-by-Step Wedding Makeup Application

Prepare Your Skin

A clean and moisturized face is the foundation of flawless makeup.

  • Start with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt and oils. Follow with a hydrating moisturizer suitable for your skin type. This ensures your skin is smooth and ready for makeup. A good skincare routine before applying makeup can make a significant difference.
  • Consider using a toner to balance your skin’s pH and a serum for extra hydration.

This preparation is key to achieving a radiant look, especially when following a DIY wedding makeup tutorial.

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Base Makeup

  1. Start your base makeup with a primer to create a smooth surface and help your makeup last longer.
  2. Choose a foundation that matches your skin tone perfectly.
  3. Apply it evenly using a brush or sponge for a seamless finish.
  4. Use a concealer to cover any imperfections, such as dark circles or blemishes.
  5. Set your base with a translucent powder to control shine and keep everything in place.

These steps are essential for DIY wedding makeup for beginners aiming for a flawless bride wedding makeup look.

As we explore essential tips for wedding day beauty, Wayne Goss offers a unique but highly effective suggestion for keeping your skin perfect throughout the ceremony.

Expert Tip
Use milk of magnesia to avoid oily skin
Using an extremely thin coat of milk of magnesia on your wedding morning will help stop your face getting oily on your wedding day, or even combat tears if the day gets over emotional. Putting some under your make-up will ensure that your make-up lasts all day, as it’ll help absorb any oils on your face.

However, you don’t want to use this all the time – just on very special events such as your wedding as it could dry your skin out when overused.

Eyes

Choose eyeshadow colors that complement your eye color and wedding theme. For a classic look, use neutral tones. Apply a lighter shade on your eyelids and a darker shade in the crease for depth. Use eyeliner to define your eyes; a waterproof formula is best for long-lasting wear. Finish with mascara to enhance your lashes. Don’t forget to shape and fill in your eyebrows, as they frame your face and complete your eye makeup. Mastering these techniques is crucial for stunning wedding day makeup.

In the video below, Wayne Goss showcases a timeless eyeshadow application technique that not only enhances your natural beauty but is also simple enough for anyone to master.
You can find many more tips on the YouTube channel of Wayne Goss.

Contouring and Highlighting

Contouring and highlighting add dimension to your face. Use a contour powder or cream to define your cheekbones, jawline, and nose. Apply it in the hollows of your cheeks and blend well. Highlight the high points of your face, like the tops of your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, and your cupid’s bow. Choose a blush that complements your skin tone and apply it to the apples of your cheeks for a natural flush. These techniques are key components of effective DIY wedding makeup products.

Lips

Start by prepping your lips with exfoliation and hydration. Use a lip scrub to remove dead skin cells, then apply a moisturizing lip balm. Choose a lip color that complements your overall makeup look. For long-lasting color, use a lip liner to outline and fill in your lips before applying lipstick or gloss. These steps ensure your lips look perfect all day, adding to the overall bride wedding makeup.

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Finishing Touches

To set your makeup and ensure it lasts, use a setting spray. This helps lock in your look and reduces the need for touch-ups. Before you’re done, do a final check for any areas that need a quick fix, like blending any harsh lines or adding a bit more mascara. These finishing touches complete your DIY wedding makeup tutorial, leaving you with a flawless look for your special day.

Popular Wedding Makeup Looks

Natural Wedding Makeup

Natural wedding makeup focuses on enhancing your appearance with minimal products.

The main features:

  • light foundation
  • soft pink or nude blush
  • neutral eyeshadow
  • natural lip color

Essentials:

  • lightweight foundation
  • soft blush
  • nude lipstick

This look is perfect for outdoor or rustic weddings, complementing a boho or simple bridal style. It’s ideal for brides who want a fresh and effortless appearance. For a step-by-step guide, you can follow a wedding makeup tutorial focused on natural wedding makeup looks.

Expert Tip
Keep your makeup as natural as possible
If you want to achieve a natural yet polished look for wedding photos, do remember to keep your makeup as natural as possible.

The less make-up you apply, the more beautiful you'll look.

If you are looking for a long wear product suggestion, my recommendation would be Doublewear from Estee Launder – you don’t need much of it and it really will last all day.

Simple Wedding Makeup

Simple wedding makeup emphasizes a clean, timeless look with minimal fuss.

The main features:

  • even skin tone
  • subtle eye makeup
  • hint of blush
  • soft lip color

Essentials:

  • good concealer
  • neutral eyeshadow palette
  • pink or peach lipstick

This style suits traditional or minimalist weddings and pairs well with classic bridal gowns. It’s great for brides who prefer understated elegance or could be used as an easy DIY wedding guest makeup.

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Soft Wedding Makeup

Soft wedding makeup creates a romantic, dreamy look with gentle colors.

