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, 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 do 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.

60 Wedding Makeup Ideas for Bridesjourn

woman — LAURA MURRAY / Design by Michela Buttignol

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 than this roundup of the prettiest wedding makeup ideas for every kind of bride.

But where's a bride to start when it comes to choosing the components of a stunning wedding look? Makeup artist Christina Chen suggests starting off by sending photos to your makeup artist of looks you're attracted to. "Have them assess your features to see whether it suits your overall look, including your wedding vibe, hairstyle, and wedding dress," she says.

Meet the Expert

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

Bridal makeup inspo, you say? You've come to the right place. Whether you choose lush, look-at-me 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 just know you're going to be gorgeous.

Ahead, we've rounded up 60 wedding makeup ideas from stunning real brides.

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Lush Lashes

Portrait of regal bridal with pearl headband and veil — Photo by Alicia Mink Photography; Brow Sculpting by Damone Roberts

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; Hair & Makeup by Beauty by Stacey

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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A Glam Look With Gradient Eyeshadow

Bride in glam makeup and jewelry on bed — Photo by Terri Baskin; Event Planning by Melissa Williams of B Astonished Events; Headpiece by Queen Me Jewelry LLC; Hair by DominiQue Nicole; Makeup by Lauren Nicely

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 the lavish DC nuptials.

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A Bronzed Glow With a Rosy Lip

Glowing bride with bronze cheek highlight putting on earring — Photo by SoCal Standard; Event Planning by Gatherist; Hair & Makeup by Kali Chris Hair & Makeup

Bride Olivia 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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Smokey Eyes and Nude Hues

Bridal portrait — Photo by Katherine Ann Rose

Monochromatic copper hues blend with the bride's hair color creating a uniform appearance that showcases stunning eyes. This is how you do a warm smokey eye without a hint of black or gray tones. Talk about a gorgeous look that works well into the evening.

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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 Sheer Face

Bride with natural makeup look — Photo by Carmen Santorelli Photography

This bride opted for barely there makeup with thinly lined eyes and long lashes for her outdoor wedding with a bohemian vibe. Armed with lipstick in a natural shade, she pulled off the look effortlessly. We love this no-makeup makeup approach for laid-back celebrations.

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A Sculpted Cheek

Bridal portrait with cutout dress and pearl clutch — Photo by Du Soleil Photographie; Event Planning by Britt Lemenager of Everlemon Events; Hair by Roxy Gorman; Makeup by Seth Richardson

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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Bronze Lids With Orange Lipstick

Regal glow makeup look — Photo by Cinzia Bruschini

Romantic red-orange lipstick married with defined eyes and a gorgeous glow creates such a stunning look. A perfect makeup composition for the couple's wedding in Italy, saying "I do" as the sun set around them. We love how the gold metalwork and colored gems in the headpiece complement the makeup exquisitely.

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Distinguished Eyes and Brows

Bridal portrait in winter — 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 oh so rich against a monochromatic palette.

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Classic Neutrals

We love this beaming bride's neutral aesthetic. A light smokey eye combined with a nude lip is always a classic. With a fresh-faced appearance and flushed cheek, she looks every bit the blushing bride.

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A Gilded Eye

Bridal portrait with gold portrait — Photo by Laura Murray

Consider adding gilding for some modern-boho flair. Party-ready metallic accents and bold ruby lipstick ensure this bride is the star of the show. We're all for going a little extra on the big day.

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A Retro Look With Gold Eyeshadow

Bridal portrait with bouquet — Photo by Funkytown Photography

We love this soft glam with a pop of shimmer. Gold eyeshadow and graphic liner harken back to the golden age of glamour. A bit of highlight on the collar bones takes full advantage of that gorgeous sweetheart neckline.

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A Subtle Glow and Mauve Shades

Bride getting ready — 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. 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

Glam bride with glossy dark hair, jewel encrusted bodice, veil and orchid bouquet — Photo by Rachel Rodgers Photography; Veil by Ryan and Walter; Hair by Senada K. Ceka; Makeup by DâAmelio Cosmetics

"Glitzy yet graceful" is what bride Jeanine was going for with this 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. Graphic nude lipliner adds definition to the glossy lip, amplifying what might have otherwise gotten lost in the dramatic look.

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A Bold Red Lip

There's always room to incorporate a bold lipstick, especially when it's paired with a wedding drenched in Southwestern hues. We love the way this brave red lipstick perfectly matches the saturated notes in this couple's bouquets.

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Shimmery Eyes With a Nude Lip

Glowing bride hugging groom — Photo by Alanna Hogan Photography; Hair by Lilyâs Beauty; Makeup by Kayla Joy

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 getting makeup done — Photo by Ryon Lockhart Photography

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

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Winged Liner With a Subtle Lippy

Groom kissing smiling bride framed by billowing veil — Photo by Caroline Tran; Event Planning by So Happi Together; Hair & Makeup by Kelly Zhang

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; Event Planning by Calluna Events; Makeup by Bre Ortola Alchemy Face Bar

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 — Photo by Alex Tome Photography; Event Planning by Vows Portugal; Makeup by Antonia Rosa

Despite the matte complexion, Josiane'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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Dramatic Makeup With a Deep Red Lip

Bride with smokey eye and deep red lip — PHOTO BY JOSEPH NANCE & FRANCO GIOMI/IMAGEN; Event Planning by Saguzo Eventos; Hair by Vilma Coy; Makeup by Jocelyn Biga

A dramatic smokey eye and defined brows work well with a heavily embellished look. We love the way bride Tania opted for metallic shadows to play off the embroidery and champagne gold pearls on her bridal cape. And that ultra-deep red lip is just incredible.

