18 Mother-of-the-Bride Makeup Looks You’ll Love in Photos

Professional makeup artists give advice on how to perfect your beauty look for the big day.

Photo: Anastasia Strate Photography

Updated Mar 27, 2025

As the mother of the bride, you may not be the star of the wedding, but you certainly are in a position where you'll be noticed by everyone in attendance (no pressure!). That means you want to look your best, so mother-of-the-bride makeup that makes you feel confident and beautiful is key to putting together an unforgettable look. Whether you're doing your own makeup or hiring a professional makeup artist to get it done, you need to start with an idea of what you want your beauty look to be.

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For a night as special as your daughter's wedding, you may want to opt for all-out glam, something natural and subtle, or somewhere in the middle of the two. If you can't decide, we spoke to a few professional makeup artists to get their insight on how to pick the perfect look, what to take into consideration (like your dress) and how to execute it perfectly. Read on for some mother-of-the-bride makeup ideas you'll love.

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In this article:

Who Does Mother-of-the-Bride Makeup?
Tips for Mother-of-the-Bride Makeup You'll Love in Photos
Popular Mother-of-the-Bride Makeup Looks
18 Mother-of-the-Bride Makeup Ideas to Inspire Your Look

Who Does Mother-of-the-Bride Makeup?

On the morning of the wedding day, you have choices: do your makeup yourself, have a friend help, or hire a professional makeup artist to do it for you. There's no rule on what you have to do—if you enjoy doing your makeup and feel comfortable and confident with the results you get, then save your money and try some DIY wedding makeup. "If you aren't used to getting your makeup done professionally, you might not feel 'yourself' with a completely new look on a special day," says Charlene Flanagan, makeup artist and cofounder of Ella & Jo Skincare. If you would rather do your own makeup, be sure you have a specific idea of what you want (with reference pictures) and practice beforehand.

You can also hire a professional, something that may relieve some stress on such an important day. It can also ensure that you're getting long-lasting makeup that is meant to stay put for hours. "Wedding makeup artists are familiar with techniques to help your makeup stay longer through an event that you may cry through or get warm during, all of which can make your makeup move," explains Erin Williams, makeup artist and small business coach based in New Jersey. "This also means you'll look lovely in photos as opposed to washed out, especially if others are getting their makeup done."

Interested in mother-of-the-bride makeup near you? First, check with the bride—she may be able to include you in her own wedding beauty package or have her artist work on you as well. If you need to find your own mother-of-the-bride makeup artist, do some research on artists in your area to find someone who fits your vision.

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Who pays for mother-of-the-bride makeup?

A makeup artist is a service you have to pay for like any other. Some mothers may wonder who pays for bridal party makeup: Is it the bride's responsibility or your own? The truth is, there's no single answer. Some brides may opt to cover hair and makeup services for their bridesmaids and mother-of-the-bride (and groom). Others may cover a portion of the cost or schedule the service but have everyone pay for it on their own. At the end of the day, the decision is up to you and the bride, so be sure to discuss it beforehand so there's no confusion on the day of.

Does the mother of the bride do a makeup trial?

A makeup trial is exactly what it sounds like: It's a chance to get your makeup done before the wedding so you can see how the look you're going for actually looks on your face. Trials are a separate cost, and they aren't necessary, of course, but they are extremely helpful, and Williams highly recommends them. "It will ensure both you and the makeup artist are on the same page," she says, adding that "if you don't like it, you can share notes for next time, and you can also see how it wears all day and how it photographs."

That said, it's okay to opt out of one, especially if the artist of your choice has a lot of examples they can show you. "Trials are often much more expensive than the day-of because of the time taken," notes Kate Johnson, professional hair and makeup artist, founder of The Bridal Beauty Team, and cofounder of Glossed Finishing Studio in Chicago. "If you love the artist's work on others and feel confident in your ability to speak up, then I think you should be good."

