How much does wedding makeup cost?

The cost of wedding makeup varies greatly depending on location, artist experience, and services required. Some makeup artists charge by the hour while others offer all-inclusive packages, which can include pre-wedding skin care and product recommendations. Travel, trial sessions, and additional services (think: lashes and face masks) are often extra, so be sure to ask about what's included in any package.

How much should I tip for wedding hair and makeup?

A good rule of thumb is to tip between 15 and 20 percent of the total service fee (not including additional products like lashes or extensions). Some artists include a gratuity fee in the final price, so be sure to check your contract first. If multiple artists contribute to your final look, each should be tipped individually for their services.

How long does wedding hair and makeup take?

For the bride, we recommend allocating 60 to 90 minutes for makeup application and the same amount of time for hair services. This may vary depending on the styles and level of complexity required, so we suggest using your trials for reference as well as speaking with the professionals you've hired.

When should I book my wedding hair and makeup appointments?

Hair and makeup artists tend to book up quickly so we recommend locking down a team as soon as you know the wedding date and venue. Trials should be scheduled one to three months before the big day.

65 Wedding Makeup Ideas for Brides

bride wearing a colorful, floral lehenga with gold jewelry — Photo by Bruno Rezza; Hair and makeup by Dolled Up By Lulu

You've found your wedding dress, had that Cinderella moment with the perfect shoes, and spent hours scrolling through Instagram, Pinterest, and Brides searching for just the right hairstyle. With almost every aspect of your bridal ensemble checked off your to-do list, all there's left to do is find some makeup inspiration that pulls it all together. Luckily, you probably won't have to look any further, as we put together the ultimate roundup of the prettiest wedding makeup looks for every kind of bride. Whether you choose lush lashes, a dramatic cat-eye, a cheek color that'll turn you into the very definition of a blushing bride, or any combination of the three, we have all the inspiration you need to land on your day-of glam.

That being said, there are a few things to know before starting your bridal beauty search. First and foremost, finding the right makeup artist is key to achieving your desired wedding makeup look, as you'll need someone who can execute your vision with precision and accuracy. Once you've locked in a pro, makeup artist Christina Chen then suggests sending inspiration photos to your artist to get their opinion on the ideas you're most attracted to. "Have them assess your features to see whether it suits your overall aesthetic, including your wedding vibe, hairstyle, and wedding dress," she says. After that, be sure to schedule a makeup trial to ensure you and your artist are on the same page, and don't forget to talk through any changes you might want to make to your overall look (the last thing you want to do is troubleshoot your makeup right before your ceremony).

Meet the Expert

Christina "Quis" Chen is a licensed esthetician and San Francisco–based makeup artist. She is the founder of Makeup by Quis.

Ready to get glammed up? Ahead, we've rounded up 65 wedding makeup ideas from stunning real brides to inspire your own beauty look.

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Lush Lashes

Portrait of regal bridal with pearl headband and veil — Photo by Alicia Mink Photography

A wedding this regal calls for a makeup look of equal refinement. Soft shadows and elegantly sculpted brows pair beautifully with hazelnut lipstick. Those long lashes, however, definitely steal the show.

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Subtle Eyes and a Flushed Pout

Groom kissing bride with highlighted cheek and flushed lips — Photo by Erich McVey Photography

We love a simple, natural palette for a beach elopement ceremony. Subtly defined eyes complement the bride's flushed lips without overpowering the look. Plus, the envy-inducing highlight needs absolutely no introduction.

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Smokey Eyes and Nude Hues

bride wearing long hair in waves and long-sleeved, off-the-shoulder wedding dress with buttons — Photo by Madison Emily Hare Photography

Monochromatic copper hues blend with this bride's hair color creating a uniform appearance that showcases her stunning eyes. This is how you do a warm smokey eye without looking too over the top.

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Bronze Lids With Orange Lipstick

portrait of a bride wearing a gold bridal crown — Photo by Cinzia Bruschini

Romantic red-orange lipstick married with defined eyes and a gorgeous glow creates such a stunning look. We love how the gold metalwork and colored gems in the headpiece complement the makeup exquisitely.

