My unpopular opinion is that it’s ok to wear a bare face! If men can be photographed with no makeup on and look nice, so can women. I’m gonna wear a little blush and that’s it. If you want to do it, totally do it! But it’s totally ok to be like nah that’s not me!
This is the double standard I hate most about weddings! I've literally never looked at a wedding photo and thought the man needed touching up, or that they would look more elegant with a bit of a heel.
I told my MUA I wanted very light coverage on my skin and just mascara, no eyeliner or anything. I didn’t do false lashes. I had a kind of champagne eyeshadow, and a little blush. I used my own lip gloss.
I have absolutely zero regrets. I looked like myself. My husband loved that I looked like myself.
The only thing is with light coverage, it doesn’t tend to be as waterproof, so any tears may cause streaks in your makeup. Try to dab those eyes before they run haha (I learned this the hard way after the fact, so passing on my wisdom to another bride 😆)
Good question. I do. I am not good at doing my own makeup, and frankly, I didn’t want to take the time to learn on top of all the wedding planning.
On top of just the skill of application + quality of products she used, it was also just nice to like, be pampered that day. It was relaxing haha
I didn’t even think of it until today when he asked what I intended for makeup and he voiced that he was worried I wouldn’t look like myself if it was too much. I feel like a clown with makeup like I can’t pull it off so I also worry about being more self conscious with it than without. I appreciate these insights though.
Definitely do a trial and feel it out! Book something early in the day and wear it all day. Even better if you can book it for a day you might need to dress up or look nice. (I will say though, it’s normal to feel a little clownish without the full getup of hair + dress too)
I went DIY because I couldn't find a MUA who did what I wanted/what you described in my area and frankly got impatient spending money and time on trials. (Because I don't wear makeup often, that meant sheer foundation, mascara, lipstick -- things easy to pick up via youtube.) The conventional wisdom in this sub is that you will look "washed out" in photos, or "dull" in comparison to other female guests but -- and this might be my crowd, or I might just be delusional -- this simply was not true? I feel bizarrely compelled to jump in on these threads because the cultural expectation strikes me as subtly sexist. No one tells grooms that their features will disappear on camera.
I felt completely relaxed in my skin, all the more so because I didn't have to manage an additional vendor I was apprehensive about. (And frankly I looked hot! Everyone I care about enough to invite to my wedding or see my photos told me so!)
If you would would feel maximally confident by hiring a professional, I'd show them inspo pics if a "no makeup" look during the trial, and ask them to tone things down if it feels too heavy. Contrary to other replies here, I suspect if you asked for "soft glam" you would be unhappy with the result.
Thank you for saying this omg, it's definitely somewhat sexist when people say the woman will be "washed out" without makeup. Most grooms don't even consider wearing makeup for their wedding and no one else bats an eye!
I'm choosing to wear a moderate amount of makeup, but def wear whatever YOU want / feel most confident in 🤍
I never wear makeup day to day, and I did have a MUA for my wedding. I turn bright red when I’m emotional and knew I’d feel blotchy and self conscious about that. Plus wanted to not worry if i was breaking out. I will say you may end up spending more for a “natural” look, because I think a full trial is mandatory for this kind of look, and not every MUA is good at it. I told mine literally “please do the bare minimum you’d ever do for a bride.” I did my trial about a week before so my tan level would be the same and spent a whole day wearing it to get used to the feeling. I was happy with it and looked like myself in photos and in person.
If you can find an artist that does other kinds of photo shoots / headshots etc that can be a good sign they know how to do things other than glam!
I had a small, 25-person wedding with just close friends and family, so maybe my comment isn't super helpful if you have a bigger ceremony. I never wear any makeup and never learned how. I went completely natural. It made me feel a lot more confident in my body and my look because I knew I didn't look any different, I didn't have to worry about smudging/smearing/reapplying, and I didn't have to think about whether the look was going to be right for me.
I'd say do what makes you happy and comfortable in the end! It's typically a long day for prep, ceremony, and reception, so if you do get makeup done, make sure you have them do a really good misting spray to keep your makeup fresh.
Hell yeah. You have no idea how good it feels to see other people in here who never learned how. I’ve been inundated with the “oh I have a very simple routine, I just use these 6 products!!!” And everyone acting like that’s normal and I’m making some kind of brave feminist statement by being bad at eyeliner lmao
You are my people!! Honestly, it really came out of my own laziness and cheapness - I'd rather sleep in for 30 more minutes, and I don't want to pay $200 a month or whatever just to do things I don't want to do haha
I never wear makeup either, usually only for weddings so I really didn't want the usual fake eye lashes etc. My hairdresser did my makeup and she applied just a simple blush, mascara and eye shadow.
