Bridal Beauty & Hair Trends to Watch This Season

(in celebration of National Beauty & Barber Week)

September is National Beauty & Barber Week—a time to celebrate the incredible artists who help us feel our most beautiful. For brides, this is the perfect chance to spotlight the trends and timeless looks that are inspiring wedding styles right now.

As a bridal makeup and hair artist, my heart is all about enhancing the natural beauty of brides on one of the most special days of their lives. This week, as we dive into the wonderful themes of transformation and celebration, I can't help but reflect on how my work embodies these beautiful concepts. My role goes beyond just applying makeup and styling hair; it’s about truly understanding each bride's vision and ensuring her unique personality shines through. I want every bride to feel confident and absolutely radiant!

Trend #1: Effortless, Natural Glow

The trend of achieving a dewy skin finish is gaining immense popularity among brides, emphasizing the importance of a radiant complexion. This look is characterized by a lightweight foundation that allows the skin's natural texture to shine through, rather than being completely masked by heavy makeup. The ideal foundation should offer a sheer to medium coverage, providing just enough tint to even out the skin tone while maintaining a fresh and airy feel. Soft blush tones are also a key component of this trend, as they impart a subtle flush to the cheeks, creating a youthful and vibrant appearance that enhances the overall natural look.

Brides today are increasingly expressing a desire to look like their true selves, but with an added touch of radiance that highlights their best features. This desire for authenticity combined with a luminous glow reflects a shift away from overly dramatic makeup styles towards a more refined and understated elegance. The goal is to enhance one's natural beauty rather than transform it, allowing brides to feel comfortable and confident on their special day. This trend encourages the use of minimalistic makeup techniques that focus on highlighting the skin's natural luminosity, making it essential for brides to choose products that complement their unique skin tones and textures.

A crucial pro tip for achieving this effortless glow is that skin preparation is just as important as the makeup application itself. A well-prepped canvas can significantly enhance the appearance of makeup, ensuring it applies smoothly and lasts throughout the day. This preparation might include a thorough skincare routine that involves cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing to create a smooth base. Additionally, incorporating hydrating primers or serums can help to lock in moisture and give the skin that coveted dewy finish. It’s also beneficial to consider the use of facial mists or setting sprays that can refresh the skin throughout the day, maintaining that radiant look from the ceremony to the reception.

Trend #2: Romantic Textured Hair

Loose waves, soft updos, and modern braids are increasingly popular hairstyle choices that embody a relaxed yet polished aesthetic. Loose waves offer a carefree vibe, reminiscent of beachy textures, while soft updos provide an elegant solution for special occasions without appearing overly formal. Modern braids, which can incorporate various techniques such as fishtails or Dutch braids, add a contemporary twist to classic styles, making them versatile for both casual and formal settings.

These hairstyles not only enhance the overall look but also add movement and dimension to the hair, making it feel more dynamic and lively. Unlike traditional updos, which can often appear rigid and overly structured, loose waves and soft updos create a sense of effortless beauty. This relaxed approach allows for a more natural look that complements various face shapes and personal styles, providing an opportunity to express individuality while maintaining a sophisticated appearance.

Pro tip: To achieve these stunning looks that last throughout the day, proper hair preparation is essential. This includes ensuring that your hair is well-hydrated and healthy, as dry or damaged hair can hinder the desired effect. Additionally, conducting trials with different styling products and techniques can help identify what works best for your hair type, ensuring that the final result is not only beautiful but also long-lasting. Investing time in these preparatory steps will significantly enhance the durability and appearance of your chosen hairstyle, allowing you to enjoy your look from morning until night without frequent touch-ups.

Trend #3: Statement Eyes

Lashes, subtle shimmer, or bold liner. Each of these elements plays a crucial role in enhancing the beauty of the eyes, which are often considered the windows to the soul. Lashes can vary from natural-looking to dramatic, depending on the desired effect. Subtle shimmer can be added to the eyelids to catch the light beautifully, providing a soft glow that enhances the overall makeup look without being too overpowering. On the other hand, bold liner can create a striking contrast that defines the eyes and adds a sense of sophistication and elegance. Choosing the right combination of these elements can elevate a makeup look, allowing for personal expression while still maintaining a harmonious balance.

Perfect for photos + making eyes pop without overpowering the whole look. The right eye makeup is essential for photography, particularly during significant events such as weddings or formal gatherings. It ensures that the eyes stand out beautifully in pictures, capturing the emotion and essence of the moment. The goal is to enhance the natural beauty of the eyes while ensuring that they do not become too dominant compared to other features. A well-balanced approach allows for a cohesive look that highlights the eyes, drawing attention without overshadowing other elements of the makeup or the overall appearance. This careful consideration is what makes eye makeup an art form in itself, requiring both skill and an understanding of color theory and facial structure.

