The Best of the Best Bridal Makeup

By Becky Mickel
April 06, 2016
Bryan Gardner

See what wedding makeup—concealers, lipsticks, eye shadows, and more—real brides couldn't live without.

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Bryan Gardner

The best advice comes from someone who has walked a mile in your (wedding) shoes. We canvassed those very experts—more than 500 recent brides—plus top beauty pros to discover their tried-and-true favorites. Here, the makeup products that'll help you look as good as you feel on your wedding day. 

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Lead Lip Color: Chanel Rouge Coco

The moment after you say "I do," you'll have a historic first kiss, then be pecking the cheeks of your entire guest list and starring in hundreds of photos. Bottom line: You need a great lipstick! Chanel Rouge Coco lasts, looks beautiful, and feels amazing. It comes in 29 shades of "gorgeous, moisturizing color in one perfect package," says newlywed Lori Levine van Arsdale of New York City ($36, chanel.com).

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Allover Cover-Up Winner: MAC Cosmetics Pro Longwear Concealer

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"It's one and done," says Indianapolis bride-to-be Makenzi Prather of MAC Cosmetics Pro Longwear Concealer, which offers 15 hours of foolproof protection in 16 shades. "Even if you apply it early in the morning, it lasts well into the night" ($21, maccosmetics.com).

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Top Under-Eye Brightener: Benefit Cosmetics Boi-ing Concealer

No bride-to-be wants dark skies—or dark under-eye circles—on the day she weds. Ladies laud Benefit Cosmetics Boi-ing Concealer for its ability to camouflage puffiness and discoloration without creasing ($20, benefitcosmetics.com).

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Best Bronzer: NARS Bronzer in Laguna

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NARS Bronzer in Laguna "is a bridal essential," says Charleston makeup artist Kacie Faulling Pecora. "Its subtle shimmer looks believably sun-kissed" ($39, narscosmetics.com).

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Longest-Lasting Lip Color: Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture Glossy Stain

We weren't surprised when readers chose Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture Glossy Stain for this year's list. The high-shine gloss "is the way to go for color that lasts through the day," says Chicago makeup artist Oluwaseyi Aladeselu ($36, yslbeautyus.com).

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Master Mascara: Maybelline Volum'Express The Falsies Waterproof Mascara

Maybelline Volum'Express The Falsies Waterproof Mascara "creates length and volume without much fuss," says Sanger, California, bride Jennifer Salahi of the clump-free formula ($6, maybelline.com). "I'm often asked if my lashes are real because they look so dramatic, and who doesn't love that?" 

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Super Shadow: Urban Decay Naked Palette

With more than twice the votes of the runner-up, making for its third win, the Urban Decay Naked Palette remains the brides' choice for eye-popping appeal. While everyone has her favorite (there are four iterations), one thing is certain: You'll get tons of mileage from each 12-shade pan ($54, urbandecay.com).

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Best Balm: CoverGirl Jumbo Gloss Balm

Minimalist brides: CoverGirl Jumbo Gloss Balm has you, well, covered, girls! Each oversize pencil combines the precision of a lip liner, the ease of a crayon, the slip of a balm, and a hint of buildable color. Shea and mango butters nourish without stickiness. And with no sharpener needed (twist to replenish), it's always at the ready ($8, covergirl.com).

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Prettiest Polish: Essie Nail Polish

Most brides are on a first-name basis with their favorite Essie Nail Polish colors. We love the ones here (clockwise from top left): Ballet Slippers, Lilacism, Sand Tropez, and Mademoiselle ($9 each, essie.com).

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By Becky Mickel