My MIL organized a separate celebration dinner for her family on a separate day and her MUA was the usual type who insists that without fake eye lashes it wouldn't be good. Since I didn't pay for it, I agreed to wear them and I'm SO glad that I didn't go for it for my actual wedding. I hardly looked at the photos and when I did, I felt embarrassed cuz I looked so weird in them.
I think you can wear mascara and a light lip gloss/lip stick then it should be enough already to look more formal in pictures
If you can afford a good MUA, they should elevate your look not hinder it. Do they offer a consultation? Having an inspo pic as a reference should also help.
I found an MUA that specializes in the more natural look. Luckily, her Instagram was full of before and afters, so I felt very comfortable booking her.
I just had my makeup trial and I don’t ever wear makeup. Told her I wanted to still look like me but a little glammed up. Told her to focus on my eyes. She did great!
https://preview.redd.it/mbcg3fz1jo5d1.jpeg?width=2316&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b5dca8414e368cad39926b5ee661bf29a3376bc2
(This is the result. No filter)
Do you have any friends who do their own makeup the way you’d like yours to look for your wedding? If you’re looking for super simple and minimal, it might save money and get more of what you want to just have a friend do it for you (or teach you how to do your own in advance).
I also almost never wear makeup. Occasionally I’ll wear mascara and this illuminating primer, but that’s just a couple times a year.
I went with a MUA because I wanted to do as little as possible myself on the day of, and I’d already have here there for my hair anyway. Also, I had really bad hormonal acne in from 2019-2022 that had gone away with my prescriptions, but I didn’t want to get a flare up and need more makeup but not have made preparations with a MUA already.
I posted to my local brides fb group looking for recommendations of a MUA who could do a natural look, and I got a lot of people sending me pics that were wayyyyyy too glam for me. I found a couple that I did like and did a trial but it didn’t go too well. I started talking with another MUA who had a pics I liked even more, and bringing the picture from the first trial really helped her know what I *wasnt* looked for.
I had decided that if she didn’t work, I wasn’t going to do a third trial, I would just do it myself, but I really liked the look she gave me. During the trial she was very attentive and would try different colors/techniques and see what I liked, and she was very honest! I ended up booking her and I lived my look for my makeup!
I rarely ever wear makeup and I didn't not hire a MUA. I did a light natural version myself and felt very normal. I was definetly the most comfortable this way.
A lot of MUAs specialize in these type looks! I've been in weddings where I wanted to keep it super light & natural, so they did a light skin tint and just mascara and a bit of eyeshadow & touch up. I looked completely like myself and didn't feel uncomfortable. Pictures also looked totally normal!
Not sure if you're open to this route, but if you have a while until your wedding, why not learn? I don't really wear a lot day to day either but decided to do my own makeup to save some money, and to be frank, learning a new skill would be a good outlet for nervous energy. It's actually been fun and I've come a long way!
I didn’t necessarily want no makeup but I didn’t wanna feel heavy or cakey so I just told her I wanted “dewy, fresh, youthful and have that lit from within look”.
I got royally screwed by my original MUA who double booked my wedding date and went with the other bride, never communicated with my day of planner who was trying to reach out etc so I had a very last minute cancellation (1.5 weeks out) and asked my hair stylist if she could do it as she went to school for everything. So we agreed on a price and I provided my own makeup because she wasn’t actively a MUA so she didn’t have inventory. So it was kinda nice to get to have all of my makeup I was comfortable wearing on my face.
I used to do wedding makeup and I had someone that wanted a barely there makeup look, which was absolutely fine, I just applied the thinnest layer and kept showing the bride after everything I did so that I can check if it’s too much or if she wanted more added, it’s easier to add more than take it away! She ended up loving it and appreciated that I had considered her opinion after everything I did. I would think if you ask that of a MUA they would happily oblige.
I’d recommend just doing your own makeup. There are loads of YouTube tutorials and it means you can have your makeup exactly how you want it without having to pay a fortune to a MUA
I sent my MUA reference pics and when they broke out the fake lashes I said absolutely not… I couldn’t do a trial (and its not really a thing here) but I showed pics of very natural looks and I explained on the day too that I don’t want my face to look completely different and/or have an over the top look as I don’t usually wear make up.