What color lipstick should the mother of the bride wear?

Your lipstick is going to be one of the more standout parts of your beauty look, so you want it to be the right shade. "Your lipstick should complement, but not match, your dress," Flanagan explains. If you're confused about what works, Williams recommends opting for something in the same color family of the dress.

Flanagan also recommends avoiding any kind of statement lip color, like a bold red or burgundy. "Opt for a soft pink or mauve shade to brighten the complexion, keeping the look polished and sophisticated," she says.

How should the mother of the bride prep their skin before the wedding?

The right skin prep is a big part of a flawless makeup look—and that means investing weeks or months into your skincare routine. "If you're nailing it, you're starting one to two months out from the wedding," Williams says. "You don't need to go to a facialist, but I would start doing some type of glycolic acid peel followed by a hydrating mask about once a week."

On the day of, Johnson recommends starting with a gentle exfoliator in the shower. "Apply a water-based moisturizer," she says. "This allows time for it to soak in before and hydrate the skin, prepping you for makeup." As Williams notes, don't go overboard with the moisturizer—too much could lessen your makeup's staying power.

How can the mother of the bride ensure their makeup lasts all night?

When it comes to makeup that stays put for hours on end, it really comes down to the products being used. "Hydrating foundations and creme bronzers or blushes need to be used," Johnson says. She recommends a hydrating setting spray followed by a light dusting of powder to take away shine, and finishing with a waterproofing spray.

Tips for Mother-of-the-Bride Makeup You'll Love in Photos

Finding your perfect makeup inspiration photo is easier said than done—what looks great on one person may look a little different on someone else. Keep these mother-of-the-bride makeup tips below in mind when picking the look you want.

Don't Go Out of Your Comfort Zone Too Much

Your daughter's wedding isn't the time to go for a bold beauty look you've never tried before. It's essential to be comfortable with how you look. "You should feel like yourself, just an elevated version," Johnson says. So, if you prefer something natural, go for that. If you love an all-out glam look, do it. "The most important thing is that you feel so beautiful that your attention is able to be on the bride and the wedding, as opposed to feeling concerned about your appearance," Williams says.

Invest Some Time in Good Skincare Beforehand

Healthy skin is important when it comes to flawless makeup, and you really want your skin to be hydrated rather than dry. Invest in some hydro facials in the months leading up to the wedding day if you can. "At the very least, use a great face oil at night and a water-based moisturizer in the daytime," Johnson recommends. "This gives the artist the best canvas possible to work with." Flanagan advises prepping the skin the day of with hyaluronic acid and then using a lightweight, luminous foundation that won't settle into fine lines.

Opt for Waterproof Mascara

If you know the tears are going to be flowing, then you need to use a waterproof mascara—you don't want black makeup on your cheeks. Just remember to buy a waterproof makeup remover, as anything that doesn't specify that it works with waterproof products won't get the job done.

Pick Hydrating Products

For skin that looks glowy, radiant, and plump instead of dry and tired, be sure you use hydrating makeup products. Flanagan recommends cream blush and highlighter, which "blend seamlessly into mature skin and provide a dewy, youthful glow, preventing the look from becoming cakey." She also advises against matte lipsticks, which can look dry, especially when worn for a long time.

Don't Focus on Hiding Fine Lines

Don't stress over any fine lines you may have. "Makeup will not cover fine lines. It just won't," Johnson says. "Makeup covers color imperfections, but not texture." Her best advice is to embrace them. However, if you really want to try to do something about it, Flanagan says, "Always use a primer before makeup and opt for cream-based products for a more youthful finish." She also recommends against heavy powders that may settle into lines.

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Popular Mother-of-the-Bride Makeup Looks

The best mother-of-the-bride makeup look is one that suits you and makes you feel confident and comfortable. "Everyone's version of that is different," Williams says. "I've had MOBs who want a full makeup station with contouring, highlights, lashes—everything. Then I've had others who want to just have a little bit of a bumped up version of themselves but still stay natural and soft so they're not self-conscious. I believe both are right." Here's how to achieve whatever you're looking for.

