Summer Makeup Trends and an Application Guide for 2025 Brides

HMU (L-R): Loveleen Make-up & Hair, Shrushti Birje

Lately, we have veered far from the classic bridal look that Indian brides mainly chose for their wedding day. An upsurge in minimal makeup trends has many millennial brides wrapped in their allure! At a time when masks have emerged as the must-have accessory for brides and intimate weddings have become the new typical, minimal makeup trends are a welcome breeze for many.   

If you are crushing on the dewed bridal look or the effortless makeup with pastel lehengas, follow the trends here! We spoke to millennials' current favorite beauty brands to gather the best summer wedding makeup trends for you. With inputs from Mamta Naik, Associate Vice President SUGAR Cosmetics, Chandni Goyal, Former Trainer - Makeup Artistry from Anastasia Beverly Hills, and Smita Baishakhia - Former Cosmetologist & Head of Product Development at MyGlamm, reveal some of the 2025 bridal makeup trends that are going to be big this summer season and the correct Application guide for different skin types. 

Table of Content:

1. Summer Makeup Trends for 2025 Brides

2. Makeup Application Guide for Different Skin Types 

3. The Foundation Buying Guide for All Skin Types

Summer Makeup Trends for 2025 Brides

1. Minimalistic Makeup 

Helping us dispel the maximalist routine, ABH confirms, “Dewy skin, minimalistic look, and lipstick that stays put for long hours are the vehicles for storytelling. Clean, fresh, and dewy are synonymous with Spring/Summer 2023 Brides. Effortless makeup with skin that doesn’t look made up, well-groomed eyebrows that frame the face, and uncomplicated eye makeup is the way for all summer brides.” 

Naik from SUGAR Cosmetics adds, "Limit the setting powder to the under-eye area. Give preference to lighter baking and contouring. We also see the trend of a good amount of blush for a natural flushed and fresh look. Ditch lip liners and opt for gloss, tints, and diffused finishes."

Smita from MyGlamm suggests, "Use Tinted primers—they help set up a perfect base and provide a natural finish. Opt for skincare-infused foundations with medium and buildable coverage instead of a full face of heavy makeup. Choose a liquid highlighter that sets in for long and provides a natural glow that is not overpowering. Use a soft-focus blush for a just-pinched-cheek look."

2. Raging Eye Makeup Trends for Summer Brides

Image Credits - Samaira Sandhu

Image Credits - Anastasia Beverly Hills

• Well-done eyebrows are a must to frame the eyes and prepare them for balanced eye makeup.
• Apply the light and metallic shades to highlight and accentuate features and the medium to deeper shades to define and line the eyes. This adds the much-required drama element to the eyes. 
• You can opt for soft smokey eyes with brighter shadows and brown-toned glitter.
• You can use high-color pigments and popping eye shadows and experiment with different eyeliner and eyeshadow looks, such as foxy eyes, smokey eyes with colors other than black, and neon eyeliner.
• You can go for bold brows with a strong arch and a few natural-looking strays. 
• You can choose fluttery lashes to keep the look clean and sweet. 

Lip Shades to Have and Hold for Summer 2025 Weddings

Mask or no mask, I will never stop splurging on lip shades that add a fresh vibrancy to my face and personality. If you agree, find out what the experts have to say about lip shade trends for 2025.

SUGAR Cosmetics approved trends - 

• Classic Red & Berry lip shades but in a relaxed, blotted & diffused finish look. 
• Tinted lip glosses. 
• Orange-tinge lipsticks and lip tints. 
• Matte Nudes in tones of brown and pink. 
• Peach-colored lipsticks. 

Makeup Application Guide For Different Skin Types 

Image Credits - MyGlamm 

Step-by-step Guide for Applying Bridal Makeup on Oily/combination skin  

Chandni Goyal, Trainer - Makeup Artistry from Anastasia Beverly Hills, says, "For oily/combination skin, it is of utmost importance to prep the skin well in a way that the makeup looks flawless not just when it is freshly done but also stays intact through the long hours of Indian wedding rituals.

• To begin with, cleanse, tone, and moisturize with a gel-based moisturizer. Then, prep your skin with Dewy Set Setting Spray—this water-based formula gives the skin a healthy glow.
• Next, use a medium-coverage dewy-finish foundation. Setting the foundation in place is the most crucial step in bridal makeup for oily skin. Use Loose Setting Powder with a powder brush to set the makeup in place. 
• Once your foundation is set, choose a powder contour to balance the face. The Powder Contour Kit is a travel-friendly, all-in-one palette for a pro application. Highlight the high points of the face to accentuate features and shadow the low points to sculpt the face.
• Next, define your eyebrows with Dipbrow Pomade. The matte, waterproof, and long-lasting formula helps frame the eyes and adds a lift to the face. 
• Once the eyebrows are done, start with eye makeup. Prep the eyes with Eye Primer. Applying the primer before eye shadow helps with easy blending, better color payoff, and smooth application.
• Next, use your favorite eye shadow palette. Opt for light metallic shades to highlight and make the eyes look more significant and medium to darker tones to add depth and definition to the eyes.
• You can use a Liquid Liner to define the upper lash line, followed by two coats of Volumizing Mascara.
• Once the eyes are done, use a Lip Stain so your lip color doesn’t budge and stays put for long hours. 
• Finish off with a Highlighter on the high points of the face to add the ultimate bridal glow."

