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.

The Goal

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.

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.

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

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer

A standard concealer that should be in every bridal makeup kit is 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.

Foundation

Since I am using a powder foundation, you will notice that all cream and liquid products need to be applied first. For the look I used the now discontinued Sephora Collection Matte Perfection Powder Foundation. A powder foundation is best here to provide a natural look, but it will keep any shine and oils in check for photos. Alternatives that are still available and act as perfect dupes would be the Essence Cover and Last Powder Foundation and the Loreal Infallible Fresh Wear Foundation in a Powder.

Why they makes the cut: No matter which powder foundation you choose, you will never look dry or cakey. They all have buildable coverage. They are beginner friendly because you cannot mess them up! You will get a soft focus effect but still have minor imperfections show through. Of course, long-wear is also key.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Setting Spray

Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray

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. You can substitute with wet n wild’s megalast 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.

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 to a highlighting palette. Urban Decay eyeshadows are of excellent quality and practically blend themselves, with top notch pigmentation.

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.

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. 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.

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. 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.

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!

Real Techniques Mini Miracle Complexion Sponge

I am all for applying foundation to the entire face with a full-size 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. This brush 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.

elf Angled Blush Brush

It 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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Tool Care

When you are building your own bridal makeup kit of brushes and sponges, taking care of them is highly important. I have an entire guide dedicated to washing makeup brushes and sponges. You will learn there the tools that I recommend, and the proper procedures. To add on some info, I now use a bar of soap to clean my sponges daily, and a liquid soap for tough spots and deep cleansing.

Makeup 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. I have a guide on how to remove makeup.

Shop The Kit

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?