Wedding Beauty Myths & What 250+ Weddings Have Taught Me
In an era of Pinterest boards and wedding Tok, there is definitely not a short supply of hair and makeup “advice” going around for nearly weds. As someone who has been behind the scenes of more than 250 weddings, I've really heard it all – from old-wives-tales passed down through generations to trendy tips that sound great in theory but don’t actually work.
Today, let’s set the record straight on the most common wedding beauty myths I've seen throughout my career at Aeternum Artistry.
Myth #1: "If you never wear makeup you’ll hate your wedding day makeup"
The Truth: While it is true that it will all feel a little different, it does not have to be uncomfortable! All we need is to make tiny adjustments to the look to make it feel more like you.
I'll never forget working with Elizabeth, who arrived at her trial with celebrity inspiration photos from Pinterest that featured a model that had a dramatically different style than her everyday look. After creating what she thought she wanted, I could see the hesitation in her eyes. While she admitted that it was exactly what she asked for I could tell it wasn’t sitting right with her. I gently suggested we try to tweak the eyeliner and adjust the blush, and incorporated elements she loved while staying truer to her usual style, the relief on her face was immediate. On her wedding day, she felt so elevated yet authentic – the best version of herself rather than feeling like she was looking at a stranger in the mirror.
Instead of not trying out a look because you’re nervous it will be too much, we recommend:
keeping an open mind during the application process
Incorporating elements you love from inspiration while adapting them to suit your natural features
Doing a trial/preview before the wedding day and living with the look for a full day to ensure it feels right
Bringing photos of yourself where you felt beautiful as inspiration, possibly from previous weddings that you have been in, not just images that feature models and celebrities
Myth #2: "You don’t need skin prep, just get a facial the week before"
The Truth: The weeks before your wedding are actually the worst time to try something new with your skin - this should be done with plenty of time for adjustments.
I've seen the consequences of this myth firsthand when clients arrive with unexpected reactions from last-minute facials or new products they saw on Tik Tok. I can remember a past bride who was told it would be a good idea to try out dermaplaning and a new facial the week before her wedding and she was left with breakouts and dryness that was not present during her trial. You just never know how your skin is going to react to something or how sensitive it might be.
What science and experience support:
Begin any skincare changes 4-6 months before your wedding day
Introduce new products one or two at a time
Schedule your last intense facial at least 4 weeks before
Focus on hydration and a final gentle facial (like a hydrofacial) in the final week
Consult with both your esthetician and makeup artist about your pre-wedding skincare plan
Myth #3: "Airbrush makeup is always the best option"
The Truth: Airbrush can be beautiful, but it's not universally superior to traditional application for every skin type or look.
This is probably the most common question that I get - shouldn’t I get airbrush so that it looks better and lasts all night? While airbrush makeup can create a beautiful finish, it's not the miracle solution it's usually thought to be. After working hundreds of weddings all across Colorado, I've found that traditional makeup is typically the better choice.
What you should know:
Airbrush tends to work best on already smooth skin without significant texture concerns
Traditional application may better serve clients with dry skin or fine lines
The skill of your artist matters more than the application method
Airbrush can tend to look more cakey in dryer climates
Myth #4: "Have your trial closer to your wedding date”
The Truth: In my experience the best time for a hair and makeup trial is 4-6 months before your wedding, with your final hair color/cut appointment 1 week before.
Many clients initially request trials the month before or of their wedding, assuming this will make sure we get the exact same look. However, experience has taught me that a properly timed trial provides crucial advantages:
Time to adjust any elements that don't work for you
Opportunity to adjust your skin care/treatment plan where necessary
Chance to bounce ideas off your artist/stylist without feeling the pressure of time
Time to order extensions or make adjustments to your color if needed
Myth #5: "Your wedding party should all look the same"
The Truth: Cohesive but personalized looks create more polished, harmonious results than forced uniformity. (And you're friends will all feel way more comfortable and confident all night!)
Some of the most stunning wedding parties I've worked with embrace coordination rather than cloning. When we honor each person's unique features, texture, and comfort level, everyone looks their best – creating more beautiful photos and happier wedding party members.
What creates beautiful wedding party cohesion:
A consistent color palette in the makeup allows for individual customization (think all neutrals, all pinks, etc.)
Similar hair silhouettes or finishes rather than identical styles (think glam waves ponies, half-up’s, and down and tucked!)
Makeup intensity that considers each person's comfort and features (think various levels of glam, shimmers, etc.)
Myth #6: "You don’t need pay a professional”
The Truth: Professional beauty services are such a small investment in the grand scheme of your wedding budget, but they affect your entire wedding day experience.
This probably sounds biased coming from a wedding hair and makeup artist, but just hear me out. The investment in professional hair and makeup extends way beyond looking incredible in photos. (Even though, yes, that is a large part of it!) What I've witnessed across hundreds of weddings is that professional beauty services provide:
A stress-free morning so that you don’t have to worry about timing or your morning schedule
A confidence in the way you look and feel that absolutely transcends just the wedding morning
Expert application and styling with professional products specifically designed for all-day wear
The peace of mind knowing that you, your partner, and your wedding party are taken care of
Looks that will make you feel giddy even years down the line when you look back at photos
Have questions about wedding beauty myths I didn't address? Drop them in the comments below, or reach out for a consultation.