Bridal Makeup Kit: My Ultimate Reviews & Picks

This year I had the wonderful opportunity to do my best friend’s makeup on her wedding day. While this was my first time ever playing a makeup artist, it was super fun and I definitely want to do it again! As part of this journey, I crafted a bridal makeup kit for her. From start to finish, it contains every item that is needed for an entire look, right down to skincare, tools, and removal options.

I am sharing this kit because the products inside are my holy grails and absolute favorites that I trust and recommend. This kit is not only good for brides, but also for those looking to build their first ever kit, for beginners, for daily wear including to work, and for long-wearing options. It is a kit of many purposes!

The only request that the bride made to me was that she still wanted to look like herself, despite wearing makeup. The goal of this bridal makeup kit is to keep everything soft and natural and to allow one’s true beauty to shine through. When selecting these products, I keep these needs in mind:

• Everything needs to be easy to blend and to work with, especially for beginners
• No harsh colors
• No fake eyelashes, contour, eyeliner, etc.
• Everything must be long-wearing
• Waterproof options in case of tears
• No shininess or flashback in photos

While this kit is mostly drugstore, there are some higher end options that just cannot be beat.

I will take you through every item in the kit, as well as the order of application, how I use these products, and why they are good enough to earn my stamp of approval.

Moisturizer

Clinique Dramatically Different Hydrating Jelly

Before doing your makeup, be sure to start with clean skin and to apply your skincare products. The first piece in any bridal makeup kit should be a moisturizer. You do not need an extensive routine of serums, creams, etc. At minimum, a good moisturizer is what you need to create a base for your makeup. My go-to is Clinique’s Dramatically Different Hydrating Jelly.

Why it makes the cut: It provides hydration that lasts all day while effectively controlling oil. This lessens the chance that you will get shiny during the day and look oily in photos. It provides a lightweight base for makeup application and is suitable for all skin types.

Primer

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer

After allowing your moisturizer to absorb into the skin, it is time to prime the skin. We do this to create a smooth, flawless base for makeup to adhere to for all-day wear. I swear by Smashbox’s Photo Finish Primer.

Why it makes the cut: I firmly 100% believe that this primer prolongs the wear time of makeup. This primer also smooths and blurs the skin without the use of oil, which is great for fine lines and pores. For serious pores I do recommend supplementing with a pore filling primer.

Concealer

wet n wild photofocus Color Corrector in Peach

Now that the primer has set into the skin, it is time for concealers. In an effort to keep the look simple I will not be including a full spectrum of color correctors. Out of all of the colors that you can use, peach is the best. The reason is that peach cancels out under eye darkness like magic, and it covers redness better than a green concealer. What a way to save money while killing two birds with one stone!

Why it makes the cut: wet n wild’s formula is super creamy and blends into the skin flawlessly and with ease. It covers imperfections with full coverage, but with no unpleasant color left behind, supporting a natural look.

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer

A standard concealer that should be in every bridal makeup kit is Maybelline’s Instant Age Rewind Concealer. I am applying this under the eyes as a way to brighten the area up. This makes you look awake, refreshed, and alert. You should opt for a shade that is lighter than your natural skin tone to achieve the brightening effect. I typically apply concealer to the chin, forehead, and bridge of the nose as well. In an effort to keep things simple and natural, I am only applying under the eye.

Why it makes the cut: Maybelline’s formula is full-coverage and creamy for ultimate ease in blending. You can substitute this for wet n wild’s photofocus concealer if you prefer.

Foundation

Sephora Collection Matte Perfection Powder Foundation

Since I am using a powder foundation, you will notice that all cream and liquid products need to be applied first. The Sephora Collection Matte Perfection Powder Foundation does not get enough hype, but it is absolutely stunning! Notice that I am hitting pan on mine. A powder foundation is best here to provide a natural look, but it will keep any shine and oils in check for photos.

