Your wedding day is a special occasion that deserves a look that compliments your natural beauty and reflects your personal style. Whether you prefer a classic, romantic, modern, or bohemian aesthetic, there are countless hair and makeup combinations to choose from to create the perfect bridal look for you. Not set on your aesthetic yet? Inspired by our Top Contributor Sara Pacheco of Pacheco Beauty, we're breaking beauty down with this wedding beauty guide exploring different hair and makeup looks for your big day.
ROMANTIC BRIDAL BEAUTY
Channel the essence of romance with a soft and ethereal bridal look. For your hair, opt for loose, flowing curls, a whimsical braid, or a gentle crown of flowers. Create a dreamy makeup look with a dewy complexion, flushed cheeks, and a hint of shimmer on your eyelids. Choose a soft pink or peach lip color for a touch of elegance.
Hair
Loose curls: Loose, romantic curls are a classic wedding hairstyle. To create this look, use a large-barrel curling iron to curl your hair in sections. After curling, finger comb your hair to loosen the curls and add volume. You can also use a texturizing spray to give your hair a lived-in look.
Half-up, half-down style: A half-up, half-down style is another romantic option for wedding hair. To create this look, pull back the top half of your hair and secure it with a bobby pin or hair tie. You can then curl the bottom half of your hair or leave it straight.
Braided hairstyle: A braided hairstyle is a beautiful and elegant option for wedding hair. There are many different types of braids you can choose from, such as a fishtail braid, French braid, or waterfall braid. Once you have chosen a braid style, braid your hair and secure the end with a bobby pin or hair tie.
Makeup
Natural glow: A natural glow is essential for romantic wedding makeup. To achieve this look, start by applying a light-coverage foundation or tinted moisturizer. Then, use a concealer to cover any blemishes or dark circles. Set your makeup with a translucent powder.
Flushed cheeks: A touch of blush on the cheeks will add a healthy and youthful glow to your complexion. Choose a blush in a soft pink or peach shade.
Soft pink lip: A soft pink lip is perfect for a romantic wedding look. Choose a lipstick or gloss in a light pink shade.
Shimmering eyeshadow: A touch of shimmering eyeshadow will add a touch of glam to your look. Choose an eyeshadow in a neutral shade, such as champagne or gold.
Accessories
Floral crown: A floral crown is a beautiful and romantic accessory for a wedding. Choose a crown made of fresh flowers or artificial flowers in your favorite color.
Hairpiece: A hairpiece is another elegant accessory for a wedding. Choose a hairpiece with crystals, pearls, or other embellishments.
Veil: A veil is a classic wedding accessory. Choose a veil in the length and style that you like best.
Tips for a romantic wedding look
Choose a hairstyle and makeup look that you feel comfortable and confident in.
Use waterproof makeup to avoid smudging.
Get a trial run of your hair and makeup before your wedding day.
Bring a touch-up kit with you on your wedding day.
Here are some additional tips for a romantic wedding look:
Use soft, neutral colors for your makeup. This will help to create a natural and effortless look.
Focus on your eyes. A smoky eye or winged eyeliner are both great ways to enhance your eyes.
Don't forget your lashes. A good mascara will help to make your lashes look longer and fuller.
Add a touch of shimmer. A touch of shimmer on your eyelids or cheekbones will help to add a touch of glamour to your look.
Keep your hair down or in a loose updo. This will help to create a soft and romantic look.
Add a floral crown or hairpiece. This is a great way to add a touch of personality to your look.
MODERN BRIDAL BEAUTY
The modern bridal beauty look is all about embracing individuality and expressing your unique style. It's about creating a look that is both timeless and elegant, yet also reflects your personal flair. Here are some tips on how to achieve a modern bridal beauty look:
Hair
Sleek and sophisticated: A sleek ponytail or a chic chignon is a great way to achieve a modern bridal hairstyle.
Textured and undone: Embrace a more relaxed and effortless look with textured waves, a messy braid, or a half-up, half-down style.
