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Weddings

The Biggest Wedding Makeup Don'ts, According to Experts

Wedding makeup experts weigh in on exactly what to do and what NOT to do to look fresh-faced and photo-ready on your wedding day.

glam bride hair and makeup

glam bride hair and makeup

Photo: Fyrefly Photography

When it comes to your wedding makeup, you want to make sure you look flawless and avoid any and all makeup mistakes. So we decided to hear what the beauty experts had to say about the dos and don'ts of wedding day makeup and beauty routines for brides-to-be.

Here's the inside scoop on wedding makeup don'ts.


Q: What are some common mistakes that you see brides make when it comes to their wedding day makeup?


They may want a natural look, but what shows up in the pictures is too subtle for such a big day. There is a fine balance between a natural look with enough product (where it's not overdone and 'cakey'), but also looks stunning both in person and on camera.”—Rita Tischler of Lola + Liv MUA in Los Angeles, California.

The biggest mistake I see brides make when it comes to their wedding makeup is thinking they need to do something dramatically different. This can cause brides to end up not looking like themselves in their wedding photos or wedding video. Most of us already have a daily routine of how we do our makeup. I suggest going with a makeup style that you will feel comfortable with and lets you look like yourself.” —Nicole Greenhouse of Makeup Artistry by Nicole in Boca Raton, Florida.

Q: What is a big misconception brides have about wedding makeup?


I think the biggest misconception couples have about their makeup is that they can 'just do it themselves.' We all have 'imperfections' in our skin and a true expert can help conceal some of those, as well as, understand that makeup gets defused in natural light, flash and through the lens.” —Nicole Greenhouse of Makeup Artistry by Nicole in Boca Raton, Florida.

They think that makeup artists] have to apply a lot of makeup, but that's not true. It is all about a good application with the right products.” —Michelle Legorreta of [Beauty Concepts in San Antonio, Texas

Airbrush is not for everyone. Sometimes, HD foundation is the way to go to achieve your ideal look."— Rita Tischler of Lola + Liv MUA in Los Angeles, California.

bride getting makeup done

Photo: Stanlo Photography

Q: What should a bride do before her first makeup trial?


Do your research! Look at different pictures of women who have similar features or hair color so you can visualize what you will look like. Also, research the makeup artist. Read reviews even reach out to past clients to get their personal experience with the artist. Your wedding day is one of the most important days in your life, so you’ll want to be able to trust the person you are working with.”—Dana Murcia of Dana Murcia Makeup in New York City, New York

Please don’t just go by price. Look at their portfolio, website and other social media links. Ask yourself how current are their pictures, is there a good blend of professional and “candid” photos and most important, talk to your artist! This is a very important relationship. Your beauty team will be with you mostly likely six to eight hours prior to you walking down the aisle. So remember, feeling good goes hand-in-hand with looking good."—Nicole Greenhouse of Makeup Artistry by Nicole in Boca Raton, Florida.

Q: Are there specific beauty regimes a bride should NOT do the night before the wedding?


Brides should NOT self-tan or go to the tanning salon the day before the wedding! Also, do not try any different skin care items other than your regular regime. This could cause you to breakout or even have a reaction the day before your wedding.”—Dana Murcla of Dana Murcla Makeup in New York City, New York

Avoid waxing, peeling, or any other facial or a laser treatment the day before your wedding.”—Michelle Legorreta of Beauty Concepts in San Antonio, Texas

Q: Any must-follow beauty tips or pieces of advice?


Remember to wash your face in the morning and at night and never go to bed with makeup. Also, try and drink at least five glasses of water daily.”—Michelle Legorreta of Beauty Concepts in San Antonio, Texas

Don't stress about the makeup on your wedding day. That's what a trial is for -to ensure you walk away happy and confident about your makeup. Also, make sure your makeup speaks to you by not trying a totally new look for your wedding.” —Rita Tischler of Lola + Liv MUA in Los Angeles, California.