Unexpected—And Totally Wearable—Beauty Looks For Modern Brides

Nobody plans a beauty look more carefully than a bride before her wedding day. And since every gal wants to be different on her big day, we’re showing you the most unexpected, but totally wearable, hair and makeup looks for the modern bride. Forget the party, guests will be talking about your eye shadow and hair for years to come. We hear the wedding bells already.

For The Non-Basic Bride

Photographer: Jason Maughan

Model: Delaney Sager, Megan Irminger

Hair: Erik McEwen for Glamsquad

Makeup: Tiffany Kilgore for Lorac Cosmetics

The Silver Cat Eye

A classic cat eye is the go-to for a bride on her big day, but you can update that look with a metallic silver liner. To pull it off, keep the rest of your face natural-looking and pair it with a nude lip.

The Fancy Faux Hawk

Instead of rocking a single loose chignon, try two or three, with hair sleek at the sides. The effect will be a modern yet elegant updo that pairs beautifully with a crystal headpiece.

The Gilded Smoky Eye

A subtle smoky eye works for any other day, but for the day, play up your peepers with gold leaf. Starting at the lower lash line, then extending past the outer corners, this reverse cat eye takes "cool bride" to a whole new level.

The Updated Half-Up Hairstyle

Proof that a romantic half-up hairstyle can have dimension, this pearl-encrusted look is subtle yet impactful. Pairs great with or without a veil.

The Rose-Gold Lip

Go ahead, take your pout from ordinary to wedding-day ready with a rose gold lipstick. We love how it makes a statement without being too over the top.

The New Way To Wear A Veil

If you love the idea of a veil trailing behind you but prefer the look of a sleek ponytail, you can be the bride who has it all. Instead of wearing the veil at the crown of your hair, wrap it around the base of your ponytail and let the rest flow behind you.

The New Look

Who said your "something blue" can't include your eye shadow? Most brides won't think to do a bold shadow look on their day at the altar, but when done correctly, a single color on the lids can look impossibly fresh. Pair blue shadow with a natural-looking face and subtle lip.

The New Milkmaid

You can wear a milkmaid braid any time, but on your wedding, try something equally bohemian, but with a twist (pun intended). Twist sections of hair and secure with bobby pins until you've created the perfect lived-in updo.