Natural Mother-of-the-Bride Makeup

To go for subtle but elevated, "layering is key," according to Flanagan. She recommends starting with light, hydrating skincare and opting for a radiant or satin finish foundation. For eye makeup, Williams recommends a neutral shade that's a few shades lighter than your skin tone, then a medium shade a few shades darker than your skin tone in the crease or on the outer corner of the eye. She likes matte shades for a natural look and recommends half lashes for a more subtle look. "Tightlining on the top lashline is super natural and won't even look like eyeliner," she adds. "Mascara on the top only is more natural than top and bottom."

Glamorous Mother-of-the-Bride Makeup

If you're ever going to do full glam, then a wedding would be a good place to do it. For inspiration, Williams recommends looking to the red carpet. "Find someone in your age range who has your coloring, whose makeup you love," she says. Use that image as your inspo photo for your makeup artist or figure out exactly what it is you love about the look. And according to Johnson, the easiest way to add glam is to go for a bold lip and to add false eyelashes.

Smokey Eye Mother-of-the-Bride Makeup

A smokey eye can be a classic, smoldering look, but it can also be tricky. "If you're doing it yourself and you don't normally do a smokey eye, practice it multiple times," Williams advises. "Find a photo you like of someone from a red carpet, then search YouTube to see if there's a makeup tutorial on that look or just a smokey eye tutorial in general." If working with a makeup artist, be sure to communicate exactly what you want so they don't go too dark.

Soft Mother-of-the-Bride Makeup

A soft makeup look is going to be similar to natural, but maybe a little less subtle. "Opt for a light to medium coverage foundation with a natural finish," Flanagan says. "Keep eyes soft with neutral tones and a brown eyeliner for subtle definition." She notes that a soft pink or nude lipstick is a great finishing touch.

18 Mother-of-the-Bride Makeup Ideas to Inspire Your Look

Not sure where to start? Keep scrolling to find some real-life bride mom makeup looks that range from glamorous and bold to more natural and subtle.

1. Soft Brown Smokey Eye

Mother-of-the-bride brown smoky eye makeup

Opt for a more subtle makeup look with neutral brown eye shadow colors. This is a little bit of a smokey eye, but it doesn't feel too bold or dark. If your eyes are going to be a bit darker, opt for a light colored lipstick like this simple mauve, and choose a hydrating foundation for a radiant finish.

2. Natural with Pink Blush

Natural mother-of-the-bride makeup with pink blush

Natural makeup for the mother of the bride should never be completely invisible. Opt for neutral tones on your eyes that blend into your skin and a lipstick that looks like your lips, just a little better. For the finishing touch, don't be shy about adding a nice pink blush. This adds a lot of color to your cheeks and looks great in photos.

3. Bold All Over

If bold makeup is your thing, or you feel that it works with your dress, then opt for full-on glam. Go for a smokey eye with black liner under the eye as well for a more dramatic look. And don't shy away from bright lipstick: a shiny red can be really beautiful.

4. Pink Eye Makeup

You can add a little color to your face without going too bold by using some pretty pink makeup. This looks beautiful on the eyelids, especially if you choose to just wear mascara and not false eyelashes. A very simple pink lip that looks natural is great as well.

5. Eyeliner and a Pink Lip

Eyeliner and pink lip mother-of-the-bride makeup look

Opt for a softer makeup look with simple eye makeup—think neutral eye shadow colors, no false eyelashes, and some brown eyeliner for something that isn't quite as harsh as black. Then you can have more fun with your lipstick: a pretty bright pink or light red can look beautiful.

6. Matching Blush and Lipstick

Matching blush and lipstick mother-of-the-bride makeup look

If you know what shade of pink looks best on you, then run with it. You can subtly match your blush and lipstick for a nice flushed look that appears youthful and radiant. A coral lipstick and a light coral blush, like this one, is one example.

