Let me start by saying this upfront: I had a very small wedding. But just like every bride, I wanted to look and feel my absolute best on my special day. And for me, that meant doing my own makeup. I know that might sound daunting to some, especially with the pressure to look perfect on one of the most important days of your life, but for me, it felt like the right decision. After all, the thought of sitting in a chair and letting someone else apply my makeup felt far more stressful than taking it into my own hands.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t approaching this decision lightly. I love beauty—after all, I was a beauty editor before—so doing my own makeup was a natural fit. It’s something I genuinely enjoy. There’s something incredibly relaxing about the process for me. The act of blending, contouring, and adding those finishing touches actually calmed my nerves in the lead-up to the big moment. I knew that in the end, I’d be feeling both relaxed and confident—exactly how I wanted to feel when I walked down the aisle.

Finding the Right Look

While I’ve always been passionate about beauty, just because I love makeup doesn’t mean I’m a professional makeup artist. But with my background and a good deal of research, I felt prepared to take on the challenge. I spent weeks planning my wedding makeup look, knowing I wanted something timeless, elegant, and true to my natural style. I knew I didn’t want to go too over-the-top, but I also wanted to enhance my features and look radiant in the photos that would last a lifetime.

The key to feeling comfortable doing my own makeup was taking the time to practice. I played with different looks, trying out various shades, techniques, and even practicing my application methods to get the most flattering result. I looked to makeup tutorials for brides, as well as tips from makeup artists who specialize in long-wear looks that would last through the ceremony, pictures, and the celebrations afterward.

The Products That Helped Me Achieve My Wedding Makeup Look

For my wedding makeup, I knew I needed products that were both long-lasting and lightweight, so I wouldn’t be worrying about touch-ups. These are the essentials I used to create a flawless yet natural look:

1. Primer: I started with a hydrating primer that would smooth my skin’s texture and help my makeup stay in place all day. The one I used was both soothing and tacky, allowing my foundation to adhere without getting greasy throughout the day.
2. Foundation: I opted for a light-to-medium coverage foundation with a dewy finish. I wanted my skin to look fresh, glowing, and natural—not cakey. It also had to withstand the heat of a summer wedding, so I chose one that promised long wear without oxidizing.
3. Concealer: I used a full-coverage concealer to brighten the under-eye area and cover up any blemishes or redness. It provided just enough coverage without looking too heavy, and I made sure to blend it into my skin so it melted seamlessly.
4. Blush and Bronzer: For a natural flush, I chose a soft, rose-toned blush and a bronzer to give me that sun-kissed glow. I applied them lightly, focusing on the apples of my cheeks and the contours of my face for a balanced, fresh look.
5. Eyes: For my eyes, I kept it simple but elegant. I used a soft neutral eyeshadow palette with earthy tones, accentuating my eyes without making them too dramatic. A thin line of eyeliner on my top lid and a coat of mascara to make my lashes stand out completed the look.
6. Brows: I filled in my brows to create a fuller, yet natural shape. I used a brow pencil to define the arches and a brow gel to set them in place. I made sure not to overdo it—just enough to enhance my features.
7. Lips: For my lips, I went with a nude shade that would complement the rest of my makeup and wouldn’t clash with my dress. I chose a long-wear lipstick that had a satin finish—enough color to make a statement without feeling too bold.
8. Setting Spray: To finish everything off, I used a setting spray that would keep my makeup intact for the entire day. I made sure to use a spray that added a bit of dewy glow to my skin, so I wouldn’t look flat in photos.

The Results

The final result was exactly what I hoped for: natural, radiant, and elegant. I felt completely like myself—enhanced but not overdone. The best part? I didn’t have to worry about anyone else doing my makeup and stressing over how I would look. I trusted myself, and the outcome was both beautiful and true to my style.

Throughout the day, my makeup stayed in place, despite the heat and the emotional moments that came with the ceremony. I didn’t need to touch up once, which is a testament to how well the products held up. More than that, I felt relaxed and confident, knowing that I was the one responsible for making myself look and feel amazing.

Why Doing My Own Makeup Was the Right Choice for Me

Ultimately, doing my own wedding makeup was about more than just saving money or having control over the process. It was about embracing something I loved doing, and finding joy in it during one of the most important moments of my life. The experience reminded me that beauty is not just about the final look—it’s about the process, the preparation, and the peace of mind that comes with trusting yourself.

Every bride deserves to feel beautiful and confident on her wedding day, whether that means doing your own makeup, hiring a professional, or somewhere in between. For me, doing my own makeup was the perfect way to add a personal touch to my wedding day, and I wouldn’t have changed a thing.