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Pretty in Pink

portrait of bride sitting on a pink chair holding her wedding bouquet — Photo by Bottega53

We love natural coverage that embraces a bride's dewy skin. Soft pink lids and a wash of bright pink on the lips give a vivacious flair that undoubtedly matches this bride's vibrant personality. The playful vibe effortlessly transitions from day to night.

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A Sheer Face

portrait of a bride wearing a tulle bodice dress with a tulle veil — PHOTO BY SAMM BLAKE

This bride opted for barely-there makeup for a natural and elevated look. Armed with neutral lipstick in a natural shade, she pulled off the aesthetic effortlessly. We love this no-makeup, makeup approach for any type of celebration.

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A Bronzed Glow With a Rosy Lip

Glowing bride with bronze cheek highlight putting on earring — Photo by SoCal Standard

This bride certainly understood the assignment when it came to her desert wedding in Zion. A sun-kissed rosy lip and lustrous cheekbones work well with a tanned complexion and subtly defined eyes. We're picking up all the bronze goddess vibes.

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A Sculpted Cheek

Bridal portrait with cutout dress and pearl clutch — Photo by Du Soleil Photographie

Holy cheekbones! There's really no makeup necessary when you're flaunting bone structure like this. A natural look with strong brows is ultra-refined when paired with sculpted cheeks and satiny highlight.

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A Glam Look With Gradient Eyeshadow

Bride in glam makeup and jewelry on bed — Photo by Terri Baskin

Gradient gunmetal eyeshadow and lush lashes give this bride a flirty vibe. Ultra-glossy lips and softly defined brows bring the look together without competing for attention. And those jewels? They totally match the aesthetic of this bride's lavish DC nuptials.

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Distinguished Eyes and Brows

Portrait of a bride in the winter wearing a long-sleeve wedding dress posing in the snow — Photo by Corrina Walker Photography

This winter bride stands out amongst the snowfall with stunningly defined features. Pull off something similar by opting for strong brows, a nude lip, and dark eyeliner. The contrast will look incredibly rich against a monochromatic palette.

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Copper Accents

smiling bride with blue eyes and a red lip — Photo by Julia Kaptelova

Consider adding copper tones to your eyes for a contemporary touch. Case in point: Party-ready metallic accents and bold lipstick ensure this bride is the star of the show.

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A Glam Look With Gold Eyeshadow

portrait of a bride sitting on a large chair — Photo by Samantha Leto

We love this soft glam with a pop of shimmer, as gold eyeshadow and graphic liner harken back to the golden age of glamour. A bit of highlight on the collarbones takes full advantage of that gorgeous low neckline.

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A Subtle Glow and Mauve Shades

Bride getting ready, putting on her earrings — Photo by Sarah Falugo Weddings

This is a timeless choice that will work for any time of day. Softly defined features and a subtle glow are the perfect pairing for dusty mauve shades. Plus, that brow bone highlight may be one of the best we've ever seen, reflecting just enough light without overpowering the soft aesthetic.

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Graphic Lipliner and Bold Lashes

bride getting her makeup done with a high ponytail — Photo by Rachel Rodgers

"Glitzy yet graceful" is what this bride was going for with her day-of look—and we'd say she totally nailed the aesthetic. Va-va-voom lashes and a bold smokey eye complement dark, glossy locks exquisitely for her black-tie NYC wedding. The graphic nude lipliner further adds definition to the glossy lip, amplifying what might have otherwise gotten lost in the dramatic glam.

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Glossy Eyes

Glassy, wet looks are all over the runways but rarely make their way into the bridal sphere. Frankly, we'd love to see more of it after being introduced to this bride's glossy reception vibe for her beach-side nuptials. Her brown eye gloss is an ultra-flirty companion to high-shine nude lips and a touch of wet-look highlighter topping the cheekbones.

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A Bold Red Lip

bride wearing boudoir lingerie and bold orange red lipstick with a slicked back bun — Photo by Le Vie Photography

There's always room to incorporate bold lipstick, especially when it's paired with a wedding with Barbie-meets-Marie-Antoinette aesthetics. We love the way this brave red lipstick perfectly complemented the bride's daring wedding-day vibe.

