Your wedding day is one of the most important events in your life, and achieving a flawless, radiant look is essential. While every bride deserves to look stunning, bridal makeup is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Each face shape has its unique characteristics, and understanding how to accentuate these features with the right makeup techniques such as contouring, highlighting, and choosing the right makeup styles can enhance your bridal look to perfection.
At Makeup By Dalia, we believe every bride deserves to shine on her wedding day. Personalising your makeup to enhance your natural features is key to achieving the most flattering and long-lasting result, whether you have an oval, round, square, or heart-shaped face, mastering the art of contouring, highlighting, and selecting the right makeup style can make all the difference.
Table of Contents
ToggleKey Takeaways
- Customise Your Look: Adapt techniques to suit your unique face shape for a flattering bridal look.
- Blend Thoroughly: Achieving a flawless appearance with contouring and highlighting hinges on meticulous blending.
- Consult Professionals: Always consult with a bridal makeup expert to achieve the best results.
Understanding Face Shapes
Before diving into specific makeup techniques, it’s important to understand the various face shapes and how to identify them:
- Oval: This face shape is characterised by a length slightly greater than its width, complemented by a softly curved jawline.
- Round: A round face has soft, curved lines with equal width and length, often characterised by a fuller cheek area.
- Square: This face shape features a pronounced, angular jawline, a wide forehead, and cheekbones that are about the same width.
- Heart-Shaped: This face shape starts with a broad forehead and tapers down to a narrow, pointed chin.
- Diamond: A diamond-shaped face features high cheekbones with a narrow forehead and jawline.
Contouring, Highlighting and Makeup Style for Different Face Shapes
Contouring, highlighting and makeup style are main techniques that can be used to sculpt and highlighting bridal facial features. Here’s how to tailor these techniques to different face shapes:
Oval Face Shape
The oval face shape is often considered the most balanced and versatile, as it is already proportionate. For oval faces, the goal is typically to enhance the natural structure rather than altering it.
- Contouring: Light contouring around the cheekbones and jawline can subtly define the face. You can also contour the sides of the forehead to create a slightly more angular look if desired.
- Highlighting: Focus on highlighting the high points of the face, such as the top of the cheekbones, the bridge of the nose, and the cupid’s bow to enhance the natural bone structure.
- Makeup Style: The oval face shape is often considered the “ideal” due to its balanced proportions, allowing for a wide variety of makeup styles. For eye makeup, oval faces can easily carry bold looks like smokey eyes or winged eyeliner. Blush should be applied to the apples of the cheeks and blended upwards towards the temples. As for lips, oval faces can confidently pull off any shape, from bold reds to soft nudes, with both matte and glossy finishes working well to complement the overall bridal look.
Round Face Shape
Round faces have softer features with fuller cheeks, and the goal with makeup is often to elongate and define the face for a more sculpted appearance.
- Contouring: Apply contour along the sides of the forehead to narrow the face, as well as along the cheekbones to create definition and a more angular look. Contour along the jawline can also help elongate the face.
- Highlighting: Use a highlighter along the high points of the cheekbones, the centre of the forehead, and down the nose to create balance and draw attention to the centre of the face, keeping the outer edges more sculpted.
- Makeup Style: For round faces, eye makeup and bold lips can help draw attention upward and downward, away from the cheeks. Winged eyeliner can help elongate the eyes.
Square Face Shape
A square face has strong angles, especially around the jawline and forehead. Softening these sharp features with makeup is the goal for a more balanced look.
- Contouring: Focus on contouring the jawline to soften its prominence. Apply contour under the cheekbones and around the temples to add some curvature and reduce the squareness of the face.
- Highlighting: Highlighting the centre of the forehead, the bridge of the nose, and the cheekbones will help create a more rounded, feminine look. A touch of highlighter along the chin can help soften the lower half of the face.
- Makeup Style: Soft, rounded brows and soft, blended eyeshadow colours will complement a square face, avoiding harsh lines. A soft, rosy blush on the apples of the cheeks can create a youthful look.
Heart Face Shape
Heart-shaped faces are wider at the forehead and gradually narrow toward the chin. The goal is to balance the width of the forehead with the pointed chin for a more symmetrical appearance.
- Contouring: To balance the forehead, contour along the sides of the temples and the hairline. You can also contour the sides of the chin to soften its pointed appearance.
- Highlighting: Highlight the centre of the forehead, the top of the cheekbones, and the chin to draw attention to the middle of the face and create balance.
- Makeup Style: Soft, winged eyeliner and fluttery lashes will draw attention to the eyes and away from the forehead. For lips, choose a slightly darker shade than the rest of the face to add volume and balance the facial proportions.
Diamond Face Shape
Diamond-shaped faces are characterised by high cheekbones with a narrow forehead and jawline. The aim of makeup for this face shape is to soften the angles and add definition to the forehead and jawline.
- Contouring: Apply contour along the sides of the forehead to create width and balance with the high cheekbones. Contour the jawline lightly to soften the sharpness.
- Highlighting: Highlight the centre of the forehead, along the cheekbones, and the chin to bring focus to the centre of the face and soften the edges.
- Makeup Style: For a diamond-shaped face, full, well-defined brows and bold eye makeup can add softness and harmony. Soft blush on the apples of the cheeks will bring out the cheekbones without overwhelming the face’s natural structure.
For brides looking to achieve their perfect look on their special day, Makeup by Dalia offers personalised bridal makeup services that highlight your unique beauty and style. From soft, romantic glam to bold, timeless elegance, we ensure you feel confident, radiant, and photo-ready throughout your celebration. Our experienced makeup artists take the time to understand your vision, working with you to create a customised look that complements your dress, theme, and personality.
Conclusion
When it comes to bridal makeup, the key is to work with your natural face shape rather than against it. By using contouring to define and sculpt, highlighting to bring forward your best features, and choosing makeup styles that enhance your unique shape, you can create a wedding day look that is both timeless and flattering. Whether your face is oval, round, square, heart, or diamond-shaped, there are techniques and styles to suit every bride. Working with an experienced makeup artist who understands how to tailor these techniques to your face shape can ensure you look radiant, confident, and picture-perfect as you walk down the aisle. If you’re ready to look your best on your big day, contact us at Makeup By Dalia for a personalised consultation.
FAQs
How do I determine my face shape?
Trace the outline of your face from a photo with a neutral facial expression to identify your shape.
What is the best makeup for a round face?
Opt for makeup that elongates your face; focus on highlighting vertically and contouring the sides.
Can contouring change my face shape appearance?
Yes, strategic contouring can visually alter the appearance of your face shape.
Should I match my hairstyle with my makeup style?
Yes, coordinating your hairstyle with your makeup can enhance your overall bridal look.
What type of foundation works best for bridal makeup?
Long-wearing, photo-friendly foundations are best to ensure you look great all day.
How can I make my makeup last all day at my wedding?
Use primers, setting sprays, and choose products formulated for long wear.