5 Unique Bridal Looks for Nontraditional Brides
For most women, their wedding day is high up on the list of what’s considered one of the best days of their lives. While saying “I do” to your true love should be the easy part, figuring out your makeup and hair is not always so easy.
Are you feeling like you have to live up to the standards of what’s considered a “traditional” bride? Well, think again. These days, brides are putting more creativity and personality into their wedding looks, and we are totally here for it.
With the help of MAC Cosmetics senior artist Fatima Thomas and Revolt TV’s lead makeup and hair artist Keka Heron, Yahoo Beauty masterfully created five nontraditional wedding-day looks on five different beauty and fashion influencers that will inspire you on your big day.
Fashion market and styling by Yahoo Style Market Editor Julie Tong.
Orange You Fabulous
Alicia Yoon is the founder and curator of Peach & Lily, which is a top website for all things Korean beauty and skin care. She also recently founded Peach Slices — an affordable K-beauty line of skin care products that includes high-quality ingredients without the high price tag. Among a host of other things, Yoon is a busy boss, but also a happily married newlywed.
“I wanted a natural, radiant look that focused more on having glowing skin rather than a heavily made-up look,” Yoon told Yahoo Beauty about her big day. Being the skin care guru that she is, Yoon recommends applying a mask daily leading up to your wedding day. “Using masks daily for at least three weeks is going to deliver outsized skin results. You’ll see your skin stay superhydrated and be in tip-top shape. If you’re stressing over details while you’re planning your wedding, a little me-time goes a long way for the skin and mind.”
Get the look
The focal point of Yoon’s look is centered around the pop of color on her lips. Instead of an expected nude or pink-toned lip color, surprise your guests with a punchy orange pout that’s unforgettable.
Makeup
To create the perfect hue on Yoon’s lips, combine MAC Lipmix in shades Orange and Yellow. Another key product includes soft sweeps of MAC Blush in Modern Mandarin along the cheekbones for a soft flush to balance out the complete look.
Hair
First, spray hair with Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray. Second, apply a dime-sized amount of Mizani Thermasmooth Style and Style Again cream evenly through hair. Using a barrel iron, create curls. After curling, put the hair in two low ponytails and wind together to create a curly bun. Use a small amount of hair wax on select strands, and then pin-curl to make it smooth and frizz-free. On the left side create a small braid, and connect it to the bun for extra flair. Secure with a dazzling jeweled hair comb.
Fashion credits: Lela Rose, the Primrose Hill Peaked Bodice Floral Applique Gown, $6,995, available at Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier, 110 E. 55th St., New York, NY 10022, call 212.319.6778 for more information. Nina Caleigh Haircomb, $106, ninashoes.com
Cutting Edge
One of the first things you will notice about Ty Alexander before officially getting to know her is her magnificent mane. Her half-shaved gray hair is hard to miss, and also a big topic of discussion on her popular beauty and lifestyle blog, Gorgeous in Grey. Alexander is also the author of one of Amazon’s bestselling books; Things I Wish I Knew Before My Mom Died: Coping With Loss Every Day. Another upcoming part of her life journey that is sure to be pretty epic? She will be a beautiful blushing bride soon.
When reflecting back on how her fiancé proposed, Alexander revealed to Yahoo Beauty, “He put his arms around me while I was sitting at my desk angrily tapping on my keyboard and sat a box wrapped in ribbon in front of me. Even though I knew exactly what the box was, I grabbed and opened the box while quietly screaming, ‘What’s this?’ The next two minutes I can only remember staring at the ring and saying yes while he explained for the 50-11th time that he loved me and wanted to spend the rest of his life with me.”
Fast-forward a few months later, and it’s time to start putting all the wedding day planning in motion. Alexander said, “I’m really not traditional. I love doing the unexpected and I like setting my own trends. My wedding style is edgy and won’t really fit into other traditional or modern categories.”
Get the look
Playing off Alexander’s edgy vibes, a mesmerizing multihued eye look was created along with a saturated deep vampy lip. Her hair has a softer bridal feel with carefree, tousled beach waves.
Makeup
After prepping the skin with foundation and concealer, create drama on the eyes beginning with MAC Feline kohl pencil to line the lashes and define each socket. Then layer on MAC Carbon eye shadow to give a smoky finish. Next, press MAC Dazzleshadow in Get Physical on the center of each lid. Coat lashes with a voluminous mascara for a fabulous fanned-out flutter. Finish the look by adding a few swipes of a long-wearing, creamy, deep wine-hued lipstick.
Hair
Add a little extra length and volume by creating clip-ins with Outre hair extensions, then clip the pieces in. Next, lightly spray hair with Oribe Dry Texturing Spray. Part hair in medium-size sections and use a curling wand to loosely create waves. Finish by tousling the hair to give a textured rocker-style bridal look.
Fashion credits: David’s Bridal Cold-Shoulder Lace Plus Size Sheath Dress. $90, davidsbridal.com. Eddie Borgo Howlite Colonnade Earrings, $175, available at Mitchells store locations
Boho Babe
Pamela Katz is the definition of a multihyphenate renaissance woman. She’s a DJ, model, stylist, and one of NYC’s all-around coolest. Katz has taken beautiful snapshots with everyone from popular beauty brand Glossier to trendy sneakerheads’ favorite Vans Girls, and we simply can’t get enough of one of “fashion’s next big things,” as Who What Wear proclaimed her presence in 2016. Another hard thing to miss is the adorable #couplegoals photos she shares on Instagram with her soon-to-be husband.