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A Natural Matte Look

bride wearing a white robe in soft, natural glam — Photo by David Bastianoni Studio

This bride sported a subtle, yet stunning look, for her fashionable wedding on the Amalfi Coast. A contoured matte complexion with a subtle eye let her natural sparkle shine through.

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Shimmery Eyes With a Nude Lip

Glowing bride hugging groom — Photo by Alanna Hogan Photography

This bride is all aglow for her romantic seaside elopement. With shimmery silver eyes, simple mascara, and a satiny nude lip, the look comes together flawlessly. We couldn't be more obsessed with how the light reflects off the brow bone so blissfully.

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A Bright Pink Lip

bride sitting in front of a wall of roses while wearing a bridal jumpsuit — Photo by Oliver Fly

Who says you can't incorporate a bright pop of pink? This bride effortlessly blends soft glam with a bright pink pout. The finished look is gentle and romantic with just a little bit of punch.

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Defined Blush

Photo by Lucy Munoz Photography

A light smokey eye combined with a pink lip is always a classic. We especially love the way this bride's blush defines her cheekbones, creating a striking look when photographed.

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Natural Composition

close-up photo of a bride and groom smiling with the sun shining on their faces — Photo by House on the Clouds

Sheer coverage allows this bride's natural beauty to shine through. With a subtle palette on the eyes and a hint of mascara, this is a gorgeous option for an outdoor ceremony.

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Winged Liner With a Subtle Lippy

Groom kissing smiling bride framed by billowing veil — Photo by Caroline Tran

Winged liner adds drama to any look, but the way it's employed really sets the tone. Here, muted tones and a subtle lip color pair perfectly without going over the top. We especially love the bride's semi-matte finish keeping the look soft and ethereal.

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Neutral Tones With a Nude Lip

Newlyweds smiling — Photo by James & Schultz

Soft browns and a nude lip make for a sun-kissed appearance. We love how all the tones seamlessly complement one another, and the bride's hair and brow color as well. This is a gorgeous look for a nature-inspired ceremony.

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Gilded Radiance

Bride with golden glow and natural curly hair — Photo by Alex Tome Photography

Despite the matte complexion, this bride's skin is still aglow with a captivating gold radiance. A subtle gold smokey eye and well-groomed brow let her natural sparkle shine through—quite literally. The satin nude lip completes the look with a touch of silky shine.

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Striking Makeup With a Bold Lip

bride in a blush and gold sparkly embroidered lehenga — Photo by Vinuthna Garidipuri

A dramatic eye and defined brows work well with a heavily embellished look. We love the way this bride opted for metallic shadows to play off the embroidery and champagne hue of her lehenga.

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Simple Makeup With a Rosy Lip

Newlyweds kissing — Photo by Kristin Sweeting Photography

This natural composition features a rosy lip and a touch of shimmer on the lids. Combined with subtly shaded brows and mascara the finished face is fabulously flawless. We think the groom's a fan, too!

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Smokey Eyeliner

smiling bride with smoky eyeliner and pastel bouquet — Photo by Etcetera Photography

Smoked-out eyeliner typically comes with a fun rock 'n' roll edge, but this bridal iteration is refreshingly approachable. Black eyeliner delivers on the smoke show, but blended shimmery shadows and a dewy complexion bring a feminine spin. Complete with a pastel bouquet and loose tendrils, this romantic bride stunned at her California backyard wedding.

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Victorian Rose Lips and Dusky Eyes

bride sitting down wearing a high-neck, lace wedding dress embellished with pearls — Photo by Carmen Santorelli

An outdoor garden wedding calls for a sophisticated look. Bold black eyeliner, a dusty rose lip, and matte skin are the epitome of age-old elegance. This bride matched her Victorian theme beautifully.

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Silky Praline Hues

Bride with brown curls and lace robe smiling on balcony with city skyline backdrop — Photo by Natura Collective

A matching praline eye and lip combo looks so rich and wonderful with this bride's chocolaty curls. Nude eyeliner in the waterline keeps the eyes looking fresh while dark brows and a satin finish complete the elegant look. We'd say the sultry hues definitely warmed up the city skyline at these Long Island City nuptials.

