Groom Makeup Guide: Yes, You Can Wear It, Here's How to Do It

In order to look your best on your wedding day, grooms can definitely consider wearing makeup. Follow these simple tips to do it right.

How can a married-guy-to-be really put the “groom” in “grooming?” With makeup! It’s actually not uncommon for a makeup artist to touch up a groom with a few key products on his wedding day to ensure a flawless complexion and picture-perfect portraits all day long. Even those grooms who never considered wearing makeup, like, ever will be surprised at how natural it can look.

Here are some tips for any groom thinking about makeup on their big day (and how to do it right).

Start with skin.

If you’re a man getting married and you’re still using water and a moldy towel as your sole mode of skincare, now’s the time to take your routine up a notch. While skincare doesn’t qualify as makeup per se, it helps create a flawless canvas so that less makeup is needed and the best possible look can be achieved. You don’t have to go overboard to achieve great skin, either! Start with a gentle foaming or cream cleanser every night before bed. Add an oil-free moisturizer in the morning. And slough off dead skin cells to reveal a smoother, fresher face with an exfoliant once or twice a week. If you have more specific concerns, like acne or hyperpigmentation, meet with a dermatologist for advice on tailored solutions. And consider semi-regular facials to amp up overall skin health. Give your routine at least three months to work—don’t expect results overnight! Oh, and, don’t forget SPF every single day.

Go professional.

This goes without saying but, especially if makeup is all-new territory for you, definitely hire a professional makeup artist for your wedding day. If they’re already booked to do your spouse-to-be’s makeup, you’ll probably be able to add on a groom touch-up for a great rate. And no matter how simple you want to keep your groom makeup look, it’s best left up to a professional. From matching your skin tone to enhancing your features so they pop in photos to locking in your look so it stays put all day, these tricks of the trade are what could truly make or break how you show up to your big day.

Keep it simple.

Forget contouring and winged eyeliner. Unless there’s a specific look you’re going after, generally, groom makeup should be simple and clean—it’s all about highlighting what you have and looking polished. Focus on an even, not-too-matte, not-too-dewy complexion, groomed eyebrows and neutralized blemishes. Maybe a little bronzer for a healthy glow, or a swipe of mascara to define your eyes and give you a wide-open look. Colors and shimmers might come off a little clownish (this is true for men and women, FYI!), and your wedding day is certainly not the time to take any risks. As always, be sure to book a trial run with your makeup artist so you can strategize and try out different looks before the big day. You don’t want your first time seeing your makeup look (or any makeup on your face ever) to be moments before you step foot down the aisle.

Make facial hair work for you.

Makeup shouldn’t compete with your facial hair—in fact, your facial hair can help balance your face and make makeup even less needed, if you play your cards right. Work with your barber and makeup artist simultaneously to plan a facial hair look that complements your overall makeup plan of attack. If there are certain features you want to highlight or downplay, your facial hair can work harder at doing that than makeup, and look a lot more natural, too.

Prepare for the long haul.

Between dance floor sweat and happy tears, no makeup look can last an entire wedding. If you want to keep your face fresh long into the after party, pack a few key items to take along with you to the reception for quick touch-ups when you need ‘em. Consider blotting papers, a tinted moisturizer, concealer and some makeup remover (just in case). A refreshing facial spray (try one with rosewater or aloe) does wonders to reset existing makeup, reduce redness and add a healthy, youthful glow.