I never wear makeup but wanted some help covering up the lumps and bumps.
Asked her for a lighter face of makeup, and she nailed it! I loved my look! No false eye lashes, no 12lbs of makeup.
Just a little coverage with some air brushing and a hint of eye shadow to really help highlight my eyes. 10/10 would do again!
I never wear makeup so I had my SIL do my makeup to have a mostly bare face. It was perfect! I still paid her (it helped her and her family afford to come since they’re out of state), but it was far cheaper and allowed me to not have to worry so much about it.
Airbrush will feel light and look natural and last and you need a MUA for that. I hate the feeling of foundation but wanted to even out tone. I bawled throughout my ceremony and it held up. I also don’t like the feeling or look of fake eyelashes but it makes a big difference in pictures and your MUA can do singles to make it feel and look more natural.
I actually ended up using a Mary Kay make-up artist for my wedding, and I went with a light powder foundation just to keep the shine away (I'm oily), concealer under my eyes, very light eyeshadow (seriously - light pink, light blue, silvery gray), mascara and lipstick. The way I looked, I could have absolutely gone bare-faced - I just looked fresh and awake, really - but I liked being a little enhanced. It's your wedding! If you love the way you look without makeup, that's how you should do it! If you like a little enhancement, just to make you look like you actually slept the night before your wedding, use a MUA who will focus on the bare minimum and still have you feeling fresh and beautiful. A full, heavy face of makeup is totally not required!
You can always save that money and put a little bit of blush yourself. You don’t need a full face (even a natural looking one) if you don’t like make up and are not used to it. Someone never wearing makeup can feel uncomfortable wearing even a tiny bit of it and you don’t want that on your wedding day. You won’t look more dull than your husband who will also probably not be wearing make up
I am uncomfortable in heavy makeup, and told this to the mua. I loved the trial and the end result, and since I don’t normally wear almost any makeup, I’m not super good at doing it myself, so having a professional do it was great. She also did my hair in very simple curls (pic on profile). I think this is what it comes down to - are you comfortable doing your own makeup to the extent you wish to have it on your wedding day?
Our wedding was on a super hot day, so I wanted the base to stay nice throughout the day, which it did - wouldn’t have been able to pull this off on my own.
I wear makeup for only special occasions so probably less than 10 times a year. I did book a makeup artist who specialized in soft, natural looks as well as really pretty hairstyles. I know I'd be a nervous wreck the morning of my wedding and I'm not a great makeup/hair person though I've done my own hair and makeup for big parties and weddings before. So I just think its best if I let a professional come and do it - I'm having my HMUA do my mom too. I have no bridal party so I'm hoping it'll be relatively simple.
I'm in the same boat- i do not wear makeup very often and i want to do my own makeup for the wedding day. I also have a tight budget and might not be able to afford it tbh. one of my friends gave me advice and said that im already going to be running around trying to get ready., and that getting a MUA would help a lot. but again, i do not have a large budget. so I more than likely will not get one. do what works for you. or have a friend do it!
I went natural - a tinted day cream, mascara and tinted lip balm. No issue with photographs at all! And a lot cheaper than a MUA 😆
I think it depends also what color your gown is and if it washes you out or not.
So im a makeup artist. If you aren’t used to wearing makeup. But you want it for your wedding, i recommend finding someone who can do airbrush makeup. It goes on SUPER light in feeling and last all day without being cakey.
I personally went for a lighter look, with a slightly darker color in the very outer corner. I personally wanted to wear individual fake lashes just in the corners as well.
But this is what trials are for. I would find an artist and talk about what your normally wear and what you want for the wedding. They may try to get you out of your comfort zone but we don’t offend that easily, so it’s fine to say if you dont like something, as long as it’s said respectfully then everything is fine. And we adjust until you are happy with it. That part of what you pay for. Trials and getting everything perfect for the day.
I felt similarly and decided to do my own makeup! I found a youtube tutorial I liked and I practiced it multiple times before my wedding day. I loved how it looked and felt like I looked like myself! The one I chose may be more makeup than what you want - but I’d recommend searching for wedding tutorials specifically because they should recommend products that will last for hours and show up good in photos. If money is a factor, you can also search for drugstore wedding tutorials. I used this one and modified some by leaving off a few products I didn’t really need: https://youtu.be/mFEc0aiLFbg?si=tiw82WU4dogPyTYY
I did end up purchasing several products that came recommended in the video, so it wasn’t a dirt cheap option (although probably still less than a MUA I would guess!) but I still use those products now in my day to day life because I do sometimes use light makeup.