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Strong Brows With a Peachy Pout

Bride smiling holding bouquet — Photo by Whitney Darling

Adding a dash of color pulls together this bohemian vibe magnificently. A strong brow complements this bride's apricot-hued lip—a gorgeous look for a San Diego beach wedding.

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Blue Undertones

Newlyweds hugging — Photo by Erich McVey

A bright pink blush with blue undertones and matching pout are fresh as can be. The cooler tones inject a youthful brightness that can otherwise be lost with a warmer pink shade. This flirtatious choice worked wonderfully for a daytime destination wedding in Bali.

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Neutral Hues With Bold Eyes

Photo by Atmosphere Fotografia

We love looks that work for both daytime and evening, and this is definitely one of them. Neutral hues with a well-lined eye and smoked-out waterline fit fabulously with a cool nude lip.

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Vintage Vibes With Sultry Hues

Portrait of Bride wearing a patterned, brown dress — Photo by Amber Gress Photography

A vintage aesthetic begs for sultry tones. This bride's smokey eyeshadow lets her incredible eyes take center stage while peachy lipstick adds to the retro feel.

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Plum Lips

Bride with bangs and pink floral crown smiling — Photo by Michelle Scott Photography

With a full fringe to compete with, this bride opted for minimal makeup and a delicate plum lip. We love how sweetly the romantic palette translates for an Arizona wedding, especially with the dried floral crown. Best of all? The bride did her own makeup and totally nailed it.

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Hollywood Soft Glam

Searching for a Hollywood, soft-glam look? Emulate this bride's wedding makeup aesthetic, which is perfect for those who want an effortless, but dolled-up, look.

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An Angelic Aura

Bride smiling with floral bouquet — Photo by Betsy Newman

Oh, how she glows! Illuminated collar bones and shoulders set this bridal ensemble ablaze. Pair with defined eyes, long lashes, and a nude lip for a dazzling outdoor ceremony entrance.

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Highlighted Natural Beauty

Portrait of Bride With Makeup and Hair Done Wearing White Robe — Photo by Sarah Folsom Photography

This bride wanted a classic, fresh look in order to let her dress be the star of the show. We love how she highlighted her natural beauty with just the right amount of makeup.

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Sunset Hues

portrait of a bride with bold eyebrows and a red lip — Photo by Biancca Wallace

Warm browns and corals make a fitting combination for a tropical wedding. We adore this look with subtly defined eyes, bold brows, and a coral gloss. The peach-toned blush pulls everything together and tones it beautifully to the bride's natural coloring.

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Allover Gloss

bride posing with her eyes closed holding a wedding bouquet — Photo by Kadeem Johnson & Dar Es Salaam Riser

A glossy eye, glowing lip, and jaw-dropping highlight give this bride a silken aesthetic that rivals her gorgeous dress. A combination of shimmers, metallics, and light oils are the hallmarks of this look, as well as some pre-wedding exfoliation and hydration.

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Cool Tones and a Sheer Lip

A wash of metallic taupe on the eyes, fluttering falsies, and a sheer gloss give this bride a whimsical presence. We'd say this is some major mermaid energy for a seaside wedding.

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Metallic Hues and a Subtle Lip

portrait of a bride smiling while slightly looking at her shoulder — Photo by Katie Ruther

What's a beach wedding without a warm, bronzed look? This combo of copper lids, long lashes, and a sunkissed lip couldn't be more perfect for this beachy Tulum bride. Check out the masterful eye contouring here with the deepest color on the inner and outer corners.

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A Smokey Eye With Pink Lipstick

bride wearing a voluminous ball gown with pearl-encrusted bow straps — Photo by Abby Jiu

A gray smokey eye pairs well with a pastel pink pout for a bold look. The feminine lip acts as a filter, softening the harshness of such a cool eye. This is a gorgeous combination for a glam wedding.

