comment-se-maquiller-pour-un-mariage
20-05-2025

How to do your makeup for a wedding?

5 min read

A wedding is a bit like a red carpet, all about family, friends, canapés, and a disco playlist. Whether you're the bride, a guest, or even the best man for the day, there's no point in arriving with makeup that turns you into a horror movie extra... or a disco ball. So, how do you do your wedding makeup? Spoiler: you don't need a cosmetics degree. Just a little method, common sense, and this handy guide.

Preparing your skin, the basis of any successful makeup

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Before you even think about whipping out your favorite foundation, there's some serious work to do. Properly prepped skin is a bit like a wedding dress before the big day: it needs to be flawless, soft, well-hydrated, and above all... vibrant.

Exfoliate without damaging

We don't ask you to scrub like you're cleaning a burnt pan. A gentle scrub the night before the big day is all it takes to say goodbye to dead skin and hello to radiance.

Hydration, your best friend

Even if you have oily skin, don't skip this step. A good moisturizer helps your makeup stay put without turning into a "cracked mask" disaster.

A smoothing base, but not mandatory

If you have visible pores or small imperfections, a primer can be helpful. But if you don't see a difference, there's no need to complicate things. Your skin doesn't need to pass the baccalaureate exam to deserve a little makeup.

Choose a fresh, natural complexion (without looking like a wax statue)

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Wedding makeup is the art of making people believe they've slept 8 hours, drink 2 liters of water a day, and live in an organic yogurt commercial. Really? We're cheating. But subtly.

Foundation or no foundation?

If you have good skin, a BB cream or a well-placed concealer may be enough. Otherwise, opt for a foundation that is light, luminous, and above all, suited to YOUR skin tone. The idea is not to look like a ghost or an orange—especially if you're wearing a simple wedding dress , which lets all your natural beauty shine through. Test on the jawline, not the hand (you'll thank yourself later).

Concealer, your lifeline

A restless night? Dark circles that could serve as a landing strip? Concealer is here. But don't use half a pot. Pat gently, blend, and that's it. We want life, not plaster.

Loose or compact powder: a touch is enough

Powder is like Parmesan cheese: we love it, but if we use too much, it's a disaster. A thin layer on the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) is enough to avoid shining like a disco ball.

Enhance your eyes without stinging those of others

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Whether you opt for natural or more sophisticated makeup, eyes are the star of the show. But there's no need for a rockstar-style smoky eye at 9 a.m.

Soft and luminous eyeshadows

Opt for warm, pink, golden, or brown tones. Colors that flatter all skin tones and avoid the panda effect after two hours of dancing.

Eyeliner? Yes, but in moderation

A thin line along the lash line to intensify your eyes is perfect. But if you're not comfortable with it, don't force yourself. The stress of a botched liner can turn your makeup routine into a nightmare.

Mascara, the real MVP

It's the one that opens your eyes, gives you doe eyes, and resists (almost) everything. Opt for waterproof if you're very sensitive or if the DJ has planned emotional slow songs.

The eyebrows: the frame of the painting

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Unkempt eyebrows are a bit like a Mona Lisa without a frame. Too bad. Even with the most beautiful country wedding dress , a messy look can ruin everything. Take two minutes to brush them, fill them in slightly, and set them. Nothing extreme. Just enough to keep them from going wild at the first gust of wind.

Give a healthy glow without the need for filters

Even if your wedding photographer is a professional, it's best not to rely solely on retouching. A few well-placed touches can make all the difference.

Blush, your fresh look

A little pink, peach, or coral on your cheeks, and you're ready to face foie gras toasts and awkward speeches. Smile, tap, blend. It's the only equation that matters.

Highlighter, but not in disco ball mode

Apply it to the tops of your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, and your Cupid's bow. Just a hint for a subtle glow effect. No need to dazzle the bride and groom.

Lips: we focus on comfort and hold

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What's the point of wearing a top-notch lipstick if you have to touch it up every ten minutes between cocktails and dessert? Choose a shade that suits you, doesn't bleed, and doesn't require a mirror every two seconds.

Nude tones: a safe bet

Whether you prefer pinkish beige, rosewood or soft peach, there's bound to be a natural shade that will enhance your lips without overshadowing the wedding cake.

Red, why not?

If you love red, go for it. But test it first, wear it for a few hours at home, and eat with it. Just so you don't discover in the middle of the ceremony that it's gone faster than a witness at the microphone.

The contour pencil, the little extra

It prevents smudging and helps define your lips. We're sticking with the lipstick shade, no '90s lip contour, thank you.

Secure everything to hold up to the dance floor

Makeup is good. But makeup that lasts until midnight without touch-ups, especially when you're wearing a fairytale lace wedding dress , is even better. A setting spray can make all the difference. A few spritzes and you're ready to face the sun, the tears, the selfies, and the jokes from your annoying cousin.

Adapt your makeup to your role in the wedding

Not the same job, not the same makeup. We don't dress the same for a picnic or a gala, and it's the same for makeup.

Are you the bride? Priority to sparkle

Your mission: to shine without losing yourself under a layer of makeup. You must be yourself, only better. The makeup must last, be photogenic, and above all... resemble you.

Are you the witness? Elegance with personality

You're in the top 3 people watched. So we pay attention to details, we play with subtlety, and we keep in mind that the star is the bride.

Invited? Let's have fun, without overdoing it.

Good taste above all else. No overly garish colors, no oversized false eyelashes (unless you're totally into them), an elegant and timeless long-sleeved wedding dress , and above all, makeup that doesn't steal the show.

Bonus tips for a wedding makeup-free

Because a little something can change everything, here are some tips to slip into your bag... and into a corner of your mind.

Bring a survival kit

A mini mirror, a little powder, your lipstick, tissues (for tears of joy, we hope), and a cotton swab. Simple, but effective.

Take a test before the big day

Especially if you're not used to wearing makeup. Test your look a week before. This is to validate the colors, the hold... and to avoid ending up panicking in search of makeup remover.

Professional or homemade makeup?

If you have the budget (and the stress), hiring a pro can save the day. Otherwise, with a little practice and this guide, you can absolutely manage on your own, like a grown-up. Read this article to learn more .

And there you have it!

Whether you're team nude or a fan of bold lipstick, the important thing is to feel good in your sneakers (or heels). Wedding makeup is a boost to enhance who you already are. Not a transformation into a pop diva. And if after three hours you've laughed, cried, danced, and your makeup has moved a little... that's a good sign: you've enjoyed yourself.


JOIN THE MY BEAUTIFUL WEDDING FAMILY