The main features:

  • soft, blended eyeshadow
  • rosy blush
  • light pink or peach lip

Essentials:

  • blendable eyeshadow palette
  • rosy blush
  • soft lip gloss

This look is perfect for vintage or garden weddings and enhances a whimsical or romantic bridal style. It’s ideal for brides who want a delicate and feminine appearance. Also, it’s a perfect option for wedding guest makeup.

Glamorous Wedding Makeup

Glamorous wedding makeup delivers a bold and polished look.

The main features:

  • dramatic eyes with smoky eyeshadow
  • winged eyeliner
  • contoured cheeks
  • bold lip color

Essentials:

  • high-pigment eyeshadow palette
  • liquid eyeliner
  • contouring products
  • vibrant lipstick

This look suits formal or evening weddings and complements luxurious bridal gowns. It’s perfect for brides who want to make a statement and look red-carpet-ready. For more inspiration, explore various wedding makeup ideas and tutorials.

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Tips and Tricks for a Flawless Look

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When doing your own wedding makeup, avoid over-applying products. Too much foundation or blush can look cakey and unnatural. Always blend your makeup thoroughly to prevent harsh lines, especially with eyeshadow and contouring. Choosing the wrong shades for your skin tone can also ruin your look. Stick to colors that complement your complexion. These DIY wedding makeup tips are crucial for achieving a flawless finish.

Expert Tip
Put on lighter makeup during the day and apply more in the evening
If you want to make sure the makeup complements different lighting conditions, from indoor ceremonies to outdoor receptions, natural makeup will look good in all lighting.
However, if you did want to apply a bit more, then you’ll be able to apply more make-up in the evening without looking over-the-top. More make-up will photograph more beautifully in the darker lighting, but you still want to keep it as natural as possible.

Pro Tips for Long-Lasting Makeup

To ensure your makeup lasts all day, start with a good primer to create a smooth base. Use a long-wear foundation and set it with a translucent powder. Waterproof eyeliner and mascara prevent smudging. A setting spray will lock everything in place. These DIY wedding makeup essentials are key for longevity, keeping you looking fresh throughout the celebration.

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Emergency Fixes

For quick fixes, keep blotting papers handy to control shine. If your eyeliner smudges, use a cotton swab dipped in makeup remover for a precise clean-up. Carry a small makeup kit with concealer, powder, and lipstick for touch-ups, and don’t forget about the mirror, bobby pins, a brush, and hair ties. These DIY wedding hair and makeup tricks can save you from potential mishaps, ensuring you stay flawless.

One of the most overlooked aspects of wedding makeup is maintaining a matte finish, which is crucial for achieving photogenic results throughout your special day. The key, according to makeup expert Wayne Goss, is knowing where to apply shine and where to keep it subdued.

Expert Tip
Powder is the key for touch-ups throughout the day
If you look at someone face-on, the face should look matte. If you turn to the side, that’s when the highlight hits on the top of the cheekbone and brow bone which is really beautifully photographed. Paying attention to the face-on being matte is critical.

While we all love shiny skin, but matte skin photographs much more beautifully front-on and since you're going to be looking at these forever, you want your skin to look the best and that’s why it needs to be powdered.

About the Expert

With over 15 years in the beauty industry, makeup artist Wayne Goss has earned millions of fans on YouTube with his transformative makeup tutorials and honest product reviews. Believing that everyone deserves top-quality tools, Wayne created a line of makeup brushes that meet his high standards: luxuriously soft, incredibly durable, and handmade in Japan by the world’s finest brushmakers. The result? High-quality, cruelty-free brushes that make flawless makeup accessible to everyone. You can find it and other makeup items on his own cosmetics website.

Instant Poll

Professional Makeup vs. DIY Makeup for Brides?

Are you opting for a professional makeup artist to ensure a perfect look on your big day, or are you embracing the DIY approach to add a personal touch to your bridal beauty? Cast your vote and see what other brides are thinking!

Professional Makeup
66.67 %
DIY Makeup
33.33 %
Vote to see results
Voted : 3

Brides Often Ask

Can I do my own wedding makeup?

Yes, you can, but it’s important to take time to learn and practice. Start by watching tutorials from favorite makeup artists and practice regularly to build your skills. Also, consider attending a makeup workshop or booking a session with a makeup artist to learn the basics.

What I need for DIY wedding makeup?

Essential items for DIY wedding makeup include a long-lasting foundation, setting powder, waterproof mascara, eyeshadow palette, blush, lip color, and setting spray. Also, don’t forget tools like brushes, a beauty blender, and eyelash curlers. It’s crucial to select products suited for your skin type and the expected weather conditions.

How long before wedding do I need to start practicing my make up?

Begin practicing your makeup look at least 3 to 4 months before your wedding day. This allows ample time to perfect your technique, try different products, and make adjustments based on trial runs.

Whether you choose to do your DIY wedding makeup or hire a professional, it’s essential to prioritize your comfort and desired outcome. Both options have their merits, so make the decision that aligns best with your budget, skills, and overall wedding vision.

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