Charlotte Joffroy, Hannah Murray
On your wedding day, you want to feel both stunning and authentically yourself, and your wedding makeup plays an important part in this. But what happens if, at the last minute, you catch a glimpse in the mirror and feel like your makeup isn’t quite what you envisioned? In case you missed it, this week a Tiktok has taken the internet by storm — featuring a bride who, on her wedding day, washed off her professionally done makeup and reapplied it herself, sparking a fierce online debate on what's appropriate and how to navigate the situation with grace. So, what do you do if you’re not happy with your bridal makeup? First, take a deep breath – there’s no need to panic. Second, arm yourself with a few tested tips to navigate the situation with minimal stress or frustration. Remember, one of the best strategies during wedding prep is to minimize potential challenges ahead of time. Here are 5 practical tips to help you turn things around if you’re not loving your bridal look and ensure you radiate confidence and feel your best self on your special day.
First & Foremost–Book a Makeup Trial
The first step to ensure your makeup artist creates a look you love is to schedule a makeup trial in advance. This is your chance to share references and ideas, communicate your preferences constructively, and discuss what you like and don’t like. Don’t shy away from giving honest feedback during the trial—it’s essential for achieving the perfect look. It also gives the artist an opportunity to assess your skin texture and face structure, any allergies you may have to certain products and to truly understand your vision. Together, you can collaborate to design a complementary look that can be flawlessly recreated on your special day, minimizing the risk of any misunderstandings or, worse, a look you don't love.
Communicate Honestly & Openly with Your Makeup Artist
When it comes to your bridal look, it’s essential to voice any uncertainties or specifications you might have – especially during your initial wedding makeup trial. Clear communication from the start can make all the difference! For elements that are often a matter of personal preference, like the smoothness of your skin’s finish, the shape of your eyeliner, or the style of your eyebrows, don’t hesitate to express your thoughts politely but firmly. A true professional will value your input, as their goal is to ensure your look for the big day is as special as possible. If your makeup artist asks for feedback, don’t shy away from honesty. Constructive feedback not only helps ensure you get the bridal look of your dreams, but also supports the artist in refining their skills and improving their craft.
Seek Advice from Someone You Trust
If you’ve noticed aspects of your final look that you’re unhappy with after your makeup artist has finished, don’t rush into any quick decisions. Take a moment to step back and consult trusted individuals around you, like your bridesmaid, family member, or even photographer. Remember, you’re often your own harshest critic, and what might feel off to you may not be as noticeable to others. Capturing a few test portraits can provide a fresh perspective on how your makeup actually looks in photos – sometimes it’s not as concerning as it seems. Keep in mind that repeatedly analyzing yourself in the mirror can fatigue your eye, making it harder to evaluate objectively. But if you're still feeling dissatisfied and your trusted circle agrees that the look isn’t working, then it might be time to consider more significant adjustments to ensure you feel confident.
Nikki Cruz, Chantelle Kemkemian
Refine, Don’t Redo: Make Subtle Adjustments
Resist the temptation to completely remove and redo your entire makeup look, unless the concern lies with a key element, like your foundation or overall skin tone. Instead, take a methodical approach to pinpoint the specific concern and address it effectively. If your eyebrows are the focus, refine their shape—fill in sparse areas with a brow pencil or reduce volume where needed. If you're not satisfied with your eye makeup, make adjustments by adding a touch of color, blending harsh lines, or correcting uneven eyeliner for a more polished finish. Make sure you have a personal set of makeup products on hand for quick fixes. These can be a lifesaver when it comes to enhancing your look without starting from scratch.
Faye Bluff, Jocelyn Cabral, Anna Pogossova
Prepare a Backup Plan
Even with meticulous planning, things don’t always go as expected. That’s why having a backup plan for a last-minute makeup mishap is crucial. A prepared bride is a confident bride! Make sure to have a trusted ally on hand – a bridesmaid, relative, or friend who knows their way around makeup and can jump in to help if needed. It’s also wise to have a backup look in mind that complements your features and style – whether it’s a timeless neutral look or a soft glam aesthetic. Having a reliable option ensures you can transition your look smoothly if the initial one isn’t working.
Keep Calm & Stay Positive
Your wedding day is one of the most unforgettable moments of your life, and while unexpected hiccups can feel overwhelming, it’s important to stay calm and positive. After all, your wedding is truly a celebration of the love and commitment you share. Maintaining a sense of calm will help you focus on what truly matters: the people, emotions, and cherished memories that make the day special, rather than fixating on temporary imperfections. Remember, small imperfections are just that – small. They don’t diminish the significance or joy of the day. What truly matters is the love you’re celebrating and the happiness you share with your partner.