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Bond Girl Glam

bride and groom embracing for a dramatic wedding photo portrait — Photo by Erich McVey

A bright orangey-red lip, sculpted cheekbones, and black eyeliner always deliver a retro-glam vibe. We find the combination quite striking with the bride's blue eyes and dark tresses. The look was definitely mission-ready for the bride's James Bond-themed nuptials in Colombia.

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Allover Wash of Pink

Add a splash of color for a romantic ceremony, but exercise some restraint and stick to just one. A monochromatic pink palette is refreshing, bringing together complementary hues on the eyes, cheeks, and lips. You can even let the nails in on the party by finding a matching polish.

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Sultry Bronze Hues

Bride getting her hair and makeup done — Photo by Addison Jones

This bride's destination wedding in Mexico certainly called for a heated look. A shimmering bronze eye, dramatic liner, and contoured cheeks give off a sizzling warmth. We especially like how the strong brows ground the look.

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A Vibrant Palette With a Coral Lip

Bride with bright red lipstick — Photo by Taylor Mccutchan

A daytime desert theme can easily absorb a vibrant palette. This saturated coral lip and matching eyeshadow have a bright and citrusy appeal. The pops are quite refreshing in the drier environment.

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Skin Enhancing Makeup

bride looking at her makeup in the mirror with soft waves in her hair — Photo by Alice Ahn Photography

A look that celebrates stunning, flawless skin is a gorgeous match for any type of wedding. Just be sure to adhere to a pre-wedding skincare routine at least six months before the big day.

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Minimal Makeup With Rosy Lips

antique-inspired bridal portrait — Photo by Monica Leggio

Rosy cheeks have this beauty looking absolutely angelic for her romantic ceremony. Take note of how the eye composition was kept minimal, letting her dewy skin take center stage.

For well-hydrated skin, Chen suggests increasing your water intake to at least 68 ounces per day in the weeks leading up to your wedding.

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Soft Glam With Earth Tones

newlyweds taking a couple portraits during golden hour — Photo by David Bastianoni

We love this sophisticated look for an elegant wedding. Muted earth tones and a deep brown eye are a heavenly match for defined brows. The peachy lip may seem unexpected, but we think it looks incredible with the bride's skin tone.

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An Ethereal Glow

bride smiling while covered in her tulle veil, wearing a strapless lace wedding dress — Photo by Abby Jiu Photography

This bride is emanating an ethereal glow with barely there coverage. A little mascara and subtle lippy are all that's needed.

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A Monochromatic Taupe Palette

Bridal portrait while getting ready — Photo by Lisa Poggi

Pair monochromatic taupe tones with an incredible complexion for this winning approach. Check out how those long, bold lashes make this bride's eyes pop.

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Taupe Shadow With a Colorful Lip

bride with long, brunette hair styled with soft curls — Photo by Liz Andolina

A vibrant bridal ensemble can be difficult to pair with, but this bride nailed it. Her taupe eyeshadow and persimmon-hued lips made for a stunning combination with her Champagne-colored lehenga.

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Au Naturel With Strong Brows

side portrait of a bride — Photo by Erich McVey

Consider this bride garden wedding ready. With rosy lips and a strong brow, this gorgeous cheek flush does all the talking. We especially love the just-bitten berry hue on the lips.

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Blush Tones

bride putting on her earrings while sitting on a bed getting ready for her wedding — Photo by Jenny Quicksall Photography

Blush palettes are stunning for day or night. This look married taupe and blush tones with lined eyes and lush lashes for a gorgeous combo. The colors look exquisite with the bride's brow shade and brunette locks.

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Brown Eyeliner

Bridal portrait with portrait collar wedding gown, white bouquet and dangly pearl earrings — Photo by Tailor James; Hair and Makeup by Adorne Artistry

While black eyeliner typically gets all the attention, brown eyeliner is the underdog you may want to consider. Unlike its more dramatic counterpart, brown-toned liners can create a softer look without compromising on depth or definition. But don't take our word for it, we'll let this bride's sparkling blue eyes do all the talking.

Play with different finishes like matte, satin, or metallic eyeliners for unique looks.