Step-by-Step Guide for Applying Bridal Makeup on Dry Skin.  

Smita Baishakhia from MyGlamm shares - 

• Firstly, prep the skin with products that keep the skin hydrated and have elements like rosehip oil. 
• Apply a good moisturiser & an under-eye cream that helps rejuvenate the under-eye area.
• Apply primer - Primers are the secret to long-stay makeup.
• Apply a hydrating & buildable coverage foundation. 
• Apply Concealer/ Colour corrector, if necessary.
• Use a liquid highlighter for a natural glow-like finish.
• Add a glossy lipstick to compliment the hydrating makeup look.
• Use a setting spray for a final touch. 

Step-by-Step Guide for Applying Bridal Makeup on Sensitive Skin.  

Mamta Naik from SUGAR Cosmetics advises, "If you are a bride-to-be with sensitive skin, it’s super important to have a makeup test done well in advance, just to be ready for any situation. Remember, your skin is a canvas; hence, your makeup will reflect only as good as your skin, so control your skin conditions before venturing into makeup experimentation. Steer clear of products with artificial fragrance and preservatives, common ingredients that can trigger inflammation and allergies."

• Prepping before applying makeup and scoring big on hydration is key for sensitive skin. 
• After cleansing your face, start with a Hyaluronic Acid skin-soothing product. 
• Then, proceed with a Hydrating Priming moisturiser or an Illuminating moisturiser if you want that extra dewy and fresh look. Don’t miss prepping your lips with a lip primer.
• Next, hide any skin discolorations with a cream-based stick color corrector, proceed with concealing, and apply a foundation that suits your skin tone, undertone, and type. 
• Choose a light yet buildable foundation.
• Set your base with a tinted setting powder, then add some dimension to your face by contouring, highlighting, and adding blush to your cheeks. Use contour sticks, jelly highlighters, and blush sticks to blend the products easily without rubbing your face.
• Don’t forget to fill your brows with a brow definer.
• Now, add drama to your eyes. Start with a neutral shadow base, buff the outer corners in a V-shape with a brown smokey shadow, and finish with shimmer eyeshadow on the center of your eyelid. Don’t forget to highlight the inner corners of your eyes further and under your brow bone. 
• Finish up your eye look with a classic black winged eyeliner and a waterproof curling mascara.  
• Apply the final touches to your makeup by applying a long-stay liquid lipstick. Then, seal and lock your makeup in with a setting mist. You can also opt for a highlighting or dewy finish setting mist to keep up with the glam look.

The Foundation Buying Guide for All Skin Types

Image Credits - SUGAR Cosmetics

The three essential things listed by ABH that the brides/bridesmaids must keep in mind before buying a foundation - 

• Skin type – If you have oily/combination skin, choose a foundation that is not very heavy and is easy to set. If you have dry skin, choose a foundation with hydrating and brightening properties and medium buildable coverage. For those with sensitive skin, follow the advice below.

Naik suggests, "The best foundation for sensitive skin contains ingredients to cover imperfections without irritating ingredients. It is always advisable to read the ingredients before purchasing skincare products. Look for foundation formulas that specify that it is hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and designed for sensitive skin. Also, avoid harsh ingredients that clog pores and cause unnecessary redness. It is equally necessary to look for a formula with anti-inflammatory properties that "reduce redness and inflammation in the skin. But always understand that different skins can react differently to a few products; it’s always advised to do a skin patch test before purchasing your foundation."

• Skin tone – Choose three shades closest to your natural skin color and swatch them on your jawline. The one that blends into the skin effortlessly is the perfect match for you.
• Undertone—If your skin appears a bit yellow, then you have a warm undertone, whereas if your skin appears a bit pink/red, then you have a cool undertone, and if your skin is neither yellow nor pink, then you have a neutral undertone. Identifying your undertone and choosing the same in the foundation is most important. Most of the time, your skin looks grey/muddy because of the wrong undertone in your foundation.

Have more questions related to Makeup Trends for your summer wedding? Leave your questions in our Community - Beauty special page and post your queries/suggestions as a discussion. WeddingWire India experts will personally respond to help you plan your D-day look! 

More Beauty Inspiration for Brides-to-be: 

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2. Ultimate Skin Care Routine for Brides-to-be

3. Lipstick Shades For Wheatish Skin

4. Dusky Skin Makeup Inspiration

5. All You Need to Know About Body Polishing For Brides