Wedding Makeup 2016 Trends & Inspiration

Readers, have you ever wondered how to achieve that perfect wedding makeup look that will make you feel confident and radiant on your big day? With so many wedding makeup trends emerging every year, it can be overwhelming to navigate and choose the right style for your unique features and personality. You want a look that complements your wedding dress, theme, and personal style while ensuring you still look like yourself. Fortunately, we've analyzed the top wedding makeup trends of 2016, drawing inspiration from beauty experts, fashion shows, and real brides. We’ve gathered the best tips and tricks to help you create the wedding makeup look of your dreams.

The Natural Glow: A Timeless Classic

Embrace Your Natural Beauty

The natural glow trend emphasizes enhancing your innate beauty rather than masking it with heavy makeup. This timeless trend focuses on creating a fresh, radiant complexion, emphasizing skin texture and promoting a healthy-looking glow. Think dewy skin, subtle contouring, and soft, muted eyeshadows.

The Art of Subtle Contouring

Contouring plays a key role in enhancing your natural features. With a light hand, use contour powder or cream to define your cheekbones, jawline, and nose, creating subtle shadows that add dimension and structure to your face. Avoid harsh lines and focus on creating a soft, natural contour.

Soft, Subtle Eyeshadows

For eyes, opt for soft, neutral eyeshadow palettes in shades of browns, pinks, or peaches. A light shimmer on the lids can add a touch of sparkle without being overwhelming. Keep the eyeliner thin and blend it seamlessly into the lash line. This subtle approach allows your natural eye color to shine through.

The Bold Lip: A Statement of Confidence

Make a Statement

If you want a dramatic touch to your wedding makeup, the bold lip trend is your perfect choice. Embrace bold lipsticks in vibrant hues like red, burgundy, or even a deep pink. This trend adds a pop of color and confidence to your look, creating a statement that complements your bridal attire.

Complementary Colors

Consider pairing a bold lip with more subtle eye makeup. Opt for light eyeshadows and a thin eyeliner to avoid overwhelming your face. The focus should be on your statement lip, ensuring it complements your skin tone and wedding dress.

Long Lasting Lip Color

Choose a long-lasting lipstick formula that will stay on throughout your wedding day and night. Apply a lip liner in a similar shade for added definition and durability. Consider using a lip-plumping gloss for a touch of volume and shine.

The Romantic Eye: A Touch of Enchantment

Dreamy and Delicate

The romantic eye trend captures the ethereal beauty of a wedding day. It involves using soft, romantic colors like pink, peach, and gold to create a whimsical effect. Soft smoky eyes in warm tones and subtle glitter add a touch of sparkle and enchantment to your look, aligning perfectly with the romantic ambiance of your wedding.

Subtle Smoky Eyes

Instead of the traditional dark smoky eye, the romantic eye trend opts for softer, warm-toned shades. Blend a light peach or pink eyeshadow across your lids, adding a touch of shimmer to the center. Use a dark brown or burgundy eyeliner to define your lash line and create a soft, romantic smoky effect.

Subtle Glitter for a Touch of Sparkle

A touch of glitter can enhance the romantic eye look, adding a delicate sparkle that complements the ethereal ambiance of a wedding. Apply a light sprinkle of gold or silver glitter to the center of your lids or inner corners of your eyes for a touch of magic. Keep the glitter subtle and blend it seamlessly for a natural effect.

Wedding Makeup 2016: A Comprehensive Guide

Skin Preparation: The Foundation for Flawless Makeup

Before applying any makeup, ensure your skin is properly prepped for a flawless application. Start with a gentle cleanser to remove any impurities. Exfoliate your skin to remove dead skin cells and create a smooth canvas for makeup. Moisturize well to hydrate your skin and create a dewy, radiant base.

Foundation: Finding the Perfect Match

Choose a foundation that matches your skin tone perfectly. Test foundation shades on your jawline and ensure it seamlessly blends into your skin. Opt for a lightweight, breathable formula that won't feel heavy or cakey. Consider using a primer as a base for your foundation to create a smooth, even canvas and extend the wear of your makeup.

Concealer: Masking Imperfections

Use a concealer to cover any blemishes, dark circles, or uneven skin tone. Choose a shade slightly lighter than your foundation to brighten and brighten the areas you want to conceal. Apply concealer with a small brush and blend it out seamlessly with a damp sponge or brush. For a natural look, apply concealer sparingly and blend it well.

Blush: Adding a Flush of Color

Blush adds a touch of warmth and color to your cheeks, creating a healthy, natural glow. Choose a blush shade that complements your skin tone and consider using a cream blush for a subtle, dewy effect. Apply blush to the apples of your cheeks and blend it outwards towards your temples.

Eyeshadow: Enhancing Your Eye Shape

Eyeshadow adds dimension and depth to your eyes, enhancing your natural eye shape. Use a light shade on the brow bone and a medium shade on the lid. Consider a darker shade in the crease to add depth and definition. Blend the eyeshadows seamlessly for a natural look.

Eyeliner: Adding Definition and Elegance

Eyeliner defines your eyes and creates a more polished look. For a subtle effect, use a neutral brown or black eyeliner to line close to your lash line. For a bolder look, consider using a winged eyeliner. Ensure you blend the eyeliner well for a natural look.

Mascara: Enhancing Your Lashes

Mascara adds volume and length to your lashes, opening up your eyes and creating a more dramatic effect. Choose a mascara that complements your lash type and preference. For a natural look, use a lash-defining mascara. For a more dramatic look, use a volumizing mascara.

Brows: Framing Your Face

Brows frame your face and add definition to your features. Use a brow pencil or powder to fill in any sparse areas and create a natural, well-defined brow. Consider using a clear brow gel to set your brows in place.

Setting Spray: Locking in Your Makeup

A setting spray helps to lock in your makeup and ensure it lasts throughout your wedding day and night. Apply the setting spray to your face after applying all your makeup. Hold the bottle about 6-8 inches away from your face and spray evenly. Let the setting spray dry completely before touching your face. This will help to prevent your makeup from smudging or fading.

Wedding Makeup FAQs

How Do I Choose the Right Wedding Makeup Look?

Choosing the right wedding makeup look depends on several factors. Consider your wedding dress, theme, personal style, and the time of day your wedding will be. Consult with a professional makeup artist to discuss your preferences and find a look that complements your features and personality.

What are the Most Common Wedding Makeup Mistakes?

Common wedding makeup mistakes include using too much foundation, not blending properly, using the wrong shade of foundation, and not setting your makeup with a setting spray. Avoid these mistakes by prepping your skin, blending well, and using a setting spray to ensure your makeup lasts all day.

How Can I Practice My Wedding Makeup Before the Big Day?

Practice your wedding makeup several times before your wedding day to ensure you are comfortable with the look. Experiment with different products and techniques to find your perfect wedding makeup look. Take photos of yourself to see how the makeup looks in different lighting conditions.

Conclusion

Choosing your wedding makeup look is a crucial part of your bridal preparation. Whether you prefer a natural glow, a bold lip, or a romantic eye, remember to choose a look that complements your personal style and wedding theme while allowing your natural beauty to shine through. Don't forget to experiment with different products and techniques to find the perfect look for your special day. For more tips and tricks on creating the wedding makeup look of your dreams, check out our other blog posts on wedding beauty and style. Happy planning, readers!

Video Bridal Makeup Tutorial with Celebrity MUA Troy Jensen I 2016 Wedding Makeup