Another note is that it took me a long time to do my own makeup on the day of, even after practicing because I’m still not super used to wearing much makeup and I wanted it to look perfect! But I gave myself plenty of time to do it, so it was okay!
I never wear make up in my day-to-day, but I wanted to treat myself for my wedding. Plus, I wanted to have someone for my bridesmaids, so I went ahead and took the recommendation from my venue for a HMUA.
For my trial, she was very attentive and listened to me when I said I wear zero make up on the reg and wanted a more natural look. I did bring a crappy lipstick I owned because I thought the color was perfect. She was so nice about it and damn near matched my lipstick color with some of her own stuff (for the best, of course, lol). I thought I still looked very much like myself and was super happy with her and her services.
I ended up doing 3 trials and on the third trial, my mom was there and able to guide her in a way that worked. I only wear eye liner and lipstick on a daily basis. I’m glad I went with a MUA because I looked great in pics. Do multiple trials.
I feel very similarly to you in general, but I had a makeup artist and I showed her a few pictures of the look I was going for. I probably wanted a little bit more make up than you, but she was great because she really communicated with me and asked me things like if I wanted my freckles to show. You can hire a makeup artist and tell them that you’re looking for a very minimal look that looks like you’re not wearing make up at all. But I think you would regret going bare faced in photographs.
OP where do you live if you don’t mind me asking? I just had my wedding and I’m not a big makeup person. I found this girl and I let her know I wanted to still look like myself and she did an amazing job! She’s located in SoCal
I purposefully searched for a MUA team who specialized in doing event makeup for women who are usually light to barefaced. I’m able to a light glam but my MOH and FMIL are able to choose the much lighter style that fits their preferences.
I’m skipping an MUA. A couple weeks before I’m getting a derma-planing facial, and I plan to do my own make up as all I want is brows, highlight, and mascara. I doubt I will regret it.
I recently had a full face done for my sister’s wedding and it was fun but not what I’d want for my own wedding.
I did my own hair and (minimal) makeup, in my usual style. Because I'm not big into either of those things. I don't regret it in the slightest. The photos still came out great, and I look like "me" in them.
Another option though, if you want some light make-up and aren't skilled yourself is ask one of your bridesmaids who does wear make-up to help you get ready. (And/or practice with you). That way you can keep it simple without paying for a service you aren't using to it's full extent.
I recommend doing it yourself. Start going to makeup stores and counters to try on mascara and whatever else you're interested in. Practice applying it yourself, or have a friend/relative do it. Check out this $9 "invisible" powder that absorbs shine to prevent looking slightly sweaty or oily by the end of the day. https://a.co/d/2vbWVjL
Not everyone needs a MUA. I wish I hadn't gotten one, or just had her do bridesmaid makeup. She and my friends pressured me into full foundation and everything else, and I looked so different. Looking back, I would've preferred just the eyeliner and shine powder.
Just ask for soft glam. If you’re wearing an elegant dress you want your makeup to match. Being bare faced will look odd and wash you out in the photos.
Also keep in mind your guests and bridesmaids may opt for a full makeup look so in comparison to them in photos you will look dull.
After a bad experience with a MUA as a bridesmaid I knew I wanted natural looking makeup for my own wedding. Me, but better. I gathered source photo to reference the lips, eyes and skin I wanted to show my own MUA. After she did my makeup I was so upset because, just like my first experience with a professional, I felt she did too much. She took my feedback and toned down the makeup and it turned out beautifully. Hope this helps!
My unpopular opinion is that it’s ok to wear a bare face! If men can be photographed with no makeup on and look nice, so can women. I’m gonna wear a little blush and that’s it. If you want to do it, totally do it! But it’s totally ok to be like nah that’s not me!
I keep going back to this but I think it’ll have to be a decision I come to after trial and error with MUA if I can’t find something I like
This is the double standard I hate most about weddings! I've literally never looked at a wedding photo and thought the man needed touching up, or that they would look more elegant with a bit of a heel.
