Bridal Makeup Trends & Inspiration for 2016 Brides

Hair, Make Up & Beauty, Planning & Advice

What bridal beauty looks will be making their mark on the wedding scene in 2016? Our beauty experts Maeve Byrne, Ailbhe Lynch and Danielle Mahon share their bridal makeup trend predictions and tips for 2016 brides!

Ailbhe Lynch – View Profile

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Fresh, flawless, glowing skin is still hugely on trend for 2016. Good skin is never going to go out of style! If a radiant, polished complexion is top of your makeup wish list, then you need to start thinking about your skincare routine now. A makeup artist can only achieve this look if your skin is hydrated and exfoliated. Dehydrated, neglected skin can look dull and lifeless even with the best highlighting and illuminating products. Highlighting products will only emphasise blemishes or an uneven surface. You will ultimately need more coverage in your foundation if you don’t work on your skincare so if your idea of bridal makeup is less is more, a good skin care routine is key.

A smokey or defined eye is definitely the most requested look for brides and is showing no signs of disappearing. Earthy tones feature strongly this year so if you’re focusing on eyes, opt for brown earthy tones over dark greys. These tones are often more wearable and more natural and there is a very large palette of shades and tones to suit different eye colours and complexions. The makeup look at Isabelle Armstrong really reflected the current trend for defined eyes and glowing skin teamed with a nude lip.

We’ve seen a lot of the ombre lip trend on Instagram and in editorial. And it’s now been seen at Badgley Mischka for S/S 2016. While an ombre lip can look great if applied correctly, it may take quite a bit of maintenance in reality. You will have to top up your lip colour on a couple of occasions throughout the day so unless you are a dab hand at creating an ombre lip yourself, this may not be the best option for you. The look at Amsale was much more classic and wearable and while a red lip will take some maintenance on the day, it’s much easier to apply a slick of red lipstick. It’s also more timeless and less likely to date in your photos. If you are toying with the idea of lip colour but the idea of a statement or classic red lip feels too much for you, then you could think about a softer lip stain.

Trends should be followed to a certain extent. Take elements of certain trends and combine them with a makeup look that suits you and your features. Teaming classic with current always works well for bridal makeup. Chat to your makeup artist about how you can introduce the trends you like to a look that works for you. A beautiful makeup look that makes you look your best will always be on trend.

Maeve Byrne – View Profile

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When it comes to bridal makeup trends, the one thing I predict for 2016 is that brides will become more adventurous in the lip colours they choose for their big day. Gradually we are seeing deeper tones and pops of colour that can totally transform and give a certain edge to the whole bridal look. I love nothing more than when a bride wants to try different shades and tones during their makeup trial. Red is always a good contender – my particular fave would be MAC’s Ruby Woo – but I do love a rich burgundy shade around Autumn/Winter time. It gives such warmth to Irish skin tones. One I love at the moment is Nars Scarlett Empress. If you are not quite there with such stand out colours but still want the definition, why not go for a lip stain instead.

It’s not only the lip colour, a different eye shadow choice can really add dimension to your look. Why not step away from the typical brown shades and look at what colours can compliment your eye colour. Mauve tones look beautiful against green and brown eyes whilst copper tones add such depth to blue eyes. Give it a go… you’ll be surprised by the result.

Danielle Mahon – View Profile

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2016 bridal makeup trends are all about flawless beautiful skin! We will definitely be seeing a softer contour with more strobing for a glowing, natural, perfect finish on the skin. This softer look will be paired with gorgeous defined eyeliner and full lashes for a natural glam finish.

Beautiful makeup means beautiful skin so I suggest to all brides to invest in really good skincare. To achieve glowing flawless skin I love to recommend Shiseido Bio Performance Day & Night Cream with Shiseido Ibuki Cleanser & Softener. They really transform the skin and make it look fresh, creating a flawless canvas for the big day.

Photo credits:

Photo credits for Ailbhe Lynch: Top left: Makeup by Ailbhe Lynch, Photo by Roger Kenny | Top right: Makeup by Ailbhe Lynch, Photo via Niamh & Sean’s real wedding by Michelle Prunty Photography | Bottom left: Photo via Badgley Mischka | Bottom right: Photo via Isabelle Armstrong

Photo credits for Maeve Byrne: Top left: Photo via Amsale | Top right: Photo via Reserved Campaign | Bottom right: Photo via StyleCaster | Bottom left: Photo via Fashion Weekly

Photo credits for Danielle Mahon: Top image: Makeup by Danielle Mahon | Bottom right: Photo via You & Your Wedding | Bottom left: Photo via Brides of Brisbane