28 bridesmaid makeup looks to serve as inspo for your big day

You’ve finally found the perfect bridesmaid dresses, and now it’s time to decide on the bridesmaid makeup. While there’s no hard or fast rules here, it’s a good idea to take the time to think about the vibe you’re going for and how you want your squad to look. After all, they'll be by your side on your wedding day (and next to you in lots of photos).

Ultimately, bridesmaids play a crucial role in any wedding, and since they’re important people in your life, it's only natural that you would want them to feel as good as they look. The right makeup can enhance their natural beauty and create a cohesive, polished look for the entire bridal party. Here are a few things to consider before the big day straight from the experts' mouths.

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Sarah Rose (who goes by Stevie The Mua on Instagram), makeup artist and Saie Beauty's resident educator spoke to GLAMOUR and dropped her best tips on how to achieve the best bridesmaid makeup looks. Her first piece of advice? “Let the bride shine. The bride will always have a plan for makeup going into the day. She may even have a photo from her trial she can show you! It’s always good to get an idea of what her makeup will look like so you don’t steal her thunder.” Noted Stevie. Now, for the nitty gritty in Stevie's words:

1. When in doubt, go monochromatic. A really impactful and simple way to create a gorgeous look is by pulling inspiration from the bridesmaids dress and creating a monochromatic look, sticking to similar tones for the eyes, lips, and cheeks. It’s a win every time.
2. Skin prep is everything. If your skin is in a good place, you will require less makeup and it will last longer. Firstly, exfoliate with something that you trust. Be sure to apply a hyaluronic acid serum in the days leading up to and the day of the wedding. This will ensure the skin stays hydrated and looks smooth on the surface. Sheet masks are also great for immediate hydration, plumping and refreshing skin. Throw it in the fridge beforehand so it's extra cooling. Lastly, consider a facial massage with something like a jade roller, gua sha, or an ice roller if you notice puffiness or inflammation.
3. Define features and work with what’s already there. Define your eyes and create the illusion of a thicker lash line with some tight-lining and smudged liner. Enhance the shape of your face and sculpt your cheekbones by using a cool or neutral shade of cream bronzer (Saie Sun Melt, £26, Cult Beauty is my go-to) underneath the cheekbones and adding a glassy highlighter on top. Use light to medium coverage as your base (like Saie Slip Tint, £27, Cult Beauty) and use a concealer with more coverage on blemishes or areas of redness so your skin still looks like skin. Opt for a lip colour that’s a similar shade to the natural colour of your lips, just a notch or two darker so you feel like yourself. Use that same colour on your cheeks.
4. There’s a fine line between the level of makeup needed for photographs and the level that will make you feel comfortable and confident on the day.  My preference is doing the level of makeup you feel most confident in so that you naturally shine and radiate in every photo, rather than putting more makeup on to appease the camera. You won’t feel like yourself and that will show in your expressions.
5. Say yes to lashes. Lashes are not an everyday thing for most people. They can be a really fun add on to a bridesmaid look because they’re temporary and they can really take a look up a notch. Individual lashes are my favourite because they look incredibly natural and you can customise it to the eye so they’re very comfortable to wear. Even with the simplest makeup look, the addition of lashes can make such a huge difference in making the look more romantic and elevated.
6. Water. Drink it. Lots of it. For truly hydrated, de-puffed skin–internal hydration is key. Prioritise drinking water in the days before the wedding and day of for the best looking makeup.
7. Don’t expect your lip to last all night long, looking fresh. It’s best to carry your lip colour with you so that you can reapply as needed.

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Now for some looks to consider:

1. Soft and Natural: A classic, soft and natural look is always a winner for bridesmaids. This look features minimal eye makeup, with a focus on a fresh, glowing complexion. A subtle nude or pink lip completes the look.
2. Bold Lip: For a statement look that still complements the bride, perhaps consider a bold lip. Pick a colour that won’t transfer and ruin dresses. This lip hue will be best paired with a more neutral eye makeup to avoid overpowering the overall look.
3. Smoky Eye: A smoky eye can be a timeless look for bridesmaids, especially for evening weddings. This look features dramatic, blended-out eye shadow in shades of black, brown, or grey, best paired with a neutral lip.
4. Glowing Skin: For bridesmaids who want to radiate a luminous, glowing complexion, a dewy makeup look can do the trick. This look features a highlighter to accentuate the high points of the face, paired with a neutral lip.
5. Pop of Colour: For a fun and playful look, consider adding a pop of colour to the eyes or lips. This could include a bold red lip or a bright, shimmery eye shadow in shades of blue, green, or purple.

No matter what look you choose, it's important to ensure that the bridesmaid makeup complements the bride's look and theme of the wedding. A professional makeup artist can help guide you in selecting the perfect makeup look that enhances the natural beauty of each bridesmaid and complements the overall bridal party aesthetic.

Here are 28 bridesmaid makeup looks to inspire you and your bridal party on the big day:

Dolphin glow:

Pearly finishes:

Subtle Shimmers:

Mattified gloss:

Angelic bronze:

Purple Haze:

Natural enhanced face:

Unit Power Lip:

Soft Glam:

Sunset Glow:

Ethereal Princess Squad:

Barely-there beat:

Soft matte glow:

Pink lip drip:

Pops of colour:

Golden Goddess:

Face framing glow:

Soft smokey eye:

Shimmery glow:

Plumping peach:

Bridal party beat:

Glazed lids:

Bronze goddess:

Subtle sparkle:

Blushing bridesmaid:

Mermaid core:

Black tie glam:

Silver smoke:

For more from Glamour UK Beauty Writer Shei Mamona, follow her on Instagram @sheimamona