Summer is approaching, which likely means your fridge is getting covered by save-the-dates. No matter the actual season though, wedding season is a delightful one, with a celebration almost every weekend and cause to toast the beloved couple’s new beginnings. Stepping into a wedding as a guest is an invitation to participate in a pivotal moment so there are a few considerations you’ll want to keep in mind as you approach the event. (Not only that, you’re likely to be photographed.)
Attending a wedding as a guest means that, of course, the celebration isn’t about you, but more than half the fun is finding an outfit and makeup look for the big event. Crafting the perfect wedding guest makeup look—one that lasts the whole day—should both celebrate the occasion's gravity and be a true reflection of your individual style.
You don’t have to know the couple well to get a picture of how the celebration will unfold: Is it being held in the morning or at night? Inside or outside? What is the wedding dress code?
To put it simply, a look appropriate for formal co*cktail hour on a wintry night is unlikely to suit a summertime brunch celebration outside, but ultimately, it’s up to what makes you feel comfortable and confident.
Here’s how to achieve the perfect makeup look as a wedding guest:
Ensure your skin looks impeccable with coverage that offers a long-lasting finish. Our What The Foundation provides a versatile base, adaptable to both natural daylight and the soft glow of the evening. If under-eye circles or blemishes are issues, take care of color correcting and evening out to promote a smooth canvas.
Pro tip: Consider how much coverage and correction you need so you can determine if you should apply concealer or foundation first.
Eyes are the windows to the soul, and at a wedding, they should sparkle with joy and elegance.
To start, apply a light layer of Eye Cream; this helps a dry, tired-looking complexion that even the most precisely, flawlessly applied eye makeup can’t help.
From there, opt for a soft, romantic eyeshadow color that provides dimension and buildable pigment, like The Best Eyeshadow. A swipe or two of The Mascara is always a must, and eyeliner offers instant elegance. (If eyeliner is new to you, there’s no better place to start than with a pencil application, such as The Best Pencil.)
Trimmed, brushed brows are a key component for any polished look. Regular maintenance—shaping, tweezing or threading, the like—will ensure you aren’t rushing to clean up errant hairs for a fancy occasion. Next up is where The Brow Pencil and The Brow Gel come in.
Use both to apply feathery, gentle strokes of color. Even if your brows aren’t exactly considered strong, using these two in tandem evens out patchiness and adds fullness.
Select a lip color that complements your overall look and is long-lasting and comfortable. Do you want matte? Something glossier perhaps? Let’s talk about your options.
For something matte and subtle, simply apply The Lip Pencil in the hue that’s closest to your natural color. Line your lips and then fill in. It’s a barely-there yet timeless approach. Top with Cool Gloss in Original for some luster.
Cool Gloss also comes in an array of eight other colors so if you prefer a high shine moment, this is it.
For more pigment, enter The Lip Tint. It’s our take on traditional lipstick—comfortable, a breeze to (re)apply, and can lend drama and impact to even the most minimalist look. To make the pigment last as long as possible, use The Lip Pencil first, in the nude closest to your lip color, as an all-over base.
A hint of blush can bring your entire look to life, adding a healthy glow that mimics the joy and excitement of the day. Choose a shade that enhances your natural complexion, applying it lightly for a subtle, radiant finish.
Miracle Balm instantly livens up your complexion with a wash of soft-focus moisture that enhances your skin. It’s subtle enough to wear daily but the sheen and shimmer it imparts is perfect for a formal occasion.
For a more overt but lightweight glow, Shimmer Face Oil is a silky addition of color and, of course, shimmer that perks up the cheeks and décolletage.
Ensure your makeup remains flawless from ceremony to reception with a light dusting of Tinted Face Powder. The final touch locks in your look, keeping shine at bay and allowing your natural beauty to shine through.
P.S. Find your perfect shade here with this quick quiz.