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Copper Tones

Blonde bride with metallic eye makeup smiling — Photo by Peyton Byford

This bride's wedding beauty look is practically set ablaze with copper eyeshadow and thick liner. A subtle nude lipstick with copper undertones finishes off the face.

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A Luminous Look

Bride with soft makeup and embellished cape — Photo by Stephania Campos

Look at that ethereal glow! This bride's makeup is absolutely luminous as it seemingly melts into her skin and is deftly combined with a restrained eye and satin nude lippy. We take our hats off to her makeup artist for finding (or creating) such a perfectly matched nude lipstick.

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Winged Eyeliner With Pink Lips

Bride holding bouquet — Photo by Judy Pak Studio

We can't get enough of this composition. Winged liner, pale pink lipstick, and eye-catching highlight make for the perfect complement to this bride's berry-hued bouquet. This is a stunning look for a day of celebrating in the sunshine.

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Champagne Lids and Glossy Lip

Bride in lace robe getting eye makeup done — Photo by Natura Collective

Champagne isn't just for toasting with. This bride's metallic champagne eyeshadow is equal parts Old-Hollywood glam and modern-day sophistication. With a generous dose of mascara and a glossy lip, the look befits her elegant nuptials.

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A Pop of Pink Eyeshadow

Bride looking at herself in a mirror while putting on her earrings — Photo by Christine Brizendine of Dabble Me This

This bridal glow is next-level. Nude lips and a natural flush let that gorgeous luminance literally shine. This playfully bright pink eye, however, commands an audience as it hints at the wedding's Monet-inspired theme.

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A Sleek Eye and Bold Lip

brunette bride wears her hair down with winged eyeliner and bold red lip, diamond drop earrings and satin gown — Photo by Tess & Julia

A minimalist style need not always be accompanied by a no-makeup look. This bride coordinated her slinky slip dress with a dewy skin finish, sharp eyeliner, and a bold pout for a sense of heightened drama.

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A Contoured Look

Bride with glam makeup — Photo by Rachel Owens

A contoured complexion, mauve lip, and glam eye give this bride an alluring appeal. This is a stunning look for an early-afternoon wedding.

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Ultra-Soft Glam

Portrait of Bride in White Gown and Pearl Purse — Photo by Gina Almonte

An ultra-soft glam look will never lead you astray. Take a cue from this bride who sported rosy cheeks, neutral lips, and striking eyes for her post-elopement legal ceremony.

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A Royal Look

Bride in Lace Wedding Dress and Diamond Crown Posing in Front of White Curtains — Photo by Jose Villa

A royal-inspired wedding aesthetic is the perfect occasion to embrace a regal palette. Voluminous lashes and rosy lipstick pair well with a full brow to create a stunning combination.

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Vintage-Inspired Glam

bride putting on her earrings while looking out the window — Photo by Bonnie Sen

Searching for a vintage-inspired makeup look? Turn to this bride for inspiration, who donned a subtle blush cheek and rosy lips for her vintage, elegant wedding in the Virginia countryside.

FAQ

How much does wedding makeup cost?

The cost of wedding makeup varies greatly depending on location, artist experience, and services required. Some makeup artists charge by the hour while others offer all-inclusive packages, which can include pre-wedding skin care and product recommendations. Travel, trial sessions, and additional services (think: lashes and face masks) are often extra, so be sure to ask about what's included in any package.
How much should I tip for wedding hair and makeup?

A good rule of thumb is to tip between 15 and 20 percent of the total service fee (not including additional products like lashes or extensions). Some artists include a gratuity fee in the final price, so be sure to check your contract first. If multiple artists contribute to your final look, each should be tipped individually for their services.
How long does wedding hair and makeup take?

For the bride, we recommend allocating 60 to 90 minutes for makeup application and the same amount of time for hair services. This may vary depending on the styles and level of complexity required, so we suggest using your trials for reference as well as speaking with the professionals you've hired.
When should I book my wedding hair and makeup appointments?

Hair and makeup artists tend to book up quickly so we recommend locking down a team as soon as you know the wedding date and venue. Trials should be scheduled one to three months before the big day.