Wedding makeup in 2024 is not coming to play. Whether you’re a to-be-wed, a bridesmaid, a mother-of-the-bride or a guest, there are plenty of makeup trends to get excited about. Think: food-inspired monochromatic accents, ombré pouts and even balletcore beauty, which is the 2024 makeup trend that has lately been living in my head rent-free ever since I first saw it on Hailey Bieber. In short, brides still love minimalistic makeup that focuses on pre-wedding beauty and glowing skin but adds little twists and unique spins to take it to the next level.
1. Glowy But Natural Face Makeup
Where you’ve seen it: One thing’s for sure in 2024: glowy makeup is not going anywhere. “I think brides want to see themselves when they look in the mirror and look back on photos so that glam will have a more natural glow rather than a cakey, overdone look,” says Maria Marzullo, content creator and entrepreneur. “We have seen this on celebs such as Sofia Richie Grainge and Barbara (Palvin) Sprouse and I know I will personally be channeling that same natural look for my wedding look next summer in Italy.”
Who it’s perfect for: As Marzullo mentions, natural, glowy looks are perfect for the destination or summer bride and can easily be achieved with good skin prep and the right foundation. It’s a “less is more” approach that can be achieved with skin prep before the big day, according to Patricia LeJeune of LeJeune Hair & Makeup Artistry in Orlando, Florida. “A good exfoliating and moisturizing routine will go a long way toward achieving this look,” she says.
2. Pops of Red
Where you’ve seen it: You may have heard that the Red Nail Theory has recently blown up on TikTok, and for good reason. “The color red isn’t going anywhere for 2024 brides; from the bottom of their shoes to the tips of their fingernails, I think we are going to see more red weaved into bridal beauty,” says Marzullo. If you’re worried that red might be too bold for your bridal look, you can incorporate it by blurring it out or softening it to create the perfect flush of color.
Who it’s perfect for: This timeless hue symbolizes love, passion and sensuality, so it makes sense for those to-be-weds who want to lean into a bold makeup look. Another way to paint the town red on your wedding day? Your nails! “While the French manicure is beautiful, I think brides are being more true to themselves and will lean into colors more, even as daring as red. Kourtney Kardashian did a gorgeous red French tip look for her wedding and I loved it.”
3. Balletcore Beauty
Where you’ve seen it: You heard it here first: balletcore beauty is going to be one of the hottest bridal makeup trends of 2024. The aesthetic has been seen all over social media recently on influencers and stars like Sofia Richie and Hailey Beiber, and it’s the perfect “soft girl” look for weddings. “Place the blush on the apples of the cheeks and perhaps a little on the bridge of the nose to give a youthful look,” says Nicole Iyer of Santa Barbara-based Samara Beauty. “Use creams instead of powders. We love a good cream blush, bronzer and highlighter for a more natural look that melts into the skin.”
Who it’s perfect for: This whimsical trend is perfect for the bride who wants to give off feminine prima ballerina vibes, radiating charm and elegance as she walks down the aisle. Adding a peach or rosy blush, cool-toned shadows and a delicate pink glossy lip can help you easily achieve this effortlessly pretty style. Oh, and don’t forget to complete the look with a sleek ballerina bun.
4. Ombré Lips
Where you’ve seen it: In 2024, we can expect to see plenty of ombré pouts as lustrous, two-tone lip colors come to the forefront (think: a modernized version of the 90’s look with a more gradient finish). Iconic celebrities like Rihanna, Megan Thee Stallion, Beyoncé and Priyanka Chopra have flaunted this bold style, combining a soft neutral lipstick shade at the center of the lips and gradually fading it into a vibrant pop of color at the edges.
Who it’s perfect for: If you want a supermodel-worthy pout on your wedding day, then ombré lips are for you. This wedding makeup trend is created by taking a darker lip color and blending it with a more neutral color near the center of your lips. And don’t forget to finish the look with a little bit of gloss!