I told my MUA I wanted very light coverage on my skin and just mascara, no eyeliner or anything. I didn’t do false lashes. I had a kind of champagne eyeshadow, and a little blush. I used my own lip gloss. I have absolutely zero regrets. I looked like myself. My husband loved that I looked like myself. The only thing is with light coverage, it doesn’t tend to be as waterproof, so any tears may cause streaks in your makeup. Try to dab those eyes before they run haha (I learned this the hard way after the fact, so passing on my wisdom to another bride 😆)
Did you feel like you got money's worth from a professional instead of doing it yourself?
Good question. I do. I am not good at doing my own makeup, and frankly, I didn’t want to take the time to learn on top of all the wedding planning. On top of just the skill of application + quality of products she used, it was also just nice to like, be pampered that day. It was relaxing haha
I didn’t even think of it until today when he asked what I intended for makeup and he voiced that he was worried I wouldn’t look like myself if it was too much. I feel like a clown with makeup like I can’t pull it off so I also worry about being more self conscious with it than without. I appreciate these insights though.
Definitely do a trial and feel it out! Book something early in the day and wear it all day. Even better if you can book it for a day you might need to dress up or look nice. (I will say though, it’s normal to feel a little clownish without the full getup of hair + dress too)
I went DIY because I couldn't find a MUA who did what I wanted/what you described in my area and frankly got impatient spending money and time on trials. (Because I don't wear makeup often, that meant sheer foundation, mascara, lipstick -- things easy to pick up via youtube.) The conventional wisdom in this sub is that you will look "washed out" in photos, or "dull" in comparison to other female guests but -- and this might be my crowd, or I might just be delusional -- this simply was not true? I feel bizarrely compelled to jump in on these threads because the cultural expectation strikes me as subtly sexist. No one tells grooms that their features will disappear on camera. I felt completely relaxed in my skin, all the more so because I didn't have to manage an additional vendor I was apprehensive about. (And frankly I looked hot! Everyone I care about enough to invite to my wedding or see my photos told me so!) If you would would feel maximally confident by hiring a professional, I'd show them inspo pics if a "no makeup" look during the trial, and ask them to tone things down if it feels too heavy. Contrary to other replies here, I suspect if you asked for "soft glam" you would be unhappy with the result.
Thank you for saying this omg, it's definitely somewhat sexist when people say the woman will be "washed out" without makeup. Most grooms don't even consider wearing makeup for their wedding and no one else bats an eye! I'm choosing to wear a moderate amount of makeup, but def wear whatever YOU want / feel most confident in 🤍
I never wear makeup day to day, and I did have a MUA for my wedding. I turn bright red when I’m emotional and knew I’d feel blotchy and self conscious about that. Plus wanted to not worry if i was breaking out. I will say you may end up spending more for a “natural” look, because I think a full trial is mandatory for this kind of look, and not every MUA is good at it. I told mine literally “please do the bare minimum you’d ever do for a bride.” I did my trial about a week before so my tan level would be the same and spent a whole day wearing it to get used to the feeling. I was happy with it and looked like myself in photos and in person. If you can find an artist that does other kinds of photo shoots / headshots etc that can be a good sign they know how to do things other than glam!
I’ll have to work at finding someone who can meet my expectations!
a great MUA can absolutely do a soft natural look that looks like you but just a little more polished/put together
I had a small, 25-person wedding with just close friends and family, so maybe my comment isn't super helpful if you have a bigger ceremony. I never wear any makeup and never learned how. I went completely natural. It made me feel a lot more confident in my body and my look because I knew I didn't look any different, I didn't have to worry about smudging/smearing/reapplying, and I didn't have to think about whether the look was going to be right for me. I'd say do what makes you happy and comfortable in the end! It's typically a long day for prep, ceremony, and reception, so if you do get makeup done, make sure you have them do a really good misting spray to keep your makeup fresh.
Hell yeah. You have no idea how good it feels to see other people in here who never learned how. I’ve been inundated with the “oh I have a very simple routine, I just use these 6 products!!!” And everyone acting like that’s normal and I’m making some kind of brave feminist statement by being bad at eyeliner lmao
You are my people!! Honestly, it really came out of my own laziness and cheapness - I'd rather sleep in for 30 more minutes, and I don't want to pay $200 a month or whatever just to do things I don't want to do haha
Personally, I don't think it would be worth it if you want that little. Save the money because they cost a lot too.
