The Best Wedding Makeup Products According to Brides and MUAs

Even though I've gotten my makeup professionally done seven times as a bridesmaid, I still found myself overwhelmed when it came time to nail down the wedding makeup look I wanted as a bride. Testing the best wedding makeup products beforehand—along with chatting through it all with my wedding makeup artist, of course—was a great way to help ensure I loved my final look on the big day.

To help you do the same, I quizzed over 30 brides about their absolute favorite wedding day makeup products, from skin prep essentials to stunning lip combos. I also tapped wedding makeup artist Michelle Adams of Michelle Adams Beauty for some expert insight as to what makes these picks so perfect for wedding day.

Ahead, take a scroll through the 16 wedding makeup products that were not only mentioned multiple times by recent brides and approved by a wedding MUA, but also just so happen to be sitting in this beauty editor's own collection. In other words, these products are as vetted as it gets.

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If you plan on doing your own wedding makeup, consider this your ultimate guide to the best beauty products for brides. But if not, don't hesitate to ask your makeup artist about them—there's a good chance they'll already have many of these on hand.

In this article:

• The Best Wedding Makeup Products to Shop Now
• 16 Wedding Makeup Products Recommended by Real Brides

The Best Wedding Makeup Products to Shop Now

Want to cut to the chase? Here's an easy-to-shop list of Adams's favorite bridal makeup products, along with the products brides raved about the most.

Best Wedding Foundation: Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Perfect Natural Glow Foundation, $69
Best Wedding Primer: Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter, $49
Best Wedding Concealer: NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer With Medium Coverage, $32
Best Wedding Lip Gloss: Maybelline Lifter Gloss With Hyaluronic Acid, $11
Best Wedding Mascara: Lancôme Définicils Defining and Lengthening Mascara, $34
Best Wedding Pressed Powder: Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder, $48
Best Wedding Loose Powder: Makeup by Mario SurrealSkin Talc-Free Soft Blur Setting Powder, $38
Best Wedding Setting Spray: ONE/SIZE by Patrick Starr On 'Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray, $32
Best Wedding Blush: Patrick Ta Major Headlines Double-Take Crème & Powder Blush Duo, $38
Best Wedding Highlighter: Dior BACKSTAGE Glow Face Palette, $48

16 Wedding Makeup Products Recommended by Real Brides

In pursuit of the best bridal makeup products out there, I reached out to all the brides I could find and asked about their absolute favorites from the big day. Needless to say, I received a lot of recommendations—but the bridal makeup list that follows features the 16 that were mentioned the most.

According to Adams, the best makeup for brides has three key characteristics: It lasts long, photographs well and feels comfortable. "Brides are wearing their makeup for over 10 hours through tears, dancing, photos and countless hugs, so longevity is key. It should also photograph beautifully—this means no harsh flashback and a natural, radiant finish that enhances the bride's features in every lighting situation," she says. "Lastly, comfort is a huge factor! A heavy, cakey formula that feels thick on the skin will not only look less fresh but can also make a bride feel self-conscious throughout the day." With that in mind, keep scrolling for our expert-backed list of the best makeup for wedding day, each product passing the above tests with flying colors.

1. Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Perfect Natural Glow Foundation

Photo: Sephora

Few foundations get as much praise as Armani's Luminous Silk, and for good reason. Adams praises the formula for its buildable skin-like coverage and ability to provide a radiant, airbrushed effect without looking dewy or greasy. "It layers beautifully, meaning a makeup artist like myself can sheer it out for a more natural look with an illuminating primer or build it up where needed without it ever looking heavy," says Adams. "It also photographs like a dream. No flashback—just a soft, luminous glow that enhances natural beauty."

Real bride review: "This foundation was introduced to me by my MUA on my wedding day, and I've never looked back." - Arielle

2. Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter

Photo: Sephora

This cult-favorite complexion booster blurs, smooths and illuminates for a real-life filter effect. You can use it as a tinted primer for wedding makeup, place it underneath your foundation, mix it with your foundation or place it on the high points of the face as a highlighter. The result? An unbelievable bridal glow that lasts all wedding day long.

