Inclusive Wedding Makeup for Masculine and Androgynous Looks

Breaking Beyond Beauty Binaries

One of the main reasons I got into this industry was to make people feel seen and appreciated for exactly who they are! So, one of the most gratifying aspects of my work at Aeternum is creating looks that truly reflect your identity. Traditional wedding beauty often focuses heavily on feminine or “bridal” styling, which is great if you identify that way, but your wedding day look doesn't have to follow these stereotypes if that doesn’t feel like it aligns.

Masculine-Focused Makeup Approaches

Masculine-focused makeup is all about an intentional application that enhances features while maintaining a look that feels authentic to you for an undetectable makeup look.

Foundation and Skin Prep

The foundation (literally) of any great makeup look is well-prepared skin and that goes for everyone :

• Hydration is the number one focus for all skin types (especially here in Colorado)

• Matte primers can help control shine for photography and reduce the “glowy” look typically associated with a more feminine makeup look

• Tinted moisturizers or sheer foundations even skin tone without looking "made up"

• Strategic concealer application can address specific concerns without full coverage

For all of my masculine looks, I focus on evening out your complexion without the visible appearance of foundation or powders. My approach to this means using products sparingly and using light layers.

Define without the “Glam” Effect

I always want to create dimension for photos without the feeling of being overly contoured :

• Create depth along the jawline and cheekbones enhances natural bone structure

• Brow grooming with shaping, brow gels and/or filling in of sparse areas

• Using creams versus overly powdering can give a natural skin finish to the over all look

• Clear mascara defines lashes without the appearance of color

My client Zach wanted to look polished in photos without feeling like he was being “made-up.” I created his look with cream-based products, and light translucent powder that enhanced his features while maintaining a masculine aesthetic that felt authentic to him.

Controlling the Shine and Glow

For many masculine looks, combatting your shine becomes the primary focus:

• Strategic powder application prevents shininess in key areas (T-zone, forehead) without making your skin look “cakey”

• My favorite thing to use is the De-Slick Setting Spray from Urban Decay for oil control throughout the day

• I include oil blotting papers in your touch up kit so you’re covered if you need a quick fix after dancing

Androgynous Makeup Techniques

Androgynous makeup techniques are perfect for those who don’t want to feel masculine or feminine, but want something that feels polished and put together :

Leaning into contrast and depth

Androgynous or non-binary makeup often incorporates sharpness with softer elements :

• Sharp and defined brows paired with soft, neutral eyes

• Structured contour with minimal color elsewhere

• Straying away from typical femme elements of blush or glam eyeshadow looks

• Defined highlight on areas like the brow bone or cupid's bow versus getting the all-over “glow”

Using Color Strategically

Color isn’t inherently gendered, but can be seen as being feminine or masculine, but using color strategically is key :

• Cool-toned contours create more sculptural, defined features versus a warm bronzed look feels softer

• Minimal cool-toned blush can give you a flushed feel to give slight color to your face versus the overly blushed “bridal” look

• Taupe and gray tones create definition in your eyeshadow look without feeling glam

• Monochromatic color schemes create cohesive, intentional looks

Creating Intentional Balance

My focus for androgynous makeup is to create balance while sharpening certain features :

• Choose one or two features to emphasize

• Focus on color correcting versus full coverage

• Consider how your makeup complements your overall styling and attire

The Aeternum Experience

I am all about creating wedding hair and makeup looks that are going to represent exactly who you are! Whether you’re a cis groom who wants to feel masculine and polished, a non-binary bride who wants to feel femme with sharp features instead of soft, or a trans nearly-wed who wants to feel affirmed in your masc energy I am here to help you feel seen and celebrated with a look that feels true to who you are!