Considering DIY Wedding Makeup? Here's What the Pros Want You To Know

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Kate Boswell
by
Kate Boswell
Kate Boswell
Kate Boswell
Content Optimization Specialist
  • Kate strategically updates articles for The Knot Worldwide, with a focus on key fashion content.
  • Kate is passionate about product recommendations, shopping guides and trends in the fashion and beauty space.
  • Prior to The Knot Worldwide, Kate was the Managing Editor at Rank & Style, where she owned editorial and digital content strategy operations.
Updated Oct 30, 2024
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Besides getting to marry the love of your life, of course, one of the most exciting things about your wedding day is all the pampering that comes along with it. But as fun as professionally done glam can be, DIY wedding makeup could be the better choice if you're looking to cut back on wedding costs or have a little more control over your final look.

Thinking about going the DIY route? To help you decide if it's the right choice for you, we chatted with Kelli Anne Sewell, NYC-based celebrity makeup artist, content creator and founder of subscription-based tutorial platform Makeup By Kelli Anne. Ahead, we're bringing you a breakdown of everything you need to know about DIY wedding-day makeup, including a list of the biggest dos and don'ts, top tips and techniques and the best products to have on hand should you decide to go for it.

In this article:

    Is Doing Your Own Wedding Makeup a Good Idea?

    The short answer? It depends. As with any DIY wedding task, there are a few risks to consider when it comes to doing your own wedding makeup. While wedding guest makeup and engagement photo makeup are usually a no-brainer to DIY, wedding-day makeup is a bit different. "If you haven't practiced your bridal look prior, it could be overwhelming or you might feel extra pressure to perform," Sewell says. With a professional makeup artist, you're promised top-of-the-line products and a wealth of knowledge and expertise, ensuring you're left with a look that lasts all day and flatters your features in the best way.

    That said, doing your own wedding makeup can leave less room for disappointment on the big day, save you time in the planning process and allow you to allocate more of your wedding budget toward another expense. (To give you an idea of how much we're talking, the average cost of wedding makeup in 2023 was $140.)

    No matter which method you choose, Sewell says you should never underestimate the power of a makeup trial, even if you don't move forward with hiring a professional makeup artist. Visit The Knot Vendor Marketplace to easily sift through makeup artists in your area and schedule a trial before officially making your decision.

    DIY Wedding Makeup DOs & DON'Ts, According to the Pros

    Before you commit to doing your own wedding makeup, take a peek at the list of expert-backed dos and don'ts below. From crucial steps you should take during the months leading up to your wedding to exactly what your day-of timeline should look like, we're covering all the DIY wedding makeup tips you need to know in order to fully prepare—no surprises here.

    DO watch tutorials

    First things first: Make sure you carve out some time to do a little research and watch tutorials. This is a great way to learn about products, tools and application tips that will help you nail your desired look and increase longevity. And luckily, Sewell has you covered in this department. "I have eight videos dedicated to the wedding weekend on my platform, Makeup By Kelli Anne," she says. "I also have a longwear tutorial where I teach you how to apply and set sheer layers of creams, liquids and sheer powders to help brides ensure their makeup lasts all night."

    DO practice before the big day

    It's important to keep in mind that wedding-day makeup is a lot different than your everyday look, so you'll want to set aside ample time to practice. "Schedule a day where you practice a look, then wear it for over five hours and see how it performs," Sewell says. "Take note of what you liked and what products withheld their staying power, then tweak your look depending on what you learn."

    DO set a realistic timeline

    The last thing you want to be doing on your wedding day is rushing, especially when it comes to your appearance. Sewell says that's why one of her biggest "dos" is to give yourself space in the schedule to complete your look, preferably in a separate, quiet room where you can really focus. "I would say to account for an hour and half on the schedule," Sewell says. "This will allow you ample time to do skin prep and facial massages and serve as a special moment of calm you can give yourself prior to the big day."

    DON'T experiment with new products

    There's a good chance your wedding-day beauty look will require some products that aren't a part of your regular routine. However, it's important to remember that incorporating new formulas—whether that be skincare or makeup—always comes with the risk of an adverse reaction, especially for those that have sensitive skin. To ensure you're safe from a rash or bright red face on your wedding day, Sewell says to stick to testing anything new at least a month beforehand.

    DON'T skimp on powder

    Powder can be a scary product for those that prefer an au naturel, dewy makeup look. However, on your wedding day, it's something you definitely don't want to overlook. "Powders are so important," Sewell emphasizes in one of her tutorials. "They really give you that extra layer of coverage and at least a few more hours of longevity." Look for a pressed formula to provide some light mattifying in shinier areas (think the chin, forehead and under the eyes) as well as a loose option you can use for locking in your final look.

    DON'T neglect your skincare routine

    The key to a gorgeous, long-lasting makeup look is a great base, which is why it's so important to take care of your skin—both on your wedding day and during the months leading up to it. "Increase water intake, eat your veggies for that glow and do all the new facials you want until you are about a month out," Sewell says. And on your wedding day, make sure you're equipped with hydrating, glow-boosting products, including a top-notch moisturizer and eye cream.

    The Best Products for DIY Wedding Makeup

    If you decide to go the do-it-yourself route for your wedding glam, you're going to need some long-lasting, high-performing products on your side. With the help of Sewell, we're bringing you a list of the best DIY wedding makeup products out there, including must-know essentials for your eyes, lips and face.

