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Almost every bride-to-be says she wants to “look natural,” on her special day. The reality is, however, that appearing unfinished or as if you just woke up can leave you looking tired in your wedding pictures. Not to mention, with an elegant dress on, you want your face to complement your attire.

We want to help glam up your natural features while you get to still look like yourself. So, what can you do to look polished but avoid the caked-on makeup look? Here are a few simple ideas for how to rock the minimal makeup look.

Glowing And Radiant


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There’s a special kind of beauty that comes from having sun-kissed skin. To pull off a glowing, wedding look, try using some bronzer where the sun would naturally kiss your skin – on your cheekbones, jaw, nose, and forehead. Don’t forget to add a little to your neck so everything looks even. After adding a dab of foundation and some concealer, it’s time to select your bronzer shade. Generally, your bronzer should be one or two shades darker than your natural skin tone. Brush a tiny bit on your wrist first to see if it makes your skin glow or if it looks fake.

If you have naturally dark skin, try using an amber bronzer. If you have a medium-complexion, try a rosy shade. For those brides with fair skin, stick to a honey colour. Always use a wide brush to apply your bronzer, as using a pointed or thin brush can create unsightly, defined streaks. For a softer, all-natural appearance, use an open fan brush and add the colour slowly, building up the shade until you’re happy with the look.

Metallic Glam


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Eye-shadow can scare off a lot of brides who want to keep things simple. Everything from gradients, glitters, and layers of colour can become overwhelming, but your eye makeup doesn’t have to be complicated. When you’re going for a natural wedding look, applying a few shades subtly can look stunning.

Add some shadows and metallic accents around your eyes. These colours can elevate your iris’ natural colour and give you a stunning smoulder. Metallic shades like gold and copper look vibrant and glamorous. You won’t have to do much else with your face if you perfect your eye makeup game. Finish the look with some eyeliner, mascara, and matte nude lipstick.

Pretty In Pink


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The reason a little rose colour on your cheeks looks flattering is that everyone, no matter their skin colour, has some natural, pink undertones. Once you find the right shade for your skin tone, add some blush and see how it can instantly make you look youthful and bright. The last thing you want is to fade in the background of your wedding photos.

Swirl a small amount of blush onto the apples of your cheeks. Don’t forget to buff the colour out by using large circular motions. Adding your colour this way should create a natural-looking glow that brightens your face. Have fun with your blush, but don’t go overboard with it either.

Goddess Brows


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If you’re one of the lucky ones who was born with thick and beautiful brows, let them be your main focus. A natural brow with glowing skin and a neutral lip can make a statement without all the other products or contouring. If you want to achieve full, natural eyebrows but your hair is on the lighter side, there a few tools and tricks you can use to make them appear more natural.

Before filling in the gaps of your eyebrows, use a spoolie or angled brow brush to gently and repeatedly brush your eyebrow hair upwards. After you fill in the gaps with an eyebrow pencil, you can brush your natural hairs upwards again to blend in the colour and control any wild hairs. When shaping your brows, it’s important to remember to stay away from dramatic or loud lines. Instead, take the time to carefully apply your colour to even out your natural shape.

Testing, Testing


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Nothing is more natural than confidence. Therefore, you definitely want to test your makeup look before your big day. When it’s your first time in the makeup chair, try bringing inspirational photos you want to emulate or some images you saved on Pinterest. If you choose individuals who share your skin tone, hair colour, and eye colour, it may be easier to replicate the look.

When you bring samples to your test run, the makeup artist can give you expert feedback if certain details will or won’t work for you. Be clear about what you want, but stay open to your artists’ creativity. Once you’re happy with the result, you can let the makeup artist do their thing, and you can sit back and relax.

Be Yourself


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The last thing you want is for guests to arrive at your wedding and not be able to tell who is getting married. You want to look like yourself, no matter what makeup you choose to wear. For example, if you always sport a neutral lip, then stick to your signature look on the big day.

Perhaps even elevate the look and try using a lip stain in the colour you love instead of a lipstick. With all the drinking, dancing, and eating you will be partaking in, you shouldn’t have to worry about reapplying throughout the night. Also, try using a liquid, waterproof eyeliner instead of the one you regularly use so that your makeup stays intact, even if you tear up a few times throughout your big day.

The key is to look like an even more elegant, polished version of the person your significant other fell in love with. Be yourself, and you’re sure to wow the most important person at the wedding.