Why it makes the cut: No matter how much you apply it never looks dry or cakey, and it has buildable coverage. It is great for a beginner because you literally cannot mess it up! It provides a soft focus look to the face, while allowing minor imperfections to show through. This stuff is super long-wearing.

If the bride was not looking to go super natural, my next foundation pick would be from the wet n wild photofocus line. Both the Matte and Dewy foundations make the cut because they are super long wearing and look so skin like. The finish that you pick is your preference, but do keep not just your skin type, but your needs in mind. With the Matte version you will get full coverage, but it is super easy to overdo it and end up with a heavy look. Practice makes perfect. Matte foundations are better for normal to oily skin. The Dewy version has a buildable light to medium coverage and is best suited for normal to dry skin. Once you set it with powder it will not be overly shiny. Both formulas are designed for no photo flashback.

Loose Powder

Maybelline Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder

Since we are using powder foundation, the face does not need to be set with powder. The purpose of loose setting powder in this look is for baking fine lines and wrinkles. This will lessen the chance of the foundation settling into lines during the day. Sephora’s powder foundation does a great job on its own, but a little helping hand never hurts. If you do not want to bake, then you can skip loose powder entirely. However, if you are doing a liquid or cream foundation, you can set the entire face with loose power. I love many loose powders, but Maybelline’s Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder wins the gold medal.

Why it makes the cut: This powder bakes like a dream, and it proves a soft focus or blurring effect to the skin, especially when used as an all-over setting powder. It will also add a slight amount of coverage.

Bronzer

Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer in Bronzer

A bronzer is essential to a bridal makeup kit. Once you apply foundation, the skin tone will be balanced out to one shade and you can look rather flat and dimensionless. Bronzer will warm up the skin and add dimension back when applied to the areas where the sun normally hits the skin. I apply bronzer in the hollows of the cheeks, around the jaw line, and on the temples. Normally, I also use it to contour the nose, or even opt for a separate contour shade. To keep the look simple and natural, no contour is being used. My bronzer pick is Physician Formula’s Butter Bronzer in Bronzer.

Why it makes the cut: The shade Bronzer is very light, which decreases the chance of you being too heavy-handed in application. You can easily build this shade up to your desired intensity. The formula practically blends itself, which makes it great for beginners and to minimize the risk harsh lines.

Brows

elf Lock On Liner and Brow Cream

In the world of brows there are so many overwhelming options. Should you use a brow gel? What about a powder or a pencil? In an effort to keep things easy yet natural, I am only using one brow product, which is elf’s Lock On Liner and Brow Cream.

Why it makes the cut: The creamy formula effortlessly fills the brows and lasts all day. When you find the shade that matches you, it will also look soft and natural. This product provides some hold to keep brow hairs in place. If you are looking for additional hold, then I recommend including a brow gel.

Blush

Physicians Formula Butter Blush in Vintage Rouge

When it comes to blush, we definitely do not want to look like clowns with a shade that is too pigmented or too bright. This is where Physician’s Formula Butter Blush in Vintage Rogue comes in.

Why it makes the cut: Vintage Rouge is a great, everyday shade that is also natural. Of course, you may have to select a different shade depending on your skin tone. This formula blends like a dream with little effort, which is even good for a beginner. It is not overly pigmented, but just right.

Highlighter

elf Illuminating Palette

I love a blinding highlighter that really packs a punch. However, when we think bridal and wanting to look soft and natural, an in your face highlight is not a good idea. That is why I am selecting elf’s Illuminating Palette. It is not my personal cup of tea for highlighters, but it is perfect for this purpose. This palette can be applied to the high points of the face where the light naturally hits, such as the bridge of the nose, cupid’s bow, and above the cheekbones. For the bride I am only doing above the cheekbones and lightly sweeping it up onto the forehead just over the brows.

Why it makes the cut: This palette contains four different shade options to choose from. You will obtain a soft glow without a harsh stripe of color.