Pro tip: Waterproof is non-negotiable on wedding days! On such a significant occasion, where emotions run high and tears of joy are common, using waterproof products is essential to ensure that the makeup remains intact throughout the day. Regular formulas may smudge or run, leading to an unflattering appearance in photos and throughout the event. Waterproof mascara, eyeliner, and eyeshadow can withstand tears, humidity, and even the occasional splash of champagne, making them indispensable for brides and bridesmaids alike. This simple yet crucial choice can make all the difference in maintaining a flawless look from the ceremony to the reception, allowing everyone to celebrate without worrying about makeup mishaps.

Trend #4: Timeless Classics with a Twist

Red lips paired with glowing skin create a striking and timeless beauty statement that has been favored by many throughout the ages. The vibrant hue of red not only draws attention to the lips but also enhances the overall facial features, providing a bold contrast against radiant, dewy skin. This combination evokes a sense of confidence and glamour, often seen on the big screen and at high-profile events. For modern brides, achieving this look involves using high-quality skincare products to ensure a luminous complexion, followed by a carefully selected red lipstick that complements their skin tone, whether it be a classic cherry red or a deeper burgundy shade. The result is a captivating, fresh appearance that radiates elegance and sophistication on their special day.

Sleek buns with face-framing strands are an exquisite hairstyle choice that marries sophistication with a touch of softness. This hairstyle not only keeps the hair elegantly off the face but also highlights the bride's features, adding a delicate touch of romance. The sleekness of the bun offers a polished look, while the strategically placed strands around the face soften the overall appearance, creating a perfect balance. This style is versatile, allowing brides to choose between a tightly pulled bun for a more structured look or a looser, slightly tousled version for a relaxed vibe. Additionally, accessorizing with delicate hairpins or floral accents can enhance this hairstyle, making it a beautiful complement to various bridal gowns, whether they are vintage-inspired or modern in design.

Modern brides are blending classic and contemporary elements in their wedding aesthetics, creating a unique fusion that reflects their personal style and story. This trend involves taking traditional bridal attire, such as lace gowns or elegant veils, and pairing them with modern touches like geometric jewelry, minimalist designs, or unconventional color palettes. The combination allows brides to honor timeless traditions while also embracing their individuality, resulting in a memorable and personalized wedding experience. For instance, a classic ball gown might be paired with sleek, modern accessories, or a vintage lace dress could be complemented with bold, contemporary makeup. This blending of styles not only showcases the bride's personality but also sets a new standard for what modern weddings can represent, moving away from rigid conventions and towards a more expressive celebration of love and commitment.

Trend #5: Personalized Beauty

The biggest “trend” is individuality, and this shift is profoundly reshaping the bridal beauty landscape. Brides are increasingly seeking to express their unique personalities and styles, moving away from traditional, cookie-cutter looks that once dominated the industry. This desire for authenticity means that each bride is now looking for ways to incorporate personal elements into their bridal appearance, whether through customized hairstyles, distinctive makeup styles, or even unique accessories that tell their own love story. The emphasis on individuality allows brides to feel more like themselves on their special day, showcasing their personal flair while also honoring the significance of the occasion.

When preparing for their big day, brides are encouraged to bring inspiration photos that resonate with them and reflect their vision. However, it’s equally important for them to trust their artist to adapt these ideas to suit their unique features, such as skin tone, face shape, and hair type. A skilled bridal artist will take into account these personal characteristics and work collaboratively with the bride to create a look that not only aligns with her inspirations but also enhances her natural beauty. This process fosters a partnership between the bride and the artist, ensuring that the final look is a harmonious blend of the bride’s vision and the artist's expertise.

Pro tip: This is why trials are so valuable—they provide an opportunity for both the bride and the artist to co-create the look together. During a trial, brides can experiment with different styles and techniques, allowing them to see firsthand how various elements work together. This collaborative process not only builds trust but also helps in fine-tuning the details, ensuring that every aspect of the look is just right for the wedding day. Additionally, trials can alleviate stress as they allow brides to feel more confident and prepared, knowing that they have already tested their look in advance. This thoughtful approach to beauty planning ultimately leads to a more enjoyable and memorable wedding experience.

Let’s take a moment to appreciate National Beauty & Barber Week! It’s such a joy to recognize the incredible artistry that happens behind the scenes.

I’m filled with pride to be part of an industry that empowers confidence and spreads joy to so many people every day!

Inspired by these trends? Let’s chat about your bridal look! Whether you dream of soft glam, timeless elegance, or something uniquely you, I’d love to help create your perfect wedding day style.

Book A Consultation