Soft Glam, Natural, or Full Glam? How do I choose what style to go for on my Wedding day?
Confused about which bridal makeup style suits you? Don’t stress, I’ve got you! One of the biggest decisions brides make is choosing their makeup style, and with Pinterest boards bursting with options, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. This blog guide will break down the differences and help you choose a style that’s perfect for you and your big day! I take inspiration from our weekly podcast drop, and this week, Paul and Isla talked all things Bridal Makeup up with the wonderful Sophie Brown! Settle in and get cosy as we delve into how to make the best choice for you, on your wedding day!
First, lets break down each style and delve into them a bit deeper!
Natural Bridal Makeup
Fresh, glowing and effortless! It’s essentially your own skin, just a with a touch of something extra. Natural styles tend to feature a lightweight base, natural or no lashes, a soft, subtle blush, neutral lips and glowing skin! The point of going for the natural style, is that it subtly enhances your features instead of changing them. If you’re not big into makeup, this is the perfect level as you won’t feel uncomfortable and over the top all day!
Best for brides who:
Want to look like themselves
Rarely wear makeup day to day
prefer soft brows, light lashes, and minimal foundation
Want a clean, romantic finish
Not a good choice if you:
Love dramatic eyes and contour
Your wedding is ultra formal and black tie themed
You’re having a nighttime do only
You want a bold and high fashion bridal look
Natural bridal makeup is perfect for outdoorsy weddings! Things like a garden party, or beach wedding, especially boho or rustic themes! It compliments natural light and softer settings beautifully!
Soft Bridal Glam
Polished, romantic and luminous! This is definetly one of the most popular bridal make up styles! It is the perfect middle ground between natural and full glam. It’s more defined than natural makeup, but not bold or theatrical. It gives that wow factor, whilst still looking polished and timeless. Soft Glam normally is a satin skin base, structured but soft eye makeup, fluttery lashes, sculpted cheekbones and a rosy or nude lip combo.
Best for brides who:
Normally wear makeup on the day to day
Want to look naturally enhanced, more polished than normal
Love slightly fuller lashes
Want definition without looking too done
Enjoy a subtle bronzer and glow
Not a good choice if you:
Love a dramatic and smoky eye with bold contour
You want a high fashion editorial look
You don’t like wearing makeup daily, and want the bare skin look
Soft glam is universally flattering and timeless, perfect for any wedding theme and most brides go for this as a good middle ground! It fits best with the classic ballroom wedding, modern themes, and elegant indoor receptions. If you are debating between soft and a full glam look, maybe opt for soft glam for the ceremony, and then add that extra wow factor with a darker eye, or bolder lip, for the evening?
Full Bridal Glam
Bold, defined and luxurious! Every feature is enhanced to is maximum polished potential! It’s full coverage foundation, strong contour, cut crease or smoky eyes, bold lashes, sharply defined brows and bold lips! This look is meant to be noticeable, powerful and the opposite of the natural styles. Perfect for flash photography, night weddings and stage lighting. If love dramatic makeup, this is the style for you! Natural and soft glam may feel underwhelming.
Best for bides who:
Love wearing full coverage makeup every day
Wear lashes regularly
Enjoy contour and bold lips and want the added drama
Feel most confident when fully done
Not a good choice if you:
Rarely wear makeup
You prefer a fresh, skin like feel
You are having a beach/garden/boho wedding
You want a soft, romantic vibe
Full glam truly shines for black tie weddings, luxury ballrooms, evening only ceremonies and balances beautifully with beaded gowns, long trains and statement jewellery!
If you are still struggling to choose for your big day… here’s the formula, just for you:
Start with your every day style - You should look and feel like yourself, just elevated
Consider your dress - Romantic = Soft Glam, Classic = Natural, Statement = full glam
Think about lighting - Daytime needs a softer look, evening you want more definition
Look at your photos in 10 years - You want it to be timeless, which version of you will you love looking back at?
There is no ‘right’ bridal makeup style, only the on that makes YOU feel confident, radiant and authentically YOU! Get trials booked in, check socials, and don’t worry about taking your time with finding an artist, and don’t be afraid to say if you don’t like something! At the end of the day, it is your wedding, so just do what feels right for you!
Love from,
TAE x