Setting Spray

Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray

If a bride does not have Urban Decay’s All Nighter Setting Spray in her bridal makeup kit, then she must be crazy! Setting sprays have multiple purposes for use. One, they should melt the makeup into the skin and make all layers look seamless. Two, they should prolong the wear of your makeup. I recommend drenching your face in setting spray. From there, you can let it air dry naturally, or obtain the assistance of a fan. I set the face after applying face makeup but before eye and lip makeup. That is my personal preference to avoid the spray running or smearing the eye makeup while it is wet.

Why it makes the cut: All Nighter is famous for creating a bullet-proof face, and it absolutely works! Of course, it also melts the makeup into the skin. A magic potion for sure!

Eyeshadow Primer

Urban Decay Original Primer Potion

It is rare that you see a beauty influencer using an eyeshadow primer to prep the lids, but let me tell you, this step is 100% necessary. Priming the lids with concealer is a short term solution, but it is not a good idea for long wear makeup. I like to pat eyeshadow primer all over the lid with my ring finger, and allow it to fully dry before applying eyeshadow. Additionally, I recommend setting the eyeshadow primer with a nude or white eyeshadow. This gives you a smooth base that you can easily blend shadows on top of. My go-to eyeshadow primer is Urban Decay’s Original Primer Potion. You can substitute with wet n wild’s photofocus Eyeshadow Primer for a drugstore option, as these are dupes.

Why It makes the cut: Creasing and fading is a thing of the past with Primer Potion. If you want your eyeshadow locked down for as long as you plan to wear it, this product is key.

Eyeshadow

Urban Decay Naked 2 Basics palette

To me, the eyeshadow that you pick on your wedding day is a big deal. There are so many palettes that I can recommend for this purpose. Bridal eyeshadow is typically soft and neutral with plenty of nudes and browns. Ultimately, I am selecting Urban Decay’s Naked 2 Basics palette.

Why it makes the cut: This palette is small but mighty! It contains all of the shades that you need for a complete look, without too many overwhelming options. You have options for the crease, inner corner, outer corner, and to set the eyelid. If Skimp is not shiny enough for your taste when highlighting the brow bone, you can jump back to the highlighting palette. Urban Decay eyeshadows are of excellent quality and practically blend themselves, with top notch pigmentation.

Mascara

wet n wild Max Volume Plus Waterproof Mascara in Amp’d Black

With so many mascaras on the market, which should you put in your bridal makeup kit? My answer is, it depends on the look you are going for. My bride wants a natural look. So, you may be wondering why I am picking Max Volume Plus Waterproof Mascara. Do not let the name fool you.

I typically use my own photography for products. I no longer have this mascara in my collection because I used it up, rather, I am using a picture from Five Below because I feel that it accurately represents the product.

Why it makes the cut: This mascara is by no means a va va voom, in your face mascara, despite the name. It is a basic, drugstore mascara that will surely not turn heads. While I will not normally recommend it, it works for this purpose. It features a silicone wand with a slight taper that is good for upper lash application. A waterproof formula is key for a bride in case some tears sneak up.

wet n wild megaslim Skinny Mascara in Waterproof

One of the goals of this bridal look is to make life as easy as possible. To help achieve this goal, I am opting for two different mascaras. wet n wild’s megaslim Skinny Mascara is perfect for the bottom lashes.

Why it makes the cut: This mascara is by no means voluminous or impressive. But, it will easily coat your bottom lashes without making a mess on your skin. If you are a beginner, using a full-size wand on your lower lashes can be tough. Again, a waterproof formula is good for a bride. You can skip this step if you do not want to wear bottom lash mascara.

Lips

elf Lip Exfoliator in Brown Sugar

Before applying lip color (especially matte lip color), it is vital to exfoliate your lips. Exfoliation will remove dead, dry skin, so that your lip color looks flawless. If you fail to do this before applying a matte lip color, your lips will look crusty and otherwise disgusting. My pick is elf’s Lip Exfoliator in Brown Sugar.

