11 Makeup Ideas for a Wedding Guest

Determining how to do your makeup when you’re a wedding guest can be a challenge. You want to look good—really good—in case you end up in any photos, but you probably don’t want to wear a bold lip color or dark eye makeup that might make it appear as if you’re trying to outshine the bride. If you’re struggling to pick the perfect makeup look to pair with your party frock, not to worry. We’ve rounded up 11 makeup ideas you can rock at all of the weddings coming up on your social calendar.

WEDDING GUEST MAKEUP IDEA #1: PEACH POUT

Your family friend’s wedding may not be the place to rock a red lip or break out your bright berry lipstick, but that doesn’t mean you need to forgo lip color altogether. Instead of vamping it up with vibrant lip colors, opt for a soft peach lipstick—preferably one with some shine, to give your pout a plumped look. Try the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Shine Lipstick in Shining Peach, and if you haven’t had your fill of peach products, pair it with a coordinating blush color, like the L’Oréal Paris True Match™ Blush in Barely Blushing.

WEDDING GUEST MAKEUP IDEA #2: UNDERSTATED EYELINER

Save showing off your dramatic winged eyeliner skills for another night and go for eyeliner that’s barely there. Reach for the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner and hold off on smudging it onto your lids. Instead, use the pencil to tightline your eyes. This “invisible” eyeliner technique is perfect for times when you don’t want your eyeliner to be too obvious. Gently pull up on your eyelid to expose the upper waterline and fill in the space where the base of your lashes is. You won’t look like you’re wearing lots of makeup but your lashes will instantly appear darker and thicker.

WEDDING GUEST MAKEUP IDEA #3: BRONZED BEAUTY

A harsh contour is trendy—no doubt about it—but if we’re being honest, it’s not a look that’s suited to every single occasion. And a wedding might just qualify as one where you should put your contour palette aside. Rather than sculpt your face to new heights, take the opportunity to use bronzer. That way, you can have sun-kissed skin even if the wedding is in the dead of winter. Apply a bronzer with a bit of shimmer, such as the L'Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Bronze It Bronzer, on the sides of your face to warm up your complexion.

WEDDING GUEST MAKEUP IDEA #4: REFINED FALSIES

We have good news for you: There’s no reason you can’t wear falsies as a wedding guest. If you want to sport false lashes, go for it. However, you may want to pay extra attention to which lashes you pick. The longest and most voluminous pair might be cute on Halloween, but at your BFF’s wedding—not so much. To give your lashes a boost of length and volume without going overboard, wear individual lashes. That way, you can choose exactly how they’ll look. And of course, a coat of a fiber mascara, like the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous X Fiber Mascara, won’t hurt.

Editor’s note: Haven’t mastered applying false lashes just yet? Here’s How to Apply and Remove Individual Lashes.

WEDDING GUEST MAKEUP IDEA #5: SHEER SHIMMER

As a wedding guest, you’ll probably skip wearing a tiara or any giant diamonds—leave that for the bride—but you can still be a little glitzy. Just channel your love of shimmer and shine into your makeup, with the help of a highlighter or two. For an easy way to illuminate your skin, use the L’Oréal Paris True Match™ Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer. And if you’re after even more shimmer, layer just a little bit of the L’Oréal Paris True Match™ Lumi Shimmerista Highlighting Powder over top. So pretty!

WEDDING GUEST MAKEUP IDEA #6: rosegold eye makeup

Like we said, attending a wedding isn’t the time for bold, dramatic eye makeup—but that doesn’t mean you can’t incorporate some color into your look. One of the trendiest colors of the moment also happens to be the perfect shade for wedding guests. We’re talking about rose gold. Try out the hue in your eye shadow look with the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Crushed Foils Metallic Eye Shadow in Diamond Dust, or use the L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Liquid Eyeliner in Rose Gold on its own for a subtly chic look.

WEDDING GUEST MAKEUP IDEA #7: nude lips

Another makeup trend perfect for wedding season: nude, matte lips. To try out the look for yourself, grab the L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche Ultra Matte Highly Pigmented Nude Lipstick in a light shade that complements your skin tone. Toss it into your clutch for any mid-wedding touch-ups.

WEDDING GUEST MAKEUP IDEA #8: pretty pastels

Pretty pastel hues aren’t just for bridesmaid bouquets—they’re also a great eyeshadow look for guests. If you’re looking for a fun, colorful makeup trend to rock at the next wedding you attend, but don’t want to overdo it, pastels are the way to go. Think light, soft pink and lilac hues on your lids. For a pretty pastel pink, try the L'Oréal Paris Infallible 24HR Eye Shadow in Always Pearly Pink or the L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche Monos Eyeshadow in Mademoiselle Pink. Purple more your style? Try the L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche Pocket Palette Eye Shadow in Violet Amour.

WEDDING GUEST MAKEUP IDEA #9: glowing skin

We know—glowing skin is something you want every day, not just when you’re at a wedding! Still, amping up your glow factor will prove to be a wise decision once the wedding photos come out. To do so, wear a foundation that’s both long-lasting and gives off a dewy finish, such as the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Glow Foundation.

WEDDING GUEST MAKEUP IDEA #10: flushed cheeks

In our opinion, blush is highly, highly underrated. When applied correctly—and sparingly—the right blush can add the perfect amount of flush, creating a warm makeup look that’s perfect for your next wedding. Simply swipe the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Longwear Blush Shaping Stick in Cheeky Dimension onto either cheekbone, then blend out with your makeup blender.

WEDDING GUEST MAKEUP IDEA #11: nude eyes

If nothing else has inspired you thus far, you can never go wrong with nude eye shadow shades. It makes for a classic, timeless look that you’ll never regret wearing! Our favorite nude eye shadow option? That would be the L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche La Palette Nude, which comes with 10 different eye shadow shades in three finishes: shimmer, matte, and sheen. Play around with the hues that complement your skin and eye color best, then add a few coats of black mascara and you’re out the door.

Editor’s note: Need a little inspo? Here are 3 Ways to Use a Nude Makeup Palette.

Is the next wedding on your agenda, by any chance, a destination wedding? If so, you’ll want to brush up on How to Pack Your Makeup When You Travel before you jet off!