Real bride review: "I did my own makeup for my wedding and used Charlotte Tilbury's Hollywood Flawless Filter. The way it made me glow! I looked so sunkissed and glowy, which was perfect for my golden-hour wedding." - Abby

3. NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer With Medium Coverage

Photo: Sephora

Like Armani's cult-favorite Luminous Silk Foundation, this NARS concealer gets major praise from brides and makeup artists alike thanks to its excellent coverage-without-cakiness power. Plus, it lasts 16 hours and comes in 30 shades. "It blends seamlessly, offers great coverage, and never looks heavy," Adams says. "You normally don't need much setting powder for this one either."

Real bride review: "It was 110 degrees out last August and this concealer held on longer than the rest of my makeup. As a bride and makeup lover, that had me thrilled. It's a perfect concealer." - Grace

4. Maybelline Lifter Gloss With Hyaluronic Acid

Photo: Ulta

Rarely is a lip gloss hydrating and long-lasting, let alone plumping on top of that. But Maybelline's Lifter Gloss begs to differ. Made with hyaluronic acid, it visibly smooths and nourishes the lips while adding fullness and shine. According to the thousands of rave reviews—many of them by brides—it performs like a product you could easily shell out three times as much for.

Real bride review: "My makeup artist used this gloss in the shade 'Moon' on my wedding day, and I've been using it ever since! It's so stunning and an amazing price." - Morgan

5. Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick Matte

Photo: Stila

Given that this is the formula behind Taylor Swift's iconic red pout, I wasn't surprised to hear so many brides mention it. When Stila says "Stay All Day," they mean it—this lipstick is designed to last 12 hours, providing intense color payoff, hydration and a lightweight feel while remaining stunningly matte. Dry lips, who?

Real bride review: "I didn't reapply this once during the reception (including after eating) and it still looked fresh at the end of the night. It also didn't dry out my lips at all! I have it in so many shades now—it's the real MVP." - Denise

6. e.l.f. Power Grip Stick & Set Duo

Photo: e.l.f.

I love a luxury product just as much as the next beauty buff, but there are plenty of drugstore finds that can give them a run for their money. e.l.f.'s Power Grip Stick & Set Duo is one of them. Including both a high-performing primer and a dewy, hydrating setting mist, it's the perfect wedding makeup product for brides who want to ensure their look lasts without making the face too matte.

Real bride review: "I did my own makeup for my wedding, and this tried-and-true duo kept me looking fresh from morning mimosas to dancing the evening away with my new husband." - Lex

7. Lancôme Définicils Defining and Lengthening Mascara

Photo: Ulta

This fan-favorite mascara is made with unique polymers formulated to lift and lengthen without clumping or flaking, leading to bridal lashes with a gorgeous, lash-extension-like look. It also comes in a true brown shade, which is a major win for brides that have lighter features and want something subtler than black.

Real bride review: "A good waterproof mascara is crucial! Lancôme Définicils gave me volume and definition without a smudge or smear. You can see it clearly in pictures—happy tears streaming down my face with no mascara meltdown whatsoever." - Elise

8. MAC Lip Liner Pencil

Photo: Ulta

This smooth and creamy lip pencil is the kind you can count on through every sip and smooch on your wedding day. It applies like a dream, never skipping or dragging, and comes in a wide range of shades formulated to pair perfectly with MAC's iconic lip colors.

Real bride review: "My makeup artist used this lip liner in the shade 'Dervish' on my wedding day, and I fell in love and ordered one for myself for everyday use. It was perfect underneath any lipstick as a base and had great staying power. It also wasn't drying and didn't transfer. I love using it to add some definition to the lips under a clear gloss or chapstick for a natural, effortless look." - Taylor

9. MAC MACximal Sleek Satin Lipstick

Photo: MAC

When you think about a classic wedding day lipstick, it's likely MAC comes to mind. The brand thought of everything when they formulated this one—it's hydrating and conditioning thanks to ingredients like pomegranate flower extract and rosehip oil, it visibly plumps the pout while reducing fine lines and it smells like vanilla. With over 35 shades to choose from, there's a perfect pick for every bridal look.

