Bridal Makeup Trends for 2025: Calgary Artists Weigh In
As bridal makeup trends continue to evolve, 2025 is set to bring exciting new looks to the wedding scene. Calgary brides are embracing both timeless beauty and cutting-edge trends that reflect their personal style, wedding theme, and venue. We spoke with top Calgary-based makeup artists to get their insights on the most anticipated bridal makeup trends for 2025. From glowing, natural skin to bold statement lips and shimmering eyes, these trends are perfect for Calgary’s diverse wedding venues—whether you're celebrating in a rustic outdoor setting or an urban-chic venue downtown.
1. Natural, Glowing Skin: Embracing Radiant Complexions
The "barely-there" makeup look has been a major trend in recent years, and it’s continuing to shine in 2025. Calgary makeup artists are seeing brides gravitate toward radiant, dewy skin with minimal foundation for a fresh, youthful glow. This trend emphasizes flawless skin with soft highlights and natural finishes that enhance a bride's features without heavy makeup.
Expert Insight: Kari Kathleen, a popular Calgary makeup artist, notes, “Brides love the idea of looking like themselves, but enhanced. We’re using lightweight foundations or tinted moisturizers, paired with soft highlighters to give the skin that bridal glow.”
Where It Works: Perfect for outdoor weddings at venues like Meadow Muse Pavilion or The Bow Valley Ranche, where natural light enhances this radiant look.
2. Bold Lips: Make a Statement
While soft, natural looks are on the rise, bold lips are making a major comeback for 2025. Shades like deep berry, classic red, and vibrant coral will be popular for brides who want to make a statement. Paired with minimal eye makeup, bold lips allow brides to highlight their lips as the focal point of their look.
Expert Insight: Jessica Doll of Dollface Makeup Artistry shares, “Brides are embracing color again, especially for evening weddings. A bold lip paired with clean, glowing skin is perfect for a more glamorous bridal look.”
Where It Works: Ideal for sophisticated city weddings in venues like The Hudson or The Fairmont Palliser, where a bold lip can add elegance to a formal affair.
3. Shimmer and Metallic Eyeshadows
Glittering, shimmering eyeshadow is another trend that’s making waves for 2025. Brides are opting for metallic and shimmer shades like gold, rose gold, and champagne, creating soft yet glamorous eyes that catch the light beautifully. Paired with soft lashes and minimal eyeliner, shimmer adds a touch of sparkle without being overpowering.
Expert Insight: Calgary-based artist Katie Kerr says, “Shimmer on the eyelids is perfect for adding that bridal sparkle, especially for brides who want something eye-catching but not too dramatic. Paired with glowing skin, it creates a dreamy, ethereal look.”
Where It Works: This look works well in both outdoor and indoor settings, making it versatile for Calgary brides. It's perfect for venues like River Café or Spruce Meadows, where natural light or soft lighting enhances the shimmer.
4. Feathered Brows: Soft and Defined
Brows are continuing to play a big role in bridal makeup, with the feathered brow trend leading the way. This look focuses on soft, natural-looking brows that are groomed and defined without being overly structured. Makeup artists use brow gels and powders to achieve full, fluffy brows that frame the face beautifully.
Expert Insight: “Feathered brows give brides a softer, more romantic look,” says Brittany Chelsey, a Calgary makeup artist. “We’re moving away from overly sculpted brows and focusing on enhancing what’s naturally there.”
Where It Works: Feathered brows are universally flattering and work with any wedding theme or venue, from rustic mountain weddings to chic downtown celebrations.
5. Monochromatic Makeup: A Cohesive, Harmonious Look
Monochromatic makeup—where the same shades are used on the eyes, lips, and cheeks—is a subtle, elegant trend that’s gaining popularity in 2025. Soft pinks, peaches, or warm nude tones can be used to create a cohesive look that is both understated and chic.
Expert Insight: Ashley Spires, a makeup artist specializing in bridal makeup, explains, “Monochromatic looks are perfect for brides who want something modern but soft. It’s about using complementary tones to create harmony in the face.”
Where It Works: This look is perfect for minimalist brides hosting their wedding in contemporary venues like Studio Bell or The Simmons Building, where modernity meets elegance.
6. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Makeup Choices
With more brides becoming conscious of sustainability, the demand for eco-friendly and cruelty-free makeup products continues to rise in 2025. Brides are seeking makeup artists who use clean beauty products, ensuring their makeup is both environmentally friendly and high-performing.
Expert Insight: Local makeup artist Tanis from Pretty Little Faces notes, “Brides are requesting clean beauty more than ever. We’re using products that are cruelty-free, vegan, and free of harsh chemicals, without sacrificing the quality of the final look.”
Where It Works: This trend aligns with outdoor and eco-conscious weddings, such as those at Azuridge Estate Hotel, where sustainability is part of the wedding ethos.
Tailoring Makeup Trends to Calgary’s Wedding Venues
The beauty of these bridal makeup trends is their adaptability to various Calgary wedding venues. Here are some tips on how to tailor your bridal look based on your wedding setting:
Rustic Venues: Natural, glowing skin and soft, feathered brows are perfect for outdoor or rustic weddings. Venues like The Bow Valley Ranche or Fish Creek Provincial Park pair beautifully with more relaxed, organic makeup looks.
Urban Venues: Bold lips and monochromatic makeup are great for modern city weddings. For weddings in sleek venues like The Hudson or Hotel Arts, opt for polished, glamorous looks that reflect the chic urban vibe.
Romantic Venues: For a romantic, ethereal setting like Spruce Meadows or Rouge Restaurant, shimmer eyeshadows and natural, dewy skin create a dreamy, fairytale-like aesthetic.
2025 is set to bring a range of stunning bridal makeup trends that Calgary brides can embrace, from glowing, natural looks to bold lips and shimmering eyes. Whether you’re getting married in a rustic outdoor venue, a chic downtown spot, or a romantic garden setting, these trends can be tailored to suit your wedding theme and personal style. By working with top Calgary makeup artists, you can achieve a bridal look that feels both modern and timeless, ensuring you look and feel your best on your big day.
For more expert tips and to book a consultation with one of Calgary’s top bridal makeup artists, visit YYCBride.com!