Why it makes the cut: Since this lip exfoliator is shaped like a lipstick, it is easy to handle and work with, but without making a mess. There are other formulas of this from elf, but Brown Sugar is the most effective. Once you are done, wipe your lips with a tissue or clean cloth. You will get just the right amount of exfoliation without the worry of being too abrasive.

Nyx Lip Primer in Sheer Nude

I am not someone that primes the lips because it is an unnecessary step, especially when the primer does not add to the wear time of lip color. But, hear me out on the Nyx Lip Primer in Sheer Nude.

Again, I no longer have this product in my collection because I used it up. This photo is from Nyx’s website.

Why it makes the cut: This primer does nothing to make your lip color last longer. In fact, when you apply it to the lips, it will look patchy and weird. But, I promise this product is magic. It will not harm the look or finish of your lip color, rather, it makes your lip color more comfortable to wear! The matte lipstick that we are using can feel somewhat drying on the lips, and that feeling will be reduced.

wet n wild perfectpout Gel Lip Liner in Bare to Comment

Lip liner is not a step to be skipped in your routine. The reason is that the lip liner will prevent your lip color from bleeding and feathering outside the line of your natural lips, and it will provide a crisp, defined line. I do not recommend over-lining your real lips to prevent looking silly. My liner of choice is wet n wild’s perfectpout Gel Lip Liner. The shade Bare to Comment is a pink nude that works with the lip color we will use.

Why it makes the cut: This formula is so creamy that the color applies without effort or tugging. You cannot beat the price!

wet n wild megalast Liquid Catsuit Matte Lipstick in Rebel Rose

A bridal makeup kit needs a lip color that is not too bold, yet long lasting. The best way to get a long lasting lip is to opt for a matte finish. I pick wet n wild’s megalast Liquid Catsuit Matte Lipstick in Rebel Rose.

Why it makes the cut: This formula is long lasting, even through eating and drinking. Only a minor touchup should be needed during the day. Rebel Rose is a lovely mauve pink hue that is suitable for daily wear.

Tools and Brushes

All of the tools and brushes that I am going to talk about next are not just awesome for a bridal makeup kit, rather, they make for a good drugstore starter kit as well!

elf Makeup Remover Pen

As a just in case item, I recommend the elf Makeup Remover Pen. It will easy fix a makeup mishap, from smudged mascara, to messed up eyeliner. Be sure to wipe the tip on a clean cloth or tissue after use.

Real Techniques Mini Miracle Complexion Sponge

I am all for applying foundation to the entire face with a full-size sponge. But, I always work in detailed areas with a mini sponge. While I recommend the Real Techniques Mini Miracle Complexion Sponge, you can substitute with any mini sponge that works for you. Always start with a wet sponge, but squeeze the excess water out. I use the sponge to apply all concealers.

When I bake I also dip my mini sponge into loose power and press the powder right onto fine lines and wrinkles.

elf Pointed Powder Brush

Since I am doing powder foundation, there is no need to set the face with powder. If you are using a different type of foundation, then a setting powder is needed. I recommend elf’s Pointed Powder brush. The reason is that it will pick up powder and apply it all over the face without removing coverage, and it sets evenly. You should not have areas that are tacky and areas that are set.

My favorite setting powder is wet n wild’s photofocus Setting Powder because it perfectly sets the face with a smooth finish. I fear that it is being discontinued, but you can just as well set your face with the Maybelline Fit Me Powder too.

elf Angled Blush Brush

elf’s Angled Blush Brush applies blush to the exact area where I want it because it is not too thin or too wide. Its taper and angle makes blending effortless.

elf Complexion Brush

With all of the bronzer brushes on the market, lets keep it simple with elf’s Complexion Brush. It has enough give that it will apply product without harsh lines, yet it will blend everything out smoothly. The size will allow you to get a precise placement of contour, especially in the hollows of the cheeks.

