Whether you choose a classic nude or a bold statement lip, the most important thing is that your wedding lipstick makes you feel beautiful and confident. With the right shade, texture, and prep, your bridal lip colour will be picture-perfect from ‘I do’ to the last dance!
Of all the beauty decisions you’ll make for your big day, selecting the perfect wedding lipstick is one of the most important—and trickiest! Your wedding lipstick needs to be timeless, long-lasting, and, most importantly, make you feel your most beautiful.
The Case for Nude vs. Bold Bridal Lipstick
Nude lipsticks are a firm favorite among brides, with icons like Kim Kardashian, Meghan Markle, and Lily Collins opting for soft, natural hues on their big day. Nude shades are effortlessly elegant, work with a variety of makeup looks, and require minimal maintenance—ideal for a day filled with kisses, champagne, and endless photos.
Hot Take: Balance is key. If your dress and accessories are intricate and eye-catching, keep your lips soft and natural. If your bridal look needs a pop of color, go bold or go home!
On the other hand, bold lips can make a statement. Priyanka Chopra’s striking red wedding lip was unforgettable, but vibrant shades require extra care. Bright lip colors demand frequent touch-ups and can transfer onto your partner, glassware, or even stray hairs.
Artist Tip: Always test potential lipstick shades in natural light—it’s the ultimate truth-teller and will help you choose the most flattering tone for your complexion.
How to choose the perfect wedding lipstick
1. Stick to What You Love
Makeup professionals agree: the best bridal beauty look enhances, rather than alters, your natural style. If you don’t usually wear a bold red lip, your wedding day might not be the best time to start. Instead, opt for a shade similar to your go-to lipstick, ensuring you feel comfortable and confident all day.
2. Test It Before the Big Day
If you’re considering trying something new, wear it a few times before the wedding. This will help you determine how the shade looks in different lighting and how often you’ll need to reapply it.
3. Choose the Right Texture First, Then the Shade
Before selecting a color, decide on the finish that best suits you:
- Satin or glossy lipsticks offer a classic, luminous effect but may need frequent touch-ups.
- Matte lipsticks create a chic, modern look and tend to be longer-lasting, making them a great option for brides who want minimal upkeep.
- Hydrating lipsticks provide comfort but may fade faster.
4. Consider Your Overall Wedding Makeup Look
For a seamless look, your lipstick and blush should belong to the same color family. Coordinating these tones will tie your entire bridal beauty look together.
5. Book a Makeup Trial
A professional makeup artist can help you find the perfect lipstick shade and finish for your wedding day. Your makeup trial is the perfect opportunity to experiment with different combinations until you discover the one that makes you feel like the best version of yourself.
How to Make Your Wedding Lipstick Last All Day
1. Exfoliate your lips: Use a gentle lip scrub to remove dry skin and create a smooth base to Apply lip liner all over your lips—not just around the edges. This creates a strong base for your lipstick, locking it in place for longer wear.
2. Use lip liner: Apply lip liner all over your lips—not just around the edges. This creates a strong base for your lipstick, locking it in place for longer wear.
3. Stay Hydrated: Dry lips won’t hold lipstick well. Keep your lips in top condition by drinking plenty of water in the lead-up to your wedding.
4. Opt for a matte finish: While matte lipsticks require careful application, they’re the most long-wearing. Their velvety texture ensures your lip color remains flawless throughout the day, with fewer touch-ups needed.
AMMazing Team Makeup Artist Recommendations
Makeup Artis Jay’s bridal lip combos
Fair Skin Tones`
- Lip Liner: Bobbi Brown Pale Mauve – A soft, cool-toned shade with a hint of pink and purple.
- Lip Gloss: Bobbi Brown New Romantic – A pinky-nude shade with a touch of warmth, featuring neutral to slightly warm undertones with subtle peach and pink hues.
- Lip Liner: Charlotte Tilbury Iconic Nude – A warm, medium-toned nude with subtle brown and peach undertones.
- Lipstick: Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Fair – A light pink nude with subtle peach undertones.
Medium Skin Tones
- Lip Liner: MAC Whirl – A deep, rusty rose with brown undertones.
- Lipstick: Charlotte Tilbury Runway Royalty – A soft rose with a blend of pink and peach undertones.
- Lip Liner: Bobbi Brown Chocolate – A rich, deep brown with warm, reddish undertones.
- Lip Gloss: Bobbi Brown Bare Rose – A soft, neutral pink with a subtle rose undertone.
Deep Skin Tones
- Lip Liner: Clinique Intense Cola – A rich, deep brown with warm, reddish undertones.
- Lipstick: Too Faced Chocolate Chip – A rich, deep brown with warm, slightly reddish undertones.
- Lip Liner: Fenty Beauty Brown’d Out – A rich, deep brown with warm, slightly reddish undertones.
- Lipstick: Fenty Is It Beauty Fussy – A soft neutral pink with subtle peachy undertones.
- Lip Gloss: Fenty Beauty Hot Chocolit – A deep, warm brown with rich chocolate tones and subtle golden shimmer.
AMMazing Team Makeup Artist Lauren recommends:
I love a nude like Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Original mixed with MAC Peach Blossom for our fair-skinned, Scandi-inspired brides.
This combination gives off those soft, peachy-pink tones—perfect for spring and summer weddings, complementing colorful bouquets and brides who prefer a fresh, natural look.
Pre-wedding lip prep tips:
Lip Scrub
- Lush Lip Scrub
- Refy Lip Buff Exfoliator & Serum (A 2-in-1 must-have!)
Tip: Use a manual toothbrush to gently buff your lips before applying lip scrub. Massage the scrub in, then carefully remove it for a smooth base.
Lip Balm
- Superdrug Me+ Smooth Peptide Lip Balm
- Tatcha Kissu Lip Mask – A lush overnight treatment for ultra-hydrated lips!
Lip Oil
- E.L.F Glow Reviver Lip Oil
- Dior Addict Lip Glow (Universal cool undertone)
Artist Tip: Vaseline is a good barrier but won’t add moisture on its own – always follow up with a hydrating balm!
If you’d like to find out more about working with the Ammazing bridal styling team for your Scottish-based wedding, take a look at our portfolio, and discover what you can expect from your customer experience.
*Main photograph: 📷 Millar Cole Photography
