The bridal makeup scene is ever-changing, with fresh trends and techniques emerging every year.
In 2024, we’re seeing a beautiful mix of timeless sophistication and modern flair.
To explore the latest trends influencing bridal beauty, we spoke with three talented makeup artists whose skills have enhanced numerous weddings. If you’re seeking ideas for your special day, you’ve come to the perfect place!
Meet the Experts
- Airin Lee is a Cosmetic Science and Hair and Makeup Artistry diploma holder, makeup artist, and co-founder of beauty service ARLY.
- Kaelyn Wu is a Cosmoprof graduate, bridal makeup artist, and lash technician.
- Mibe Leung is a Makeup & Hairstyling diploma holder and professional makeup artist and hairstylist.
Natural Glow
Credits: @arly.co/Instagram
Timeless and simple makeup will always remain in style. Airin Lee, co-founder of ARLY, shares her thoughts: “A natural makeup look that enhances one’s own features is always in demand.”
This trend simply evolves, with this year’s highlight being a gentle, radiant glow. Bridal makeup artist Kaelyn Wu notes, “The no-makeup makeup look continues to trend, with emphasis on glowing, dewy skin.”
The essence of this trend is “less is more” — apply just enough base makeup to create a canvas for soft, neutral eye looks. Key shades include beige, taupe, soft browns, and peach to achieve that effortless, natural appearance.
Professional makeup artist Mibe Leung adds, “This year, we’re seeing a lot of natural, glowing skin with minimal foundation, paired with soft, neutral eyeshadows.”
Thai Makeup
Credits: @pare_maneechan/Instagram
On the other hand, some brides are leaning towards bolder and more expressive styles. Airin notes that an increasing number of clients are seeking looks inspired by the Thai bridal aesthetic, which places a greater focus on the eyes and lashes.
Thai makeup is renowned for its elegant winged eyeliner and voluminous lashes. Shades of warm peach, orange, and brown are commonly used for eyeshadow and blush.
This style features gentle contouring and blush to create a subtle definition against a porcelain-like complexion, which holds up beautifully in the Southeast Asian climate!
Unlike the Western smokey eye, Thai makeup tends to favour softer eyeshadow while highlighting the lashes more prominently.
Soft and Smokey
Credits: @muneera_mua/Instagram
The smokey eye remains a timeless favourite in the world of makeup. Mibe refers to it as a “classic bridal makeup style” that pairs beautifully with a subtle nude lip.
While the bold smokey eye has made a statement on runways and in fashion magazines, bridal makeup artists often prefer a more delicate approach.
“There’s always demand for soft smokey eyes. Shades of brown, grey, or even black [have] to be well-blended for a soft look,” Kaelyn shares.
To enhance the smokey eye, don’t forget to add some voluminous lashes! For a balanced look, choose a soft blush in natural tones and nude and light pink lip shades to finish the ensemble.
Wet and Dewy
Credits: @benkobeauty/Instagram
The dewy makeup trend has really taken off in the early 2020s, making it the perfect choice for a beach wedding where a little extra shine is just right!
To maintain that radiant look, start with a solid skincare routine and prep your skin properly. Hydrating products and luminous primers will work wonders.
While you want to achieve that natural glow (after all, it’s your special day), don’t forget to lightly powder your T-zone to control any excess oil without completely mattifying your complexion.
Now, let’s focus on the key step: highlighting the high points of your cheeks. Instead of reaching for holographic shimmers, choose creamy and glossy highlighters that blend effortlessly for a seamless finish!
Kaelyn recommends finishing off your look with a glossy lip for that fresh, just-swum-in-the-ocean vibe, bringing everything together beautifully!
Monochromatic Glam
Credits: @marilymua/Instagram
This style is ideal for those who like to keep things uncomplicated — you won’t need an entire makeup kit for this look, just a few products in coordinating colours.
Monochromatic makeup is based on one straightforward principle: harmonise the three main features — eyes, lips, and cheeks. Choose a shade that enhances your natural beauty, then apply it to your eyes, lips, and cheeks.
Consider your undertone and colour palette to select the most flattering hue for you — cool-toned brides often shine in mauves and berry reds, while warm-toned brides look stunning in peaches and browns. Rose shades are also a favourite choice for bridal makeup!
Berry Stained
Credits: @stxph.h/Instagram
Berry-inspired makeup is making waves in 2024, especially for brides! The Strawberry Girl and Raspberry Girl looks are taking centre stage, bringing vibrant berry tones to the bridal scene.
Kaelyn has observed a delightful trend of berry-tinted lips and cheeks that beautifully pair with warm, sunset-inspired eyeshadow shades. These luscious pinks, reds, and purples create a lively and inviting appearance, perfect for any wedding celebration!
The aim is to achieve a look that resembles the fresh stain of a juicy berry, giving your lips a sweet, berry-kissed glow — ideal for a romantic garden or vineyard wedding.
For brides embracing spring and summer vibes, bright reds and pinks that evoke strawberries and cherries are fantastic choices. Meanwhile, deeper raspberry and plum shades are perfect for those opting for an autumn or winter wedding palette.
Blush Draping
Credits: @patricktabeauty/Instagram
This year, sun-kissed, rosy cheeks are in!
“Apply blush not only on the cheeks but also sweep it towards the temples and along the nose to create a youthful, rosy glow,” Kaelyn suggests.
This technique not only aligns with the latest trends but is also a great tip for brides. Wearing a bit more blush on your wedding day helps prevent a washed-out appearance, as blush tends to fade quicker than other makeup!
Fluffy Feathered Brows
Credits: @mintra.makeup/Instagram
Eyebrows play a crucial role in any makeup style, particularly for your wedding day. They enhance and define your face, highlighting your features to create a beautiful balance.
Fluffy feathered brows are making waves in bridal makeup, as brides are opting for their own soft and natural arches.
To achieve this look, use a strong-hold brow gel to groom your brow hairs. If you have finer brows, consider applying an additional layer of tinted gel to mimic the appearance of natural brow hair.
Statement Lip
Credits: @yokie_makeup/Instagram
Before you settle with shiny, glossy lips, consider exploring this makeup style!
Statement lips are in, but rather than matching them with equally striking eye makeup, many brides are opting to let their lips take centre stage.
Embrace your natural beauty on your special day by choosing a more understated, neutral makeup look. Keep your foundation light and select eyeshadow shades that enhance your vibrant lipstick.
Face and Hair Embellishments
Credits: @kaelyn.samakeup.team/Instagram
Your big day is the perfect occasion to add some sparkle to your makeup!
Face and hair embellishments, often spotted on K-pop stars and celebrities during performances, have made their way into bridal beauty. Many brides are now opting to include these small but striking details in their overall look.
Kaelyn notes that brides are asking for pearls, rhinestones, or glitter to elevate their glam factor. These dazzling touches can enhance not just your face but also your hair!
Featured image credits: @muneera_mua/Instagram, @pare_maneechan/Instagram, @patricktabeauty/Instagram
