Top Bridal Makeup Trends for 2025, How to Prep for Your Trial and The Products You Need
Hi, I'm Meg Ann Lee. I am a full-time hairstylist, bridal makeup artist, and former Sephora artist. I've been doing bridal and photoshoot glam for the past 10 years, and I love helping brides feel their most confident and beautiful. This week, I'm diving into 2025's bridal makeup trends, what to bring to your bridal trial, how to set realistic expectations for your look PLUS product recommendations.
2025 Bridal Makeup Trends
Bridal beauty this year is all about polish with personality. These are the top trends I'm seeing:
Fresh, skin-first looks - Think radiant, real-skin finishes with soft blush and natural glow. Flushed cheeks are so IN. Dewy but not greasy. This means hydration and skincare prep are key.
Timeless liner - Soft smoked-out liner, like DITCH THE LIQUID WING. Blurred wing shapes are so still suitable but let's blend out these LINES.
Monochromatic tones - Coordinated eyes, cheeks, and lips using rose, terracotta, or soft berry. Warm bronzed eyelids are seriously my go to look this year.
Gloss revival - Glossy lids or lips are popping up again, especially in editorial-style bridal shoots. I ALWAYS recommend the bride have her own lip with her throughout the day because you will need to reapply, especially with gloss.
Low Key Lashes - More brides are requesting custom lash clusters or half lashes to enhance their eyes without overpowering their natural features. Honestly, lash extensions are out for bridal UNLESS you have a CRAZY skilled lash artist that can custom shape your lash set to YOU. Sorry, not sorry.
What to Bring to Your Bridal Trial
Coming to your trial prepared will help your artist create your look quicker and more accurately. I think coming with 2-3 photos of clear examples is perfect. Choose people with features LIKE YOU. For example, I have reddish brown hair with blue eyes and fair skin. I would not bring a makeup picture of Kim Kardashian or Rihanna. I would choose a Gigi Hadid or Mary Kate Olson example. Pinterest overload can lead to mixed signals, so narrow it down.
Give us the details of your dress, hair, venue, and decor-your makeup should match the overall vibe. I always tell my brides to be honest, it is not going to hurt my feelings. If you have the time in your schedule that morning, we can change and adjust anything you want! It's YOUR DAY.
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Having Realistic Expectations
Photoshop filters, AI edits, and ring lights have shifted what people think is achievable. Here's the truth: Not every face shape or feature will look like your inspo pic-and that's OK.
Professional bridal makeup is designed to photograph well and last all day, not just look flawless in one selfie. I think this is where I see a huge disconnect from freelancing bridal and trending makeup. I always tell my brides who ask for full coverage bridal makeup that it is A LOT. If you like natural makeup, typical full coverage bridal is going to be a HUGE shift. My MUA style is honestly right in the middle. I love doing full glam but most people aren't comfortable wearing it and I recognize that.
Skin texture, pores, and lines are normal. A great artist enhances what's already there rather than covering it all up.
Here are some of my go to bridal products:
If you're an upcoming bride, I hope this helps inspire your look for your special day. If you are still looking for an artist, I'd love to help you curate your signature look <3