Like Alexander, Katz will also be gearing up to plan her very own wedding look. She shared with Yahoo Beauty, “I am a natural girl. I want to always feel like myself. My favorite look for me and even others is a done but undone look. Perfection doesn’t impress me. It’s the flaws that show our character, and I appreciate when people embrace their individuality and physical appearance.”
Get the look
Katz is cool, calm, and collected, making her the perfect bohemian bride. Try this chic and stunning look.
Makeup
Prep skin with MAC Studio Waterweight SPF 30 Foundation and MAC Pro Longwear Concealer for fresh, dewy skin. Smudge MAC Technakohl liner in Earthline around the upper and lower lash lines. Then, brush on a taupe-colored eye shadow from the lash line to brow bone. Add a few sweeps of rose blush to the cheeks and finish by adding lash-lengthening mascara.
Hair
Begin by applying Oribe Dry Texturing Spray. Next, use a barrel curling iron to create large-sized curls, and brush the curls out. Then, section the hair by making a side part, and create two French braids. Slightly pull apart the braids to make them look larger. Complete the look by locking one braid into the other. Use a flexible holding hair spray to set style in place.
Fashion credits: Fame and Partners the Joni, $1,299.00, fameandpartners.com. Jennifer Behr Aveline Circlet of golden leaves and flowers with Swarovski crystal centers, $825, jenniferbehr.com. Odette New York Small Maman Hoops, $138, odetteny.com. Mini silver hoop ear cuff, Pamela Katz’s own
Bronzed Goddess
Nneoma Okorie is a lifestyle and beauty content creator who can change up the look of hair and makeup at what almost feels like the blink of an eye. As the wildly popular Youtube vlogger behind NnesCorner, Okorie breaks down her ever-evolving style and inspires others to follow her league. In May, she shared an Instagram photo where she absolutely glowed for her mother’s Nigerian wedding. Her caption read, “So happy for my mom who found love again & married this time last week! May God bless your union.”
“The best part about my mother’s wedding was everything, really,” Okorie explained while reminiscing about her mom’s matrimony. “I was really inspired by her beauty, and I’m hoping to look half as good as she looks at her age! It was definitely a modern Igbo bride look, with a glamorous touch.”
Get the look
Okorie’s vibrant coral Nigerian-themed accessories make a statement and are a modern nod to her culture. Mix in an array of metallic golds and cascading curls, and you are a bronzed goddess who looks like true royalty.
Makeup
To achieve the look of bronzed skin, start with MAC Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 foundation mixed with MAC Strobe Cream in Peachlite. For eyes, use smoky bronze hues such as MAC Woodwinked and Amber Lights. Outline lips with a deep brown lip pencil and fill in with a shimmering gold lipstick.
Hair
Begin by applying a small amount of Mizani Thermasmooth Style and Style Again cream evenly through hair. Next, divide the hair into small sections and use a curling wand to curl the sections. Pro tip: Add hairspray prior to curling to help hold curls. Then, using a wide-tooth comb, comb out curls in outward motion to add volume.
Fashion credits: Jacquemus Provence Top, $320, shopbop.com. Jewelry and headpiece, Nneoma Okorie’s own
A Rose Like No Other
Former senior beauty editor at Cosmopolitan for Latinas, TV beauty expert, and gorgeous show-stopper, Milly Almodovar has the kind of look that will make you want to do a double-take. You may recognize her face from The Wendy Williams Show, where she shares her best beauty tips and product recommendations. But the way she easily switches into mommy and wifey mode will keep you wondering, “How the heck does she do it all?”
When Yahoo Beauty asked her about her secrets to staying happily married, Almodovar shared, “My hubby insists on a date night every week, and I appreciate that a lot. Also, we compliment each other. One time I came home from a bad day at work and while I was talking to my husband about it, he kept staring at me. When I asked him what he was looking at, he said ‘You’re so beautiful.’ That changed my entire mood.”
Get the look
Who said you can only carry roses in your hands while walking down the wedding aisle? Center your look around a flower updo for a romantic feel that will have all eyes glued on you.
Makeup
Re-create this sultry look by creating a smooth base with foundation. Touch up brows with a brow pencil. Use a black liquid eyeliner to create that flicked liner effect. For a statement-making lip, use MAC Prep+Prime Lip for conditioning and smooth wear. Finish with a mix of MAC Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour in Oh Lady and High Drama all over your lips. Use concealer where needed around the perimeter of the lip line to perfect shape.
Hair
Begin by applying a small amount of Mizani Thermasmooth Style and Style Again Cream to add shine and make hair sleek but not hard. Then, gather hair in ponytail and create a ballerina-style bun. Secure the bun with pins, and tuck stems of about three roses into the bun. Use gel to slick edges down, and finish with hairspray to seal in style.
Fashion credits: Forever 21 Off-the-Shoulder Mini Dress, $48, forever21.com. Eddie Borgo Barbell Chandelier Earring, $425, eddieborgo.com
Editor’s note: Get the wedding planning rolling by taking a screenshot of your favorite look and bring it to your local MAC Studio to schedule wedding services for your special day.
Read more from Yahoo Style + Beauty:
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. For Twitter updates, follow @YahooStyle and @YahooBeauty.
