The Makeup That Won Our 2022 Beauty Awards
To find the best makeup for your wedding beauty arsenal, The Knot's editorial team tested hundreds of products. Why is amping up your beauty game before your day so important? Your wedding is a celebration unlike any other, meaning it requires some pretty specific products that both photograph flawlessly and can last all day without creasing, melting or wearing off. And whether you're a dedicated beauty buff who keeps up with every new product launch and is always dropping serious cash at Sephora, or you're a total newbie who prefers to go au naturel, the best makeup for your wedding day may look slightly different (or a lot different) than your everyday routine.
Planning a wedding while also trying to suss out the best mascara to stand up to emotional vows, the best lipstick for first kisses and the best setting spray that will survive even the craziest after-party can seem overwhelming—but we've got you covered. We spent months trying out the most buzzed-about makeup so you don't have to. Below, everything you need to get gorgeous and camera-ready for your wedding day.
Best Full-Coverage Foundation
There are no shortage of good foundations on the market, but any good foundation won't cut it where high-definition photographs are concerned. This cult favorite is the absolute best foundation for HD photos and marathon celebrations for good reason: its tried-and-true formula offers just enough coverage, has a matte, photogenic finish and major lasting power (like a whole 24 hours of wear). Another plus? We love how it comes in a wide range of colors, so you can find the best foundation match for your skin tone.
Best Light-Coverage Foundation
Heavy base makeup isn't for everyone—nor is it necessary on your day. This tinted serum combines active skincare ingredients and mineral SPF with weightless coverage that nails the "no makeup makeup" look.
Best Color Corrector
This green-tinted treatment instantly erases redness (think: inflamed blemishes, rosacea and other irritation) and protects skin from UV damage and environmental aggressors.
Best Setting Powder
When it comes to finding the best setting powder, look for one that both mattifies your complexion and keeps your foundation in place. Not only does this powder give you a complexion worthy of an Instagram filter, it also staves off dreaded T-zone shine without washing you out.
Best Primer
There's a reason TikTokloves this affordable, skin-smoothing primer: NYX's Plump Right Back serum does exactly whatit says in the name. Expect glowing, plumped skin that's ready to keep your foundation in place all day long.
Best Concealer
Experiencing wedding-planning-induced dark circles or stress breakouts? Not just any concealer will do. Our pick for best concealer covers up blemishes without settling into fine lines and lasts for up to 16 hours.
Best Blush
Move over cream formulas: powder blush is back and is our pick for best blush. Benefit's WANDERful World collection comes in a wide range of highly pigmented shades. The silky, soft-focus finish will give you a gorgeous wedding day flush.
Best Lipstick
The best lipstick should be a multitasker that goes on strong, stays put and hydrates your lips. And, a solid lip color is thekey to not looking washed out by makeup with heavier coverage. Whether you're opting for a bold or nude lip, this saturated color goes on like velvet. And it stays put through first kisses and champagne toasts.
Best Lipgloss
If you thought lip gloss was a thing of the past, think again. To find the best lip gloss for you, look for one that leaves behind a lustrous shine but doesn't make your lips feel sticky. Just a swipe of this clean one made of natural oils gave us fuller-looking pouts—but no unwanted residue.
Best Mascara
Our pick for best mascara is all about the good kind of wedding drama. It lengthens, thickens and curls all at once, without any clumps or flakes. The viscous formula builds upward and outward, for full, fluffy real lashes that can compete with falsies.
Best Eyeshadow
The best eyeshadow for our purposes usually comes in palette form—that way, you have lots of shades and textures to choose from. Whether you're going for a dramatic smoky eye or a more natural wash of color, you'll use this versatile mix of 16 shades in smooth mattes, pretty pearls and high-drama metallics well beyond your wedding day.
Best Eyeliner
Cat-eye enthusiasts, rejoice. Our winner for best eyeliner is purrfect foryou. Delivering excellent color pay-off and seriousstaying power, the felt-tip liquid eyeliner pen is designedwith precision and consistency in mind.
Best False Lashes
The comfy, feathery feel of these falsies means they stay in place without a ton of glue (or patience). They'll give your eyes a natural-looking boost, but are surprisingly durable.
Best Brow Product
Conquer your brow goals once and for all with the best brow product our editors have ever used—and trust, we've used a lot. An efficient multitasker, this clean brow balm does the job of three products in one: It tints, provides hold and even helps your brows grow with a clinically proven blend of plant-based proteins and amino acids.
Best Highlighter
Given that most shimmery makeup products tend to look too sparkly on camera, the best highlighter for high-definition photos will amp up your wedding day glow without making you look shiny. Play up your cheekbones with this dermatologist-tested highlighter that also buffs outimperfections. It's just shimmery enough, creating a dewy complexion that won't look too shiny in photos.
Best Bronzer
Not all bronzers are created equal. The best bronzer will subtly contour your features without creating harsh lines. Sweep the cream-based, darker contour shade where the light naturally hits your face (forehead, cheekbones and jawline) to sculpt your features. This buttery powder that goes on more like acream thanks to its finely milled texture.
Best Setting Spray
Avoid a makeup meltdown with our pick for best setting spray. We've deemed this hydrating formula "maskproof." It ensures seamless makeup application and locks in your look for 16 hours—no matter how wild the party gets.
Best Makeup Remover
The best makeup remover should effortlessly remove longwear products and leave your skin feeling refreshed—not dried out or irritated. With this micellarwater, you won't need to bother double-cleansing. The no-rinse solution removes even heavy-coverage makeup in justa few swipes—without leaving behind an oily residue.
Best Makeup Brushes
The best makeup brushes aren't your typical brushes—and that's precisely why we love them. Their unique shape means the supersoft bristles give even results no matter what makeup you use (cream, powder or liquid).
Best Makeup Sponge
Disposable makeup tools aren't the most eco-friendly option, but this biodegradable one means you can bounce and blend to your heart's desire—without the added waste. It seamlessly blends liquid and cream makeup into the skin for an airbrushed finish. Wet thoroughly before using for optimal results.