When you’ve taken care of the basics, then it’s time for finishing touches like dramatizing a cat-eye or adding bronzer. These details, though subtle, play a pivotal role in enhancing your overall appearance, ensuring you look polished and picture-perfect.
A cat-eye isn’t the only way to play up the eyes. Use your finger to apply a low-maintenance wash of highlight and shimmer with Just A Sec. Prefer a more intense radiance? Sparkle Wash is perfect for a wedding, no matter where and when it’s occurring.
A manicure is also a good idea for weddings, always. A red nail, like our Poppy color, is classic for all occasions, as is the ultra-feminine Ballerina, a sheer pink.
Whether you're attending a sun-drenched summer ceremony or a cozy winter celebration, here are makeup ideas tailored to all the seasons.
Spring: Radiant and Soft
Spring weddings, with their backdrop of blooming flowers and gentle sunlight, call for makeup that's as easygoing and fresh as the season itself.
-Skin: Start with our Miracle Balm to achieve that dewy, hydrated look. Follow up with a touch of our Face Pencil for targeted coverage.
-Eyes: Apply our Just A Sec Eyeshadow in shades of Baby Pink or Golden Peach, and finish with The Mascara for lengthened, defined lashes.
-Lips: Cool Gloss comes in eight shades plus the clear Original, each offering a subtle, youthful flush of color.
-Cheeks: Use our Lip and Cheek Stick in a hue that complements your skin tone for a radiant, healthy-looking wash of color.
Summer: Bold and Vibrant
Summer weddings, often characterized by their vibrant energy and warm nights, offer a chance to experiment with bolder makeup looks.
-Skin: Our What The Foundation provides light, breathable coverage. Set with Tinted Face Powder to maximize coverage and minimize shine.
-Eyes: An illuminating layer of Sparkle Wash on the eyes captures the season’s energy, and a swipe or two of our pitch-black Mascara keeps the polish and drama going throughout the night.
-Lips: Make a bold but not overwhelming statement with our Lip Tint in a poppy red or deep berry.
-Cheeks: A dusting of The Bronzer on your cheeks and anywhere the sun naturally hits your face can help you naturally look lit from within.
Fall: Warm and Earthy
Fall weddings, with their rich colors and crisper air, call for richer makeup tones that reflect the season's coziness.
-Skin: Achieve a smooth base with our What The Foundation and set with Tinted Face Powder in Untinted.
-Eyes: Choose The Best Eyeshadow in a burnished hue, a tone that’s perfect for the deepening colors of the season. Softly define eyes, lightly smudging, with our Best Pencil.
-Lips: Line and fill in your lips with The Lip Pencil in the nude that’s closest to your natural color. Top with Cool Gloss in either Original for minimal shine or Golden Shimmer for a hint of gold.
-Cheeks: Sculpt and warm your cheeks with The Best Blush in a warm tone.
Winter: Vivid and Shimmering
Winter weddings, often set against a backdrop of snow and twinkling lights, call for makeup that's velvety and glimmery.
-Skin: Hydrated skin is key so start with a potent moisturizer, letting it fully absorb before covering with What The Foundation.
-Eyes: Use Just A Sec across the lids and brow bone for a festive touch. Curl your lashes and finish with The Mascara.
-Lips: Our Lip Tint in a berry-inspired hue like Pink Rose, Pretty, or Raspberry catches eyes and keeps your lips moisturized.
-Cheeks: Add a flush with our Lip and Cheek Stick and highlight with Miracle Balm for a subtle sparkle.
Wedding guest makeup is an art form that balances personal style with the elegance and joy of the occasion. At Jones Road Beauty, we believe that every brush stroke and choice of color should reflect the celebratory essence of the day, enhancing your natural beauty without overshadowing the moment.
With the right approach and products, your makeup can be a testament to your respect for the occasion, a boost to your confidence, and a harmonious complement to the wedding's beauty.
Here's to celebrating love, unity, and the unforgettable moments of joy with makeup as memorable as the day itself.
