While this year’s wedding makeup looks certainly feel exciting, they’re also refreshingly classic. “In 2025, I anticipate seeing a surge in bridal makeup trends that prioritize natural elegance and fresh aesthetics. Glass skin will continue to dominate, with its dewy, radiant finish that captures a bride’s natural glow,” says Aarin Peguese, international makeup artist and founder of Artistry by Aarin. Sierra Brinkley Kirchner of Think Brink Beauty tells me the same, emphasizing that the pared-down vibe will extend far beyond skin. “Finding ways to enhance your best features while still looking and feeling like yourself is the ultimate goal,” she says. From embracing your natural lashes to subtle takes on eyeliner, scroll on for the seven timeless, understated trends that will define bridal makeup in 2025.
1. Old Money Makeup
Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s wedding day makeup is just as au courant now as it was in 1996, and for good reason. Mirrored in the modern day by Sofia Richie Grange, Alexandra Cooper and Meghan Markle, the elegant, incredibly understated look is one that truly stands the time. Laura Garica, founder & makeup artist at La Di Da Beauty, tells me that nailing the celebrity wedding trend, which she calls “Old Money Makeup,” is all about creating a polished yet natural appearance that enhances rather than transforms—one that’s so expertly done that it almost looks like the bride isn’t wearing makeup at all. “We’re creating refined looks using strategic techniques,” she says. “Think subtle contours that enhance bone structure, soft brown eyeshadows with minimal shimmer, perfectly groomed brows and muted rose or nude lips with a satin finish.” As of-the-moment of this look may be, it’s simultaneously the perfect option for those who want their wedding photos to look just as sophisticated twenty years from now as they will today.
2. Dewy Skin
A key characteristic of “Old Money Makeup” is skin that looks like skin, which is why we’ll see so many brides lean into the dewy, luminous look this year. And while you might think applying a few glow-boosting products will do the trick, experts tell me there’s far more to it than that. “I’m seeing brides invest more time and resources into creating the perfect canvas through advanced skincare routines, anti-inflammatory lifestyles and cutting-edge technologies rather than relying on makeup for correction,” says Garcia. By prioritizing healthy skin from the get-go, less coverage will be needed in the long run. “Skinimalism is definitely here to stay,” says Katy Reddell of Katy Reddell Beauty. “The ‘less is more’ approach is so refreshing, and I expect to see more lightweight foundations focused on enhancing the skin’s natural radiance rather than covering it up,” she adds. It’s still important to apply a bit of powder in those particularly oily areas though, especially on your wedding day, as there’s a fine line between dewy and shiny. “It’s all about hydrated-looking skin that looks like you’re having the best skin day, while also having intentional glow or blurring where it’s needed,” says Annika Thomas, head makeup artist at Etoilly Artistry.
3. Shadow Liner
A swipe of eyeliner is a simple way to add depth and dimension to wedding day eyes, but for brides that would like a more natural look, it can come off harsh. Strategic eyeshadow application can provide the same effect with a little less drama. “Many of our brides like the look of winged eyeliner but are opting for a softer shadow wing instead,” says Kirchner. For an even subtler take, you can ask your makeup artist to add just a touch of eyeshadow to the lash line without winging it out. “This technique creates the most stunning dimension, while still providing contrast for the eyes,” says Thomas.
4. Flushed Cheeks
The “sunset blush” trend took the TikTok world by storm in the spring of 2024, and this year, we’ll see it carry over into the bridal beauty world. “Bold blush isn’t going anywhere—it’s such a versatile and flattering trend,” says Reddell. “Blush blindness” be darned—I’m of the belief that a bold flush of color is never bad. Peguese agrees. “Lots of blush, softly diffused across the cheeks and even swept over the nose—will bring a youthful, romantic flush to bridal makeup,” she says. In bronzy tones, specifically placed higher on the cheeks where the sun naturally hits them, blush can add so much warmth to the complexion. “I love a sunkissed, blushing bride. Adding warmth and color with a pretty shimmery blush is one of my favorite looks,” says Brinkley.
5. Bronzed Lids
While pared-down eyes are on the rise, we’ll still see brides opt for that classic, golden-bronze beauty aesthetic. “Bronzey eye looks with golden or champagne shimmer is the makeup look that’s requested most often,” says Kirchner. Shimmer naturally lends itself to ultra-glam makeup looks, but Peguese says it can easily be toned down for brides that want a statement eye that doesn’t feel too over-the-top. “Soft washes of color and delicate shimmers draw attention without overpowering the look,” she says.
6. Pops of Red
Pops of red may not feel like the most subtle wedding day beauty choice, per se, but they do go hand-in-hand with 2025’s trend toward timeless makeup and classic glamour. From scarlet lips and cherry-flushed cheeks to classic red manicures and even bridal bouquets, we’ll see the shade take over the wedding scene in many ways. “This trend aligns perfectly with the rise of black and white wedding photography, where a red lip adds a timeless touch of drama and sophistication,” says Garcia. “It signifies a broader trend of confidence and self-ownership in beauty.” One of the best things about this trend is that it’s truly approachable for every bride, no matter their skin tone. “A beauty truth I’ve learned over years of working with brides is that every woman looks stunning in red lipstick when she owns it,” Garcia adds.
7. Low-Key Lashes
As understated looks continue to gain momentum, more and more brides will choose lower-key lash looks over bold and fluffy ones. And if a bride does go for a false lash, there’s a good chance it will be a very subtle one. “We expect natural and clustered false lashes to continue to be a little more popular than strip lashes,” confirms Thomas. Peguese agrees, stating that pared-down looks will reign supreme, even when it comes to eyelashes, emphasizing understated beauty and minimalistic sophistication. “Surprisingly, many brides may forgo traditional false lashes, opting for enhanced natural lashes or simply embracing their own for a more effortless look,” she says.