Here's how to achieve a minimal yet timeless bridal beauty glow, according to makeup artists

Minimalistic bridal beauty isn’t a trend—it’s timeless. Vogue asks four makeup pros to share their tips on achieving and retaining that lit-from-within glow

By Tatiana Dias

21 November 2022

Avishkar Jadon

Elegant silhouettes, subtle hues, and a play on the natural: looking at a creased photograph of my grandmother as a bride, I witnessed a simpler time. The subtly coiffed updo, untouched brows, and the once-famous rouge blush came together seamlessly. Even though the photographs were in black and white —a void of aesthetic choices back then—they captured the essence of what’s now deemed the timeless bridal look. The legacy continues, even six decades later. JJ Valaya’s FDCI India Couture Week Show 2022 brought to life the bride I saw in my grandmother. Orbiting around sleek retro-esque finger wave hair, glossy nude lips, a natural base, kohl-rimmed eyes, and a play-up on the famous glow synonymous with the bride-to-be, this etherealness evidently still resonates with the contemporary bride.

Even with the most timeless looks, a lot can unravel a few hours into your wedding: Creased under-eyes, a lip colour that plays Houdini, and mascara that washes away with your tears. Celebrity makeup artists Namrata Soni, Puneet Saini, Eshwar Log and Tanvi Chemburkar share quick bridal makeup tricks that’ll guide you through your big day.

“Start your skin prep six months before your wedding. Visit a dermatologist and get on a skincare regime for your skin type and texture. Don’t do treatments or facials involving acids or peels a week prior to your wedding,” says Soni. When it comes to facials, you’re spoilt for choice. Chemburkar recommends going for a hydra-facial or a glow facial as part of your bridal routine. Even a chemical peel, or one-to-two sessions of laser can really help, provided it’s done in advance and not close to the wedding.

A look like this requires a dewy, fresh touch—and prepping your skin properly is one of the best ways to prevent it from wilting. Log suggests starting with a hydrating face mask, an under-eye mask, a refreshing face mist, and then finishing with a nourishing moisturiser to prep your skin. “I suggest using PIXI DetoxifEYE Depuffing Eye Patches and Kama Ayurveda’s Vetiver Mist to freshen up; and L’Occitane Lotion Luminaire to add that lit-from-within-bridal glow.” Both Log and Soni agree that ensuring your under eyes are hydrated with an eye cream before dabbing on your corrector, concealer and foundation is the best way to avoid under-eye creasing.

A naturally soft contour and striking highlight can steal the spotlight effortlessly. The trick, according to Saini, lies in layering your textures in the right manner. The rule of thumb: Creamy textures, then translucent setting powder, followed by a powdered texture to emphasise and create dimension. “For example, you can always layer your contouring by starting with a cream contour, blending it well, and then powdering your face. Then enhance it with a powder contour in the place you want more emphasis. The same can be done with the highlight and blush as well.” This is also one of the best ways to increase the longevity of your products.

Speaking of emphasis, if you want to amp up the glow and extend your golden hour across the day, Chemburkar recommends adding a hint of liquid highlighter to your blush as you blend it into your skin.

Around since the 1920s, the finger wave is as prominent today as it was decades ago. Over the years, this sleek and stylish hairstyle has been twirled to fit into each era—retaining its true essence over the years. Log breaks down the look for us. “Start by applying a serum and parting your hair down the middle, from front to back. Make a bun at the back and secure it with a bungee or a band. Part the front section using a gel and create a wave—use clips at every bend of the wave—and leave it on for 15 minutes. Once the gel is dried, remove the clips. You can use clear mascara to clear the frizz and baby hair.”