Real bride review: "My MUA used this lipstick in the shade 'Blankety' for a soft, natural pink look. She topped it with Maybelline Lifter Gloss in 'Gummy Bear' to highlight the pink tones while giving me a little bit of shine. I was pleasantly surprised that my lip combo lasted all night. I loved it so much that I bought the combo for myself, and it's become my go-to for date night and special events!" - Emily

10. Fenty Beauty Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Bronzer

Photo: Sephora

While contour isn't necessarily a must-have when it comes to everyday makeup, it can make a big difference in a bridal look—and makeup for photos in general. This favorite from Black-owned beauty brand Fenty comes in a range of sheer, buildable options for all skin tones. The formula is super lightweight and melts into the skin for a natural-looking finish that photographs beautifully.

Real bride review: "This bronzer comes in a range of cooler shades that are amazing for contouring. My wedding makeup artist used the shade 'Amber' to give me a sculpted look, and I couldn't believe how natural it looked on my super fair skin! It's an everyday staple for me now." - Katherine

11. Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder

Photo: Sephora

A setting powder that can make your look last without settling into fine lines or over mattifying the face is a tall order, but Charlotte Tilbury nails it. With rose wax and almond oil to help nourish the skin and light-reflecting pearls to luminate the complexion, it's easily some of the best makeup for wedding pictures and a long-lasting bridal look.

Real bride review: "I have been using this powder for years. It is the only powder I used for touch ups on my wedding day! It never looks cakey! Absolute perfection!" - Chelsey

12. Patrick Ta Major Dimension Eyeshadow Palette

Photo: Sephora

Given that we all have different skin tones and shade preferences, it's safe to say eyeshadow palettes can be pretty subjective. This Patrick Ta favorite, however, just so happens to have an incredibly versatile and universally flattering shade selection. Including a mix of luminous cream bases, velvety matte and iridescent metallic eyeshadows and glistening pearl toppers, it can take on everything from natural, understated looks to full-on wedding day glam.

Real bride review: "Perfect for bridal glam! The cream colors are perfection for liner and even brows! I'm obsessed with this incredible formula—so creamy and blendable." - Liz

13. Makeup by Mario SurrealSkin Talc-Free Soft Blur Setting Powder

Photo: Sephora

When it comes to makeup products for bridal looks, one of the most important things you can invest in is a powerful setting powder. This one sets makeup for up to 12 hours and blurs and smoothes the complexion with a natural finish. "The formula is finely milled and perfect for setting without dulling the skin's glow," Adams says. "This stuff doesn't let your makeup budge!"

Real bride review: "Got this product after I went to a makeup trial for my wedding—the artist used this, and I was sold! The packaging is so beautiful and I'm so excited to use this in my day to day." - Alexis

14. ONE/SIZE by Patrick Starr On 'Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray

Photo: Sephora

Patrick Starr pretty much changed the makeup setting spray game for good with this product. With a 16-hour waterproof matte finish in a transfer-proof formula, it'll keep makeup in tact even throughout the hottest ceremonies and sweatiest dance floors. "This locks in makeup without making the skin feel dry or tight," Adams says. "Even Beyoncé wore this on tour in the rain and her makeup didn't budge! If it's good enough for the queen, it's good enough for a bride!"

Real bride review: "My makeup artist used this product on my wedding day, which was in the summer and consisted of dancing for hours on end in the Texas heat and humidity. Even through all the sweat and tears, my makeup NEVER budged." - Caroline

15. Patrick Ta Major Headlines Double-Take Crème & Powder Blush Duo

Photo: Sephora

Your bridal blush is the kind of thing you want to last, and Patrick Ta's viral duo will make sure of that. The compact contains both powder and cream blush formulas designed to be layered with one another, allowing for an incredibly long-wearing, skin-like finish and a lit-from-within glow.

Real bride review: "This blush looked so natural and highlighted that internal bridal glow. I love that you can add the cream formula on top of the powder for touch ups!" - Kayla

16. Dior BACKSTAGE Glow Face Palette

Photo: Sephora

Designed to suit all skin tones and used by professionals at the Dior runway shows, these glow-boosting shades can create looks that range from natural and understated to super radiant. "I will always love this product. This palette is made with finely milled, ultra-blendable powders that act as highlighters, blush toppers or eyeshadows and add the perfect amount of glow without looking overly shimmery or textured," Adams says. "It really gives that 'glow-from-within' look."

Real bride review: "I wanted a beautiful, subtle blush and highlighter for my wedding and this was perfect! The colors are so beautiful and easy to build." - Laura