Bold and edgy: Make a statement with a trendy pixie cut, a dramatic undercut, or a playful updo with geometric shapes.
Add a touch of glamour: Elevate your hairstyle with a sparkly headband or a statement earring.
Makeup
Natural and glowy: Enhance your natural beauty with a dewy complexion, subtle blush, and a hint of shimmer on your eyelids.
Bold lips: Make a statement with a vibrant lip color in a rich berry, plum, or red shade.
Dramatic eyes: Create a captivating look with a smoky eye, graphic eyeliner, or bold eyeshadow in a jewel-toned hue.
Defined brows: Frame your eyes with well-groomed and defined eyebrows.
Long lashes: Enhance your lashes with mascara or consider false lashes for a more dramatic look.
Accessories
Minimal and modern: Keep your accessories simple and elegant with a delicate necklace, a pair of stud earrings, or a sleek bracelet.
Statement pieces: Add a touch of personality with a bold statement necklace, a unique earring design, or a vintage-inspired hairpiece.
Veil with a modern twist: Choose a veil in a non-traditional shade, such as blush pink or black, or opt for a veil with a unique embellishment, such as pearls or lace.
Tips for achieving a modern bridal beauty look
Start with healthy skin and hair: A good skincare routine and regular hair care will set the foundation for a flawless look.
Choose products that complement your skin tone and hair type.
Experiment with different styles and find what makes you feel most beautiful and confident.
Don't be afraid to go bold and express your individuality.
Work with a professional hairstylist and makeup artist who can help you create a look that is both modern and timeless.
BOHEMIAN BRIDAL BEAUTY
Embrace a free-spirited and effortless vibe with a bohemian bridal look. For your hair, opt for natural waves or curls, a messy braid, or a half-up, half-down style adorned with flowers or feathers. Create a natural makeup look with a sun-kissed glow, defined lashes, and a bold lip color in a rich berry or plum shade.
Hair
Natural waves or curls: Let your hair flow freely with loose, natural waves or curls. Embrace your natural texture and add a touch of volume with a sea salt spray or texturizing mousse.
Messy braids: Incorporate a messy braid or two into your hairstyle for a touch of boho flair. A braided headband, a half-up, half-down style with braids, or a simple braid adorned with flowers can add a touch of elegance and romance.
Flower crowns or accessories: Elevate your bohemian bridal look with a delicate flower crown, a headpiece adorned with feathers or beads, or a simple hair accessory.
Makeup
Sun-kissed glow: Embrace a natural, sun-kissed glow by applying a bronzer or a touch of self-tanner to your skin. Create a healthy flush on your cheeks with a soft blush.
Defined lashes: Enhance your lashes with mascara or consider false lashes for a more dramatic look. Keep the eyeliner minimal and focus on defining your lashes with mascara.
Bold lips or subtle eyes: Choose a bold lip color in a rich berry or plum shade for a statement-making look. Alternatively, keep your lips neutral and opt for a subtle smoky eye or a touch of shimmer on your eyelids.
Natural eyebrows: Frame your eyes with well-groomed and natural-looking eyebrows. Avoid over-plucking and focus on shaping and enhancing your natural brows.
Accessories
Statement jewelry: Utilize statement jewelry, such as chunky earrings, layered necklaces, or a bold bracelet. Choose pieces that complement your personal style and add a touch of individuality.
Natural elements: Incorporate natural elements into your accessories, such as wildflowers, feathers, or beads, to enhance the boho vibe.
Barefoot or sandals: Opt for a barefoot look or choose sandals made from natural materials, such as leather or wood, to complement your bohemian style.
Tips for achieving a bohemian bridal beauty look
Embrace your natural beauty: The key to bohemian bridal beauty is to embrace your natural features and enhance them with subtle makeup and hairstyling.
Keep it simple and effortless: Avoid overstyling and focus on creating a relaxed and effortless look that reflects your personal style.
Incorporate natural elements: Use natural elements, such as flowers, feathers, or beads, to add a touch of whimsy and romance to your look.
