Ever notice how one shade of lipstick lights up your whole face while another leaves you looking washed out? That’s the magic of seasonal color analysis—a system that matches your undertones to one of four palettes: Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. For brides, it’s a game-changer: by aligning your wedding makeup with your seasonal palette, you’ll know exactly which blush, bronzer, eyeshadow, and lip shades enhance your complexion. The result is bridal makeup that feels effortless, photographs beautifully, and flatters your skin tone in every light. Ahead, we’ve rounded up the best wedding makeup shades for every season and undertone—and how to make them work for you.
Spring Color Palette
Eyeshadow & Lip Color
If you have warm, golden undertones with bright blue, green, or hazel eyes, you’re likely a Spring bride. Complexions in this palette can range from fair to tan and often carry a sprinkling of freckles, giving the skin a naturally sun-kissed look. Springs are defined by clarity and warmth, which means luminous shades bring out their natural vibrancy. Champagne, light gold, and soft coral shadows add a radiant glow to the eyes without overpowering. Lips shine in juicy watermelon, coral-pink, or peachy nudes—colors that feel fresh, radiant, and effortlessly polished.
Ilia, Holly Broomhall, Merit
Holly Broomhall, Chanel, Laura Gwyneth
Blush & Bronzer
True to its name, the Spring palette calls for makeup that feels fresh, radiant, and full of light—like the first golden days of the season. Peach and apricot blush paired with a soft golden bronzer keeps the complexion luminous and airy, adding just enough warmth to enhance Spring’s natural glow. The result is soft, seamless radiance that feels effortless, full-of-life and sunlit.
Rhode, Laura Mercier, Lorelen Coriton
Summer Color Palette
Eyeshadow & Lip Color
Despite its name, the Summer palette usually leans cool—often with ashy blonde or light brown hair, blue or green eyes, and undertones that flush pink. This season thrives in muted, delicate shades that feel soft and refined rather than bold or sunlit. Eyes look dreamy in lilac, dusty pink, mauve, and silvery shadows, with navy or slate liner adding gentle definition. Lips are best in cool mauves, berry stains, or soft rosy pinks, all of which echo Summer’s signature understated elegance. Together, these shades create an airy softness that feels ethereal on a wedding day.
Stila, Chanel, Billie Scheepers,
Mac Cosmetics, Colour Pop, Alena Saz
Blush & Bronzer
Dusty rose or soft plum blush gives Summer brides a natural, romantic flush, while a light, barely there, taupe bronzer adds subtle sculpting without heaviness. The pairing creates a soft-focus finish that enhances the complexion with delicate depth and an effortless elegance. It’s best to avoid warm oranges or golden bronzers, which can overpower cool undertones and disrupt the refined softness that flatters Summer coloring.
Sofia Tilbury, Merit, Steve Granitz
Autumn Color Palette
Eyeshadow & Lip Color
Warm undertones with auburn, chestnut, or golden-brown hair and green or hazel eyes are often Autumn brides. This palette is defined by depth and richness, making earthy tones the most flattering. Copper, bronze, and olive shadows bring dimension to the eyes, while chocolate or bronze liner adds softness over harsh definition. For lips, spiced nudes, terracotta shades, and brick reds create a bold yet timeless finish that captures Autumn’s grounded vibrancy.
Chanel, Charlotte Tilbury, Yakovleva Muah,
Stila, Chanel, Stila
Blush & Bronzer
Autumn brides should aim for warmth that feels rich, dimensional, and sun-kissed—think glowing radiance rather than barely-there color. Terracotta, burnt orange, or brick-toned blush paired with golden bronzer amplifies the season’s natural depth, while a touch of copper highlight adds glow. The effect is polished but effortless, echoing the earthy vibrancy that defines the Autumn palette.
Winter Color Palette
Eyeshadow & Lip Color
Cool undertones with dark brown or black hair and deep brown, icy blue, or gray eyes often belong to the Winter palette. Winter coloring thrives in contrast, which is why crisp, cool shades are the most flattering. A wash of iridescent silver, slate gray, or icy white shadow creates a striking yet bridal-ready effect, while a touch of jewel tone, such as sapphire, or amethyst, can add depth and dimension without overpowering. For a more minimal, cool-girl approach, a sleek black liner against fresh skin pairs perfectly with Winter’s natural contrast. Lips are where Winter truly shines: blue-based reds, deep berries, and vibrant fuchsias bring high-impact drama that photographs beautifully.
Billie Scheepers, Stila, Chanel
Billie Scheepers, Chanel, Felicity Ingram
Blush & Bronzer
Winter makeup thrives on contrast, and the cheeks are no exception. Blush should stay firmly on the cool, vibrant side—berry, plum, fuchsia, or icy pink tones that sculpt and brighten without drifting into warmth. These shades play beautifully against Winter’s naturally high-contrast coloring, adding definition while keeping the skin fresh and crisp. A matte neutral bronzer can be used sparingly for structure, but anything orange or peach will clash with cool undertones and dull the effect. Finished with a pearly highlight, the result is sharp, polished, and unmistakably Winter.
Rhode, Rare Beauty, Yakovleva Muah
