makeup artist applies makeup on a bride in the field
Photo: Wedding Dreamz

On average every bride spends around $100-$150 on her wedding makeup look. That isn't a surprise, as every bride wants to look breathtaking on her special day. Nonetheless, glamming up is not the only thing that may overwhelm your wedding budget. What if you could save some money on bridal makeup, spending them on other wedding expenses. Here are 10 ways and strategies, that will help you to feel and look like a million dollars for less.

1. The simpler, the better:


To know the exact amount of makeup products and time you'll need for your bridal look, you have to stop your choice of a particular makeup. Usually, the simpler is your bridal makeup look the more affordable it turns out to be. Heavy theatrical lashes, sequins, glitter, and heavy contouring won't add anything valuable to your simple wedding look, but they usually have an additional cost for the client.

woman applies makeup on her face in front of a table mirror
Photo: Thirdman

2. Do your bridal look yourself:


Nobody knows your face as well as you do. So, the most obvious way to save money on your bridal makeup is to do it yourself. Start practicing right away by improving your makeup skill every day before the bid day. Bridal makeup tutorials on Youtube and TikTok will help you to perfect all the techniques, and Pinterest boards will inspire you for experiments.

3. Ask for a discount:


There are many cosmetic stores, isles, and brands that offer bridal makeup looks with discounts. Try writing preferred brands via Facebook or Instagram, schedule an appointment, and discuss the possibility of a discount. Offer them free exposure through your media accounts, and don't forget to tag them on your professional portrait photos. Who knows, maybe they will even offer you a free bridal makeover as a gift from the brand.

a bucnh of makeup products on the table
Photo: cottonbro

4. Don't tell the makeup artist you are a bride:


When it comes to the bridal makeup look, all the prices on services suddenly rise up to the sky. Where regular customers pay a satisfactory price, brides pay twice or even triple as much. Your makeup artist doesn't have to know you are the bride. If you opt for a very natural and light makeup look for your wedding, your makeup artist will never guess the exact occasion.

5. Buy only essential makeup products:


A bridal makeup bag doesn't have to be the size of a Nomatic 40-Liter Travel Bag. It can have only a few essential makeup products for the bridal look of your dreams. After deciding on the style of your wedding makeup, write a list of all the makeup products you'll need. Later, cross out the products you already have at your disposal. In the end, you'll need to purchase only a few new makeup products. Wholesale makeup stores that buy products in bulk and sell individually will also save your wedding budget.

three nyx contour palettes on a plain background in a studio

6. Run a test drive before the wedding day:


Testing all of the makeup products may save your budget in the long run. So, it is best to try out every and each one of the products and tools you will be using on a day X. Don't be afraid of experiments and application methods. And, if some of the products don't work the way you expected them to work, substitute them with other options.

7. Stock on makeup samples:


A frugal wedding is an ideal time to use all of those carefully saved coupons, discounts, and gift cards. The same goes for all of those makeup samples and miniatures you never knew where to use. When planning the bridal shower, ask your friends to bring some makeup samples. Altogether you can choose some of the best samples that will participate in your wedding makeup look.

hand is applying bridal makeup on to the womans face
Photo: George Milton

8. Check out  affordable makeup brands:


Do not underestimate the power of cheap makeup brands. Just because some of the products are inexpensive does not automatically mean they are low-quality. Online makeup reviews, in-store feedback, and advice from your friends will surely help you to pick out the best cosmetics for your wedding makeup. 

Some of my favorite affordable brands are Bourjois, Essence, NYX, Pupa, and L'Oréal. You will easily find them in the closest drugstores and even test them out before buying. If you aren't sure what exactly to choose, go for the simplest, basic products like eye pencils and kohls, neutral eyeshadows, and lipsticks.

four lyx lipsticks on a plain background

9. Ask for makeup help:


Don't be shy to involve other people in your wedding preparations. Ask your friends and relatives for affordable makeup help, and they will definitely get back to you with a piece of advice. There is definitely someone around you who loves and wears makeup a lot. They will be able to offer their hand free of charge, helping you avoid some of the basic makeup mistakes. Certainly, they will lend you a pair of false lashes, a makeup brush, or a few drops of high-quality foundation. 

10. Buy makeup on sale and use cashback:


This is why we all cherish online shopping. Unlimited deals, sales, and cash-back services can drastically reduce the amount of money spent on makeup products. The Black Fridays, the Double Eleven, and Halloween sales are approaching, so it will be a good idea to shop for wedding makeup during the upcoming shopping season.

Lots of love,
Liz