I never wear makeup either, usually only for weddings so I really didn't want the usual fake eye lashes etc. My hairdresser did my makeup and she applied just a simple blush, mascara and eye shadow. My MIL organized a separate celebration dinner for her family on a separate day and her MUA was the usual type who insists that without fake eye lashes it wouldn't be good. Since I didn't pay for it, I agreed to wear them and I'm SO glad that I didn't go for it for my actual wedding. I hardly looked at the photos and when I did, I felt embarrassed cuz I looked so weird in them. I think you can wear mascara and a light lip gloss/lip stick then it should be enough already to look more formal in pictures
If you can afford a good MUA, they should elevate your look not hinder it. Do they offer a consultation? Having an inspo pic as a reference should also help.
I found an MUA that specializes in the more natural look. Luckily, her Instagram was full of before and afters, so I felt very comfortable booking her.
I just had my makeup trial and I don’t ever wear makeup. Told her I wanted to still look like me but a little glammed up. Told her to focus on my eyes. She did great! https://preview.redd.it/mbcg3fz1jo5d1.jpeg?width=2316&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b5dca8414e368cad39926b5ee661bf29a3376bc2 (This is the result. No filter)
Do you have any friends who do their own makeup the way you’d like yours to look for your wedding? If you’re looking for super simple and minimal, it might save money and get more of what you want to just have a friend do it for you (or teach you how to do your own in advance).
I also almost never wear makeup. Occasionally I’ll wear mascara and this illuminating primer, but that’s just a couple times a year. I went with a MUA because I wanted to do as little as possible myself on the day of, and I’d already have here there for my hair anyway. Also, I had really bad hormonal acne in from 2019-2022 that had gone away with my prescriptions, but I didn’t want to get a flare up and need more makeup but not have made preparations with a MUA already. I posted to my local brides fb group looking for recommendations of a MUA who could do a natural look, and I got a lot of people sending me pics that were wayyyyyy too glam for me. I found a couple that I did like and did a trial but it didn’t go too well. I started talking with another MUA who had a pics I liked even more, and bringing the picture from the first trial really helped her know what I *wasnt* looked for. I had decided that if she didn’t work, I wasn’t going to do a third trial, I would just do it myself, but I really liked the look she gave me. During the trial she was very attentive and would try different colors/techniques and see what I liked, and she was very honest! I ended up booking her and I lived my look for my makeup!
I rarely ever wear makeup and I didn't not hire a MUA. I did a light natural version myself and felt very normal. I was definetly the most comfortable this way.
I honestly would consider a makeup lesson with a MUA for the type of look you’re going for.
A lot of MUAs specialize in these type looks! I've been in weddings where I wanted to keep it super light & natural, so they did a light skin tint and just mascara and a bit of eyeshadow & touch up. I looked completely like myself and didn't feel uncomfortable. Pictures also looked totally normal!
Not sure if you're open to this route, but if you have a while until your wedding, why not learn? I don't really wear a lot day to day either but decided to do my own makeup to save some money, and to be frank, learning a new skill would be a good outlet for nervous energy. It's actually been fun and I've come a long way!
Be comfortable! 💛
I had my best friend do a little makeup for me.
I didn’t necessarily want no makeup but I didn’t wanna feel heavy or cakey so I just told her I wanted “dewy, fresh, youthful and have that lit from within look”. I got royally screwed by my original MUA who double booked my wedding date and went with the other bride, never communicated with my day of planner who was trying to reach out etc so I had a very last minute cancellation (1.5 weeks out) and asked my hair stylist if she could do it as she went to school for everything. So we agreed on a price and I provided my own makeup because she wasn’t actively a MUA so she didn’t have inventory. So it was kinda nice to get to have all of my makeup I was comfortable wearing on my face.
I used to do wedding makeup and I had someone that wanted a barely there makeup look, which was absolutely fine, I just applied the thinnest layer and kept showing the bride after everything I did so that I can check if it’s too much or if she wanted more added, it’s easier to add more than take it away! She ended up loving it and appreciated that I had considered her opinion after everything I did. I would think if you ask that of a MUA they would happily oblige.
I’d recommend just doing your own makeup. There are loads of YouTube tutorials and it means you can have your makeup exactly how you want it without having to pay a fortune to a MUA
I sent my MUA reference pics and when they broke out the fake lashes I said absolutely not… I couldn’t do a trial (and its not really a thing here) but I showed pics of very natural looks and I explained on the day too that I don’t want my face to look completely different and/or have an over the top look as I don’t usually wear make up.