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Simple Makeup With a Rosy Lip

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; Event Planning by Providence and Planning; Hair & Makeup by Kohnur

Smoked-out eyeliner typically comes with a fun rock 'n' roll edge, but this bridal iteration is refreshingly approachable. Black eyeliner delivers on the smokeshow, 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

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; Hair by Sheek Studio; Makeup by Amanda Gonzalez

A matching praline eye and lip combo look 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; Event Planning by RO & Co. Events; Makeup by Ashley Fierro

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; Event Planning by Paper Diamonds; Makeup by Tum Suriyan Makeup

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

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 Bronze Hues

A vintage aesthetic just begs for sultry tones. This bride's bronze eyeshadow lets her incredible eyes take center stage while a deep scarlet 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; Event Planning by Dash Event Company; Headpiece by Maria Sn Novias via WildBride

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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A Color-Coordinated Combo

Bride Monis color-coordinated her makeup to match the sumptuous silks and richly hued jewels she wore. A deep-magenta lippy and vibrant green eyeliner come together exquisitely with the opulent ensemble.

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Pretty in Pink

Newlyweds dancing — Photo by Amber Gress; Makeup by Kally Sitaras

We love natural coverage that embraces a bride's dewy skin. Metallic 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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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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Gray Hues and Long Lashes

Switch things up and opt for gunmetal gray eyes. Blend gray hues with luscious lashes and a beautiful bronze glow for some beach-bound boho glam. That's right, we said cool gray tones for a beach wedding, and we're sticking to it.

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Sunset Hues

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

A glossy eye, glowing lip, and jaw-dropping highlight give bride Adeline 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

Newlyweds in a hammock — Photo by Katie Ruther; Event Planning by Destination Weddings Tulum; Makeup by Silvia Moreno

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

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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Natural Composition

Bridal portrait while getting ready — Photo by Rach Loves Troy; Event Planning by Tara Skinner Weddings & Events; Makeup by White Witch Artistry

Sheer coverage allows this bride's charming freckles to shine through. With a subtle palette on the eyes and a hint of mascara, this is a gorgeous option for an outdoor ceremony. We love that she let her natural curls fall freely to match the vibe.

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Bond Girl Glam

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

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; Event Planning by Roque Events; Hair & Makeup by LaJo Studios

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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Minimal Makeup With Rosy Lips

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

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

This bride is emanating an ethereal glow with barely there coverage. A little mascara and subtle lippy are all that's needed. What the lip lacks in saturation, it certainly makes up in finish with a metallic edge that heightens the luminous theme.

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A Monochromatic Taupe Palette

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

A vibrant bridal ensemble can be difficult to pair with. Maanasa's taupe eyeshadow and persimmon lip make for a stunning combination with her saffron-colored sari. We do love a uniform look.

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Au Naturel With Strong Brows

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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Earth Tones

Earthy palettes are stunning for day or night. This look married taupe and cocoa tones with lightly lined eyes and lush lashes for a gorgeous combo. The colors look exquisite with the bride's brow shade and golden 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 & 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 bride Meag'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

Bride with copper makeup having earrings put on — Photo by IVASH; EVENT PLANNING BY LISI KORN OF FOREVER EVENTS; MAKEUP BY VICKY J. RIVERA

Green-eyed brides, take note: Jessica's eyes are practically set ablaze with a copper-tipped smoke and thick liner. A matching 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; Event Planning by Daryl Wilson of D Concierge Events; Hair by Nikki Garcia; Makeup by Stacy Kent

Look at that ethereal glow! Bride Lillian'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 with metallic champagne eyeshadow putting on earring — Photo by Twah Dougherty Photography; Event Planning by Eleni & Co. New York; Hair by Mia Farah Beautique; Makeup by Paulina Allure Beauty Icon

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, dewy skin, and glossy lip, the look befits the elegant industrial nuptials.

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A Pop of Pink Eyeshadow

Newlywed portrait of smiling groom and bride with pink eyeshadow — Photo by Christine Brizendine of Dabble Me This; Event Planning by Bridget Rogers of Shannon Gail Weddings; Hair by Aneisha Wilks; Makeup by Danielle Rochon

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 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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A Subtle Cut Crease

Newlywed portrait of groom kissing bride's forehead — Photo by Dragonfly Photography; Hair by Dear SummMer; Makeup by MUA Tiana Shanee

That's right we said subtle cut crease. While that may sound like a contradiction for the typically dramatic look, this beaming bride proves that it can translate to romantic bridal looks too. This otherwise neutral eye gets an extra dose of oomph with a pink cut crease and a full set of lashes for a vineyard wedding.

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, 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 do 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.