Express your individuality: Bohemian bridal beauty is all about expressing your unique personality and style. Choose elements that reflect your taste and make you feel beautiful and confident.
VINTAGE BRIDAL BEAUTY
Vintage bridal beauty evokes a sense of timeless elegance and glamour, inspired by the iconic styles of the past. Whether you're drawn to the pin-up charm of the 1940s, the sophistication of the 1950s, or the free-spirited vibes of the 1970s, there are countless ways to incorporate vintage elements into your bridal look.
Hair
Victory Rolls: These iconic pin-up curls add a touch of retro glamour to your hairstyle.
Bouffant: A voluminous bouffant exudes elegance and sophistication, perfect for a classic vintage look.
Pin-Up Curls: These timeless curls frame your face beautifully and add a touch of Hollywood charm.
Half-Up, Half-Down Style: A romantic half-up, half-down style with vintage waves or curls creates a softer, more ethereal look.
Makeup
Flawless Complexion: A flawless, porcelain-like complexion is a hallmark of vintage makeup. Use a light-coverage foundation and concealer to create an even base.
Bold Red Lips: A bold red lip is a timeless and striking vintage makeup choice. Choose a classic red shade and apply it with precision.
Winged Eyeliner: A dramatic winged eyeliner adds definition and glamour to your eyes. Use liquid or gel eyeliner for a sharp, defined line.
Subtle Eyeshadow: Keep eyeshadow neutral and subtle to balance out the bold lips and eyeliner. Opt for soft shades of cream, champagne, or taupe.
Flushed Cheeks: A touch of blush on the apples of your cheeks adds a healthy glow and a touch of vintage charm.
Accessories
Veil: A vintage-inspired veil adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to your look. Choose a classic birdcage veil, a Juliet cap veil, or a cathedral-length veil with delicate lace detailing.
Pearls or Crystals: Incorporate pearls or crystals into your jewelry to add a touch of vintage glamour. Choose a pearl necklace, earrings, or bracelet, or opt for a headpiece adorned with sparkling crystals.
Statement Earrings: Make a statement with bold, vintage-inspired earrings. Choose chandelier earrings, drop earrings, or earrings with intricate designs.
Gloves: Vintage-inspired gloves add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your bridal look. Choose elbow-length gloves, opera gloves, or fingerless gloves in a delicate lace or satin fabric.
Tips for achieving a vintage bridal beauty look
Start your beauty prep well in advance: A healthy complexion and hair are essential for a flawless vintage look. Stick to a regular skincare routine and deep condition your hair regularly.
Consult with a professional hairstylist and makeup artist: Experienced professionals can help you recreate your desired vintage look and ensure you feel confident and beautiful on your wedding day.
Schedule a hair and makeup trial: Experiment with different styles and makeup techniques to find the perfect look for your wedding day.
Choose makeup products that are long-lasting and waterproof: Vintage makeup tends to be more dramatic, so ensure your products can withstand the emotions and activities of your wedding day.
Accessorize with vintage-inspired pieces: Jewelry, gloves, and a veil can elevate your vintage bridal look and add a touch of timeless elegance.
Additional Tips for Your Wedding Day Beauty
Start your beauty prep well in advance of your wedding day to ensure healthy skin and hair.
Consult with a professional hair stylist and makeup artist to discuss your desired look and their recommendations.
Schedule a hair and makeup trial to experiment with different styles and ensure you love the final result.
Choose makeup products that are waterproof and long-lasting to withstand the emotions and activities of your wedding day.
Prioritize comfort and confidence in your chosen hair and makeup style to truly shine on your special day.
Remember, your wedding day is all about celebrating your love and expressing your unique personality. Choose a hair and makeup look that makes you feel beautiful, confident, and truly yourself. With careful planning and a touch of creativity, you can create a bridal look that reflects your style and leaves a lasting impression.
Beauty looks shared and credited in this guide are the works of talented Pacheco Beauty.