Makeup Ideas for the Big Day: Insight from Professional Makeup Artists

Timelessness is the gold standard of wedding day makeup artists. That theme centered my conversations with both local and national experts as we discussed 2024 trends, as well as broader makeup advice for your big day.  

What’s in this year? Dewey complexions with “less drama and intensity” and an overall “back-to-basics” approach emulating a bride’s natural beauty. What’s out? Over-the-top looks with heavy strip eyelashes, exaggerated winged liner, extreme baking and “Lion King-like contour” that changes facial structures. 

Delcina Brown, Michelle Brown and Amber Smith—a trio of makeup artists from 614 Beauty—say brides should aim for makeup that is “dramatic enough for the wedding,” but without making you look like someone else. Award-winning, New York City-based makeup artist Amanda Gabbard echoes that notion. “The dewy, natural and neutral-toned look is in,” says Amanda, who has 15 years of makeup artistry under her belt. “In my opinion, it never went out! Think iridescence, not glitter, caramels and nude hues instead of purples and lavender.” While many may admire glamorous looks, Amanda says “going back to the bridal basics” helps people look like the best versions of themselves, (with a soft, glam finish).

So how do you achieve that best version? A key ingredient, makeup artists say, is teamwork—and that begins with an expert who listens closely and sweats the little things. “We make sure we go over every detail, taking into account a bride’s hairstyle, the bridesmaid’s’ colors, everything,” says 614 Beauty’s Delcina, who has 20 years of makeup experience. 

Indeed, Amanda says brides must not overlook makeup trials, which offer both a chance to discuss looks and to make sure that communication is easy and energizing between the artist and the client. “We are up close and personal on the biggest day of their lives, so the bride needs to trust the makeup artist and feel comfortable,” Amanda says. 

614 Beauty’s Michelle encourages brides to choose somebody who wants to be there and who wants to be a part of your day. “My goal is to make sure you feel like a princess, hug you if you’re going to cry and get you a mimosa if you need one,” says Michelle, who has 25 years experience. “I want you to feel supported and cared about.” 

And while intangible qualities are essential, also important are credentials, such as if they have their state licensure or certification in cosmetology.  “Check these people's backgrounds,” 614 Beauty’s Amber, who has 10 years experience as a makeup artist. “See if they are licensed, which isn’t the end-all-be-all, but they need to be professional. This is going to last you forever, through all of your pictures, so it really is that important.” 

Amanda advises brides to bring several inspirational photos to their initial makeup trial—looks that you like, and equally as important, looks that you don’t. “Something that looks good on Jennifer Lopez or Lady Gaga won’t necessarily look good on you,” Amanda says. “The artist’s job is to achieve a similar look that suits the bride’s individuality.” 

Delcina gets her makeup inspiration simply by looking at the bride’s face, saying she can “visualize what’s going to make her look her best,” using adjectives like “pretty,” “classic” and “timeless.” Her colleague Michelle is largely inspired by “clean and classic” Eastern beauty, while art inspires Amber, calling the faces of her clients her “canvas.” 

Often overlooked is skin care prep, which should be part of the wedding day makeup conversation. “Your skin care is just as important as your makeup application,” Delcina says. “If you have a damaged barrier, you’re not going to get the result you want.” If the skin is flaky and dry, for example, that is going to shine through the makeup application—your imperfections won’t magically disappear with makeup. The 614 Beauty team recommends dermaplaning the week of the wedding to help the makeup lay better. “The sooner you start your skincare routine, the better,” Delcina emphasizes. “It’s like going to the gym. You’re going to have much better results with your skin care and makeup if you’re consistent.” 

“We know the products we’re using, and that includes the science and composition of those products and how they are going to lay on the skin,” Michelle says. “Start your facials [as this gets anything out that is clogging the pores] and keep hydrated with lots of water.” 

Amanda says the key to transforming a bride on her big day—as opposed to, say, a dinner party—is to make sure that makeup is “ironclad”—able to withstand photography, tears of joy, dancing, eating, drinking and more—without looking overly heavy.  

Michelle adds one last tip for brides as they consider the look they want: “Make sure you’re looking at the eye shape and shape of their face when looking at inspiration photos—it makes expectations of what you are envisioning a little more realistic. [At 614 Beauty], we are here to customize however a bride wants to look and feel.” 

Quick Tips: 

• Book a makeup artist at least one year in advance of your wedding day. 
• Choose a space with a lot of room (and air conditioning if it’s in the summer months as makeup melts). 
• Keep your skin healthy, hydrated and youthful by drinking water, exfoliating and wearing sunscreen. 
• Bring a speaker for music, along with a party atmosphere and attitude for your own happiness.  

This story is from the Spring 2024 issue of Columbus Weddings.