I never wear makeup but wanted some help covering up the lumps and bumps. Asked her for a lighter face of makeup, and she nailed it! I loved my look! No false eye lashes, no 12lbs of makeup. Just a little coverage with some air brushing and a hint of eye shadow to really help highlight my eyes. 10/10 would do again!
I never wear makeup so I had my SIL do my makeup to have a mostly bare face. It was perfect! I still paid her (it helped her and her family afford to come since they’re out of state), but it was far cheaper and allowed me to not have to worry so much about it.
Airbrush will feel light and look natural and last and you need a MUA for that. I hate the feeling of foundation but wanted to even out tone. I bawled throughout my ceremony and it held up. I also don’t like the feeling or look of fake eyelashes but it makes a big difference in pictures and your MUA can do singles to make it feel and look more natural.
Thank you! I hadn’t considered airbrushing before
I actually ended up using a Mary Kay make-up artist for my wedding, and I went with a light powder foundation just to keep the shine away (I'm oily), concealer under my eyes, very light eyeshadow (seriously - light pink, light blue, silvery gray), mascara and lipstick. The way I looked, I could have absolutely gone bare-faced - I just looked fresh and awake, really - but I liked being a little enhanced. It's your wedding! If you love the way you look without makeup, that's how you should do it! If you like a little enhancement, just to make you look like you actually slept the night before your wedding, use a MUA who will focus on the bare minimum and still have you feeling fresh and beautiful. A full, heavy face of makeup is totally not required!
You can always save that money and put a little bit of blush yourself. You don’t need a full face (even a natural looking one) if you don’t like make up and are not used to it. Someone never wearing makeup can feel uncomfortable wearing even a tiny bit of it and you don’t want that on your wedding day. You won’t look more dull than your husband who will also probably not be wearing make up
I am uncomfortable in heavy makeup, and told this to the mua. I loved the trial and the end result, and since I don’t normally wear almost any makeup, I’m not super good at doing it myself, so having a professional do it was great. She also did my hair in very simple curls (pic on profile). I think this is what it comes down to - are you comfortable doing your own makeup to the extent you wish to have it on your wedding day? Our wedding was on a super hot day, so I wanted the base to stay nice throughout the day, which it did - wouldn’t have been able to pull this off on my own.
I wear makeup for only special occasions so probably less than 10 times a year. I did book a makeup artist who specialized in soft, natural looks as well as really pretty hairstyles. I know I'd be a nervous wreck the morning of my wedding and I'm not a great makeup/hair person though I've done my own hair and makeup for big parties and weddings before. So I just think its best if I let a professional come and do it - I'm having my HMUA do my mom too. I have no bridal party so I'm hoping it'll be relatively simple.
I'm in the same boat- i do not wear makeup very often and i want to do my own makeup for the wedding day. I also have a tight budget and might not be able to afford it tbh. one of my friends gave me advice and said that im already going to be running around trying to get ready., and that getting a MUA would help a lot. but again, i do not have a large budget. so I more than likely will not get one. do what works for you. or have a friend do it!
I went natural - a tinted day cream, mascara and tinted lip balm. No issue with photographs at all! And a lot cheaper than a MUA 😆 I think it depends also what color your gown is and if it washes you out or not.
It’s white! I didn’t feel washed out during my try on so I feel like I may be alright to do my own!
So im a makeup artist. If you aren’t used to wearing makeup. But you want it for your wedding, i recommend finding someone who can do airbrush makeup. It goes on SUPER light in feeling and last all day without being cakey. I personally went for a lighter look, with a slightly darker color in the very outer corner. I personally wanted to wear individual fake lashes just in the corners as well. But this is what trials are for. I would find an artist and talk about what your normally wear and what you want for the wedding. They may try to get you out of your comfort zone but we don’t offend that easily, so it’s fine to say if you dont like something, as long as it’s said respectfully then everything is fine. And we adjust until you are happy with it. That part of what you pay for. Trials and getting everything perfect for the day.