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush

A favorite brush of mine for many years is the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush. This is the only brush that I use to apply powder foundation. It is dense enough to pick up the product well, but with just the right amount of give to blend. Also, this brush flawlessly applies cream and liquid foundation as well. It is all-around stellar foundation brush.

elf Duo Eyebrow Brush

We all like a good two for one deal, and elf’s Duo Eyebrow Brush takes the cake. The angled side is good for applying many types of brow products, from powders, to gels, and creams. You can even apply eyeliner with it. The spoolie side blends pigment through the brows for an even distribution. Spoolies can also sweep away foundation from brow hairs.

elf Fan Brush

In sticking with the natural makeup theme, using a fan brush over other types of highlighting brushes will support a laid-back glow, especially when paired with the right palette. elf’s Fan Brush is an inexpensive option that works perfectly.

elf Small Stipple Brush

Here is a brush that everyone needs to have, regardless if you are building a bridal makeup kit or not. The reason I am using elf’s Small Stipple Brush in this kit is to dust away the loose setting powder after baking. The duo fiber bristles effectively remove the powder without harming the other layers of your makeup or removing coverage. Later, you can utilize this brush for applying cream products in your everyday routine. Using it with cream blush is my favorite.

Assorted eyeshadow brushes

When I do eyeshadow, I use a different brush for each part of the eye. This helps to not mix colors together, but each brush serves a purpose in the look that I am creating.

elf Eyeshadow C Brush: My favorite for countless years. I use this for applying eyeshadow onto the eyelid.

elf Crease Brush: I use this brush for applying eyeshadow into the crease.

elf Fluffy Blending Brush: I use this brush to blend out the edges and lower lash line once all eyeshadow has been applied. I use it “blank,” meaning with no product on it.

elf Precision Eyeshadow Brush: I use this brush to apply eyeshadow to the outer corner of the eye.

wet n wild Large Eyeshadow Brush: I use this brush to apply a nude or white color all over the lid to set the eyeshadow primer. I also use it to apply a highlight shade to the brow bone.

If I was doing a more complex eyeshadow look, I would throw a few more brushes into the mix. For applying eyeshadow along the lower lash line, a pencil type brush is excellent, but you can use a normal eyeshadow brush. For an inner corner highlight, I would use a tiny brush such as elf’s Small Precision Brush.

Compact mirror and eyelash curler

Some other items that I am throwing into the bridal makeup kit are a basic eyelash curler and compact mirror. You do not need anything too fancy here. Items from Dollar Tree will suffice.

Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge

The last item in the bridal makeup kit is the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge. Since we are doing powder foundation, this sponge is being neglected. However, if you want to use liquid or cream foundation, then a sponge is a must. If you will be doing any traveling, you can also purchase this sponge with a travel case. Other sponges that I recommend from the drugstore are by Ecotools and wet n wild.

Taking care of your tools

When you are building your own bridal makeup kit of brushes and sponges, taking care of them is highly important. I have an entire post dedicated to washing makeup brushes and sponges. You will learn in that post the tools that I recommend, and the proper procedures. To add on some info to that post, I now wash my sponges with a solid cleanser only. I find that this cleans sponges better and with less tearing. elf’s Solid Brush and Sponge Cleanser is my go-to. In between brush washings I do recommend elf’s Daily Brush Cleaner. Spray your brushes a few times with the spray and wipe them on a clean cloth to prevent color transfer with your next use.

Removal

At the end of the day it is time to remove your makeup. You can use any remover that you wish. Some of my favorites are micellar water with a cotton round and wipes. Sometimes the matte lip color can be stubborn, and that is where elf’s Kiss It Goodbye Lip Color Remover comes in handy.

Conclusion

We have made it through the entire bridal makeup kit! As you go out and start building your own kit, rather it be for your wedding, for work, or for play, may you be well-informed to spend your money wisely. You should now be educated on application techniques, the order to apply your makeup, the reasoning why we use certain products, and what products are best for you. Please share your photos with me in the comments of your makeup looks using these products. Until next time, continue to let your true beauty shine.

Will you be wearing any of these products on your big day?