5. Monochromatic Moments
Where you’ve seen it: Move over, bold and vibrant colors—monochromatic looks are here to steal the spotlight, according to Iyer. Kendall Jenner and Emma Watson have been spotted sporting the latte makeup trend, which entails using warm, earthy tones seamlessly blended across the eyes, lips, and cheeks, while Hailey Beiber and Sabrina Carpenter often sport Strawberry Girl Summer makeup. The result? A harmonious and effortlessly stunning appearance that enhances your natural beauty.
Who it’s perfect for: This trend is perfect for the to-be-wed who appreciates simplicity and timeless elegance and wants to embrace her unique features on their big day. “To achieve this look, try using your bronzer on your eyes as well as your skin,” says Iyer. Top it off with a smudged-in brown liner, nude brown lip liner and gloss to complete the look.”
Written by Lauren Whalley
7 Wedding Make-Up Trends for 2023
June 30, 2023
When you think of bridal makeup inspiration, terms like “subtle,” “effortless,” and “classic” come to mind. Basically, looks that are timeless. But with a new year comes a new wave of makeup trends. And this year is no exception. We’re calling it now: 2023 will be all about going bold.
Nothing is off limits: candlelit skin, sparkle, and color are all trending. We’re talking rhinestone-studded eyelids, delicate face jewels, and different variations of the red lip. And if you’re a traditionalist at heart, there is no need to worry. Those mainstay looks — a bold lip, neutral palettes, and long lashes — will still be huge through the 2023 wedding season.
So if you’re looking for some wedding inspo, see what the experts predict will be the biggest bridal makeup trends of the year. Scroll down to see which of the seven looks speaks to you.
Sparkly lids
“I’m really surprised that more brides aren’t wearing more reflective makeup, because it looks so good in photos and videos, especially in lower lighting,” says celebrity makeup artist and the genius behind Euphoria’s iconic makeup looks, Donni Davy.
“There’s nothing more magical (in makeup) than a light-reflecting sparkly detail that literally twinkles with you as you move in and out of direct lighting.”
Red lips
You can never go wrong with a classic red lip. Celebrity makeup artist Neil Scibilli says that red lips and minimal makeup have been trending for a while and will continue to be big this year and beyond. “It’s a timeless way to wear a pop of color without having to wear too much makeup,” he says. “I’ve personally loved creating looks featuring a red lip for weddings which can be worn in all seasons. You can also find your red with variations of orangey reds, deep reds, and classic reds.”
Rhinestone lids
Davy is also a huge fan of adding some special sparkle to your eyes with tiny rhinestones on the eyelids. “Tiny rhinies (as I call them) are actually super dainty and understated,” she says.
Statement lashes
Scibelli confirms that lashes are always a statement trend for weddings. They can give the eyes more depth and add volume to your natural lashes. For either false lashes or extensions, he recommends going for a medium-style lash that it’s not too overpowering yet still full enough to pop in photos.
For false lashes especially, he says you’ll want to make sure you’re going with something that is lightweight and has a flexible band so that it stays on all night.
Neutral palettes
If minimal makeup is your vibe, Pimentel says to go for a neutral palette that brings out your natural features. “This can be achieved with a simple nude-toned smoky eye and a glossy [bare] lip,” she says.
Candlelit skin
Having a natural glow is one of the most-requested looks Scibelli gets when he’s working with brides. “Bridal makeup should enhance one’s existing, natural features without feeling overpowering. So, glowing skin is always trending,” he says. “It’s important to feel and look like yourself on your big day.”
He recommends prepping your skin with hydrating and brightening skincare to create the ideal canvas for makeup. When looking at base makeup, he says to go for foundations that offer a “candlelit effect,” which he says is a romantic, lit-from-within finish.
Face jewels
“Face crystals are a fun way to dress up a makeup look on a wedding day…for that extra spark,” says Scibelli. “It’s also a fun party look for the evening.” He especially likes jewels along the brow bone and the inner and outer corners of the eyes.
- Instyle by Audrey Noble