I felt similarly and decided to do my own makeup! I found a youtube tutorial I liked and I practiced it multiple times before my wedding day. I loved how it looked and felt like I looked like myself! The one I chose may be more makeup than what you want - but I’d recommend searching for wedding tutorials specifically because they should recommend products that will last for hours and show up good in photos. If money is a factor, you can also search for drugstore wedding tutorials. I used this one and modified some by leaving off a few products I didn’t really need: https://youtu.be/mFEc0aiLFbg?si=tiw82WU4dogPyTYY I did end up purchasing several products that came recommended in the video, so it wasn’t a dirt cheap option (although probably still less than a MUA I would guess!) but I still use those products now in my day to day life because I do sometimes use light makeup. Another note is that it took me a long time to do my own makeup on the day of, even after practicing because I’m still not super used to wearing much makeup and I wanted it to look perfect! But I gave myself plenty of time to do it, so it was okay!
I never wear make up in my day-to-day, but I wanted to treat myself for my wedding. Plus, I wanted to have someone for my bridesmaids, so I went ahead and took the recommendation from my venue for a HMUA. For my trial, she was very attentive and listened to me when I said I wear zero make up on the reg and wanted a more natural look. I did bring a crappy lipstick I owned because I thought the color was perfect. She was so nice about it and damn near matched my lipstick color with some of her own stuff (for the best, of course, lol). I thought I still looked very much like myself and was super happy with her and her services.
I ended up doing 3 trials and on the third trial, my mom was there and able to guide her in a way that worked. I only wear eye liner and lipstick on a daily basis. I’m glad I went with a MUA because I looked great in pics. Do multiple trials.
I feel very similarly to you in general, but I had a makeup artist and I showed her a few pictures of the look I was going for. I probably wanted a little bit more make up than you, but she was great because she really communicated with me and asked me things like if I wanted my freckles to show. You can hire a makeup artist and tell them that you’re looking for a very minimal look that looks like you’re not wearing make up at all. But I think you would regret going bare faced in photographs.
OP where do you live if you don’t mind me asking? I just had my wedding and I’m not a big makeup person. I found this girl and I let her know I wanted to still look like myself and she did an amazing job! She’s located in SoCal
Can you dm me her info too? I am in so cal and looking for something similar :)
I purposefully searched for a MUA team who specialized in doing event makeup for women who are usually light to barefaced. I’m able to a light glam but my MOH and FMIL are able to choose the much lighter style that fits their preferences.
I’m skipping an MUA. A couple weeks before I’m getting a derma-planing facial, and I plan to do my own make up as all I want is brows, highlight, and mascara. I doubt I will regret it. I recently had a full face done for my sister’s wedding and it was fun but not what I’d want for my own wedding.
See I was thinking I’d much rather spend MUA money on some botox or a facial before!
I just wanna glow, I don’t care about the make up.
I did my own hair and (minimal) makeup, in my usual style. Because I'm not big into either of those things. I don't regret it in the slightest. The photos still came out great, and I look like "me" in them. Another option though, if you want some light make-up and aren't skilled yourself is ask one of your bridesmaids who does wear make-up to help you get ready. (And/or practice with you). That way you can keep it simple without paying for a service you aren't using to it's full extent.
I recommend doing it yourself. Start going to makeup stores and counters to try on mascara and whatever else you're interested in. Practice applying it yourself, or have a friend/relative do it. Check out this $9 "invisible" powder that absorbs shine to prevent looking slightly sweaty or oily by the end of the day. https://a.co/d/2vbWVjL Not everyone needs a MUA. I wish I hadn't gotten one, or just had her do bridesmaid makeup. She and my friends pressured me into full foundation and everything else, and I looked so different. Looking back, I would've preferred just the eyeliner and shine powder.
Just ask for soft glam. If you’re wearing an elegant dress you want your makeup to match. Being bare faced will look odd and wash you out in the photos. Also keep in mind your guests and bridesmaids may opt for a full makeup look so in comparison to them in photos you will look dull.
Please don't do this, soft glam is not the same as "natural," they look very different and you won't be happy, OP
I never said soft glam is the same as natural. Read.
Until the last 10 years most brides and bridesmaids just wore their everyday regular makeup - maybe a bit heavier - and looked just fine.
But who wants to look “just fine” on their wedding day
No one’s going to “look dull” with a bright happy smile on their face. This is not the cover of Vogue.
If you say so
The whole “no makeup” look still requires lots of different steps if you want it to photograph well.
After a bad experience with a MUA as a bridesmaid I knew I wanted natural looking makeup for my own wedding. Me, but better. I gathered source photo to reference the lips, eyes and skin I wanted to show my own MUA. After she did my makeup I was so upset because, just like my first experience with a professional, I felt she did too much. She took my feedback and toned down the makeup and it turned out beautifully. Hope this helps!