    DIY Wedding Face

    While primer, bronzer, contour, blush and concealer are all key components to a full-coverage look, Sewell says the top three products you should invest in when it comes to the wedding-makeup DIY process are your foundation, powder and setting spray. "You want to pick formulas that allow you to build in light layers," Sewell says. "This will ensure your look lasts all night." Read on for a list of her top picks for all three essentials—no matter your preferred coverage level or finish.

    Giorgio Armani foundation
    Photo: Giorgio Armani Beauty

    What it is: Armani Luminous Silk Natural Glow Foundation

    Why we recommend it: One of Sewell's makeup-kit mainstays for bridal and celebrity looks alike, this 24-hour wedding foundation blurs imperfections, boosts radiance and hydrates the skin all while providing a feather-light, natural-looking finish. If your goal is a minimal, barely there look à la Sophia Richie, consider this your secret weapon.

    Haus Labs foundation
    Photo: Sephora

    What it is: Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Medium Coverage Foundation

    Why we recommend it: This ultra-clean foundation boasts over 20 skin-loving ingredients that work to reduce redness, even skin tone and protect against environmental stress while you wear it. A medium, buildable coverage formula means you can layer it on to your liking while keeping a natural look and a weightless, serum-like feel sans any slipping and caking.

    Make up forever foundation
    Photo: Sephora

    What it is: MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Skin Waterproof Natural Matte Foundation

    Why we recommend it: Powered by MAKE UP FOR EVER's "Micro-Skin System" that blurs, smooths and syncs with the skin for a true-to-skin finish, this bestselling foundation was practically made for DIY wedding makeup. It also happens to be waterproof, so it can handle all the happy tears, champagne spills and dance-floor sweat your day has in store.

    Charlotte Tilbury powder
    Photo: Ulta

    What it is: Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder

    Why we recommend it: Sewell considers this cult-favorite pressed powder a must-have for airbrushed-looking skin, and this editor wholeheartedly agrees. The silky formula doesn't cake or settle into fine lines even after hours of wear, and it's made with light-reflecting pearls to provide a luminous, wedding-worthy glow to the complexion—no overly matte or flat effects here.

    One size setting spray
    Photo: Sephora

    What it is: ONE/SIZE On 'Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray

    Why we recommend it: Just as its name suggests, this is the setting spray you want on hand when it comes to your wedding-day makeup. It's designed to provide a 16-hour waterproof matte finish for a sweat-proof, smude-proof look, which is pretty impressive considering its lightweight, non-comedogenic formula.

    DIY Wedding Eyes

    A great waterproof mascara, a neutral eyeshadow palette and a creamy, blendable eyeliner are must-haves for the best DIY wedding eye makeup. Ahead, shop our top recs for each.

    Sky high mascara
    Photo: Ulta

    What it is: Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Waterproof Mascara

    Why we recommend it: Lightweight, flake-resistant and brilliant at boosting length and volume, Sewell says you can't go wrong with this drugstore wedding-day mascara. A tip she swears by? Go with a brown shade if you have fairer skin—this can make all the difference when it comes to nailing natural-looking wedding makeup.

    Neutrals eyeshadow palette
    Photo: Sephora

    What it is: Natasha Denona I Need a Nude Eyeshadow Palette

    Why we recommend it: This neutral, versatile eyeshadow palette will provide you with endless options for your wedding-day eyes, whether you're leaning toward an elegant, lowkey look or something shimmering and dramatic. Complete with 15 universally flattering shades in a mix of matte, metallic, foiled and wet formulas, it's the kind of product you'll find yourself reaching for way beyond wedding day.

    Brown eyeliner
    Photo: Sephora

    What it is: MAKEUP BY MARIO Master Pigment Pro

    Why we recommend it: A go-to for Sewell in the shade "The Perfect Brown," this eyeliner is just as creamy and blendable as it is dramatic and long-lasting. From precise, dramatic cat eyes to soft, smudged and barely there, the velvety, full-coverage formula can take on any kind of eye look with ease.

    DIY Wedding Lips

    Last but not least? Lips. While they may not be the most important part of your wedding-day makeup look, they easily come in close second. For a lip combo that will last through the smooching, sipping and chatting you'll be doing throughout the evening, here are the products you should have on your radar.

    Nude lipliner
    Photo: Sephora

    What it is: MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Color Pencil Extreme Waterproof Lip Liner

    Why we recommend it: Long-wearing, intensely pigmented and ultra silky, Sewell says you can't go wrong with this waterproof lip liner for your DIY wedding makeup. While it comes in five shades, there are two she swears by for bridal makeup: Wherever Walnut and Anywhere Caffeine.

    Nude lipgloss
    Photo: Sephora

    What it is: Patrick Ta Silky Lip Crème

    Why we recommend it: Patrick Ta's Silky Lip Crème is the crème de la crème of wedding lipsticks, and for good reason. Lightweight yet full coverage and radiant yet matte, it offers the soft finish of a traditional lipstick while keeping the lips hydrated for hours on end. And with nine classic shades to choose from, there's a perfect match for every skin tone and preferred lip look.

    Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
    Photo: Laneige

    What it is: Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

    Why we recommend it: While this moisturizing, antioxidant-packed mask is more of a prep step rather than part of your actual makeup look, it's something Sewell swears by for hydrated lips and a smooth, line-free finish once you apply your lipstick. Don't let the "sleeping" part of the product name fool you—you can apply this thing any time of day for a surge of hydration and a product-ready pout.

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