7. Subtle Smokey Eye

Subtle smoky eye mother-of-the-bride wedding makeup

A smokey eye doesn't always have to be very dramatic, and this look is an example of that. Opt for softer eye shadow colors, then smudge the darker outer corner for an almost winged look. A little eye shadow completes the look, and skipping false lashes makes it even more subtle.

8. Matching Lipstick and Dress

Matching lipstick and dress mother-of-the-bride makeup look

While you don't have to match your lipstick to your dress exactly, it can sometimes end up working out really well. In this photo, the mother-of-the-bride's coral lipstick matches almost perfectly with her dress, and the result is a really beautiful and cohesive look.

9. A Pop of Color Around the Eyes

Pop of color around the eyes mother-of-the-bride wedding makeup

Neutral or light pink eye shadow is really popular, but you can opt for something more unique and choose to add a real pop of color. In this photo, light coral mother-of-the-bride eye makeup looks really pretty and different along the outer corners and underneath the eye. It's also nice that it ties in with the lipstick.

10. Natural Skin Shining Through

Mother-of-the-bride wedding makeup look with natural skin

Don't feel like you have to hide your natural skin. In this photo, this mother-of-the-bride doesn't even attempt to cover her freckles, and the result is a gorgeous makeup look where her natural beauty shines through.

11. Bold Pink Lip

Bold pink lip mother-of-the-bride wedding makeup

It's hard to go wrong with a pretty pink lipstick that works with your skin tone. This is especially true if you're wearing a light colored gown—it adds a nice bright hue to your look. You can choose bright pink or something slightly less bold.

12. A Small Winged Look

Small winged eyeliner mother-of-the-bride makeup

Even just a small wing at your eye can elevate your look and make it feel more formal than every day. This makeup look features a subtle wing that completes the look, as well as false eyelashes and a neutral lipstick.

13. Matching Eye Shadow and Lipstick

Matching eyeshadow and lipstick mother-of-the-bride makeup

A lot of light pink all over your face is a nice way to brighten up your makeup look. Opt for soft pink eye shadow that blends nicely with brown eyeliner, a hydrating pink lipstick that stays on all day, and a few swipes of blush for a flushed finish.

14. Shimmery Eye Shadow

Shimmery eyeshadow mother-of-the-bride makeup look

If you want to really focus on your eye makeup, choose a shimmery eye shadow color. A neutral with glittering undertones is beautiful without feeling too bold or splashy. If you're going to go this route, keep the rest of your look simple, like a hydrating foundation and barely there lip color.

15. Dark and Bold Makeup

Dark and bold mother-of-the-bride makeup

Go all out with full glam by opting for not only dark lipstick but also dark eye makeup. A smokey eye can be really beautiful and bold, and then you can add lipstick in a dark burgundy. Add some shiny gloss over your lipstick to keep it from looking matte and dry.

16. Mix of Dark and Light

Mix of dark and light mother-of-the-bride makeup

Can't decide between subtle and soft or glam and bold? Go for both. You can do a soft smokey eye with brown shadow colors, eyeliner and mascara for a little drama. Then keep the rest of your look simple with a barely there pink lip color and some light blush.

17. Bold Eyeliner and Lashes

Bold eyeliner and lashes mother-of-the-bride makeup

Put all the focus on your eyes with a bold eye makeup look like this one. It consists of a dark swipe of liquid eyeliner, defined eye shadow and long false lashes. This looks really pretty with a shimmering pink lipstick.

18. Pink Eye Shadow and Natural Skin

Pink eyeshadow and natural skin mother-of-the-bride makeup

A swipe of bright color over your eyelids is such a fun way to complete your mother-of-the-bride makeup look. This light pink/coral shade almost matches the subtle lipstick she has on as well, and it looks great, especially with a lightweight foundation.