Coral crush: The summer bridal makeup look that glows from within  

Choosing hues of coral in summer feels almost instinctive. Its warmth evokes the feeling of fresh flowers and a sunset-washed sky. It’s like golden hour for the skin, and it’s no surprise that it’s one of the most flattering palettes for the bride. It offers that rare balance between a delicate flush and a statement look, offering an ultra romantic luminosity.

Ahead, tips on mastering the season’s most radiant wedding look.

The appeal of coral 

Coral sits at the intersection of pink and orange, which makes it uniquely adaptable. It brings warmth without heaviness. In humid climates especially, coral feels fresher than a deep berry or a classic crimson. Depending on the intensity, it can unfurl as a delicate peach bloom, enhance golden undertones or create a striking dimension. The key is choosing the right shade: softer peach-coral for daytime ceremonies, richer sunset coral for evening celebrations.

Step one: The luminous base 

To make summer bridal complexions look breathable and softly radiant, start with meticulous skin preparation: gentle exfoliation days prior, followed by hydration layers that plump and smooth. On the wedding day, opt for a lightweight, long-wear foundation with a natural finish.

Step two: The coral flush 

Blush is where this look truly steals the show. Coral blush should be applied slightly higher on the cheeks than traditional placement, blending upward toward the temples for a lifted look. For a soft effect, choose peach-coral shades with a satin finish. For evening events, a slightly deeper coral with a hint of golden reflect reflects light beautifully. Layering is essential: begin with a cream blush for longevity, then set lightly with a powder blush in a similar tone to ensure it survives hugs, heat, and happy tears.

Step three: Sunset eyes 

Start with a peachy matte shade swept across the crease to create structure. Add a slightly deeper coral or terracotta tone to the outer corner for gentle depth. On the lid, a wash of champagne or soft gold keeps it twinkling. For brides who want a touch more drama, a metallic coral shimmer pressed onto the centre of the lid will look gorgeous. Eyeliner should remain diffused. A brown or deep bronze liner smudged close to the lash line feels softer than black kohl. Finish with coats of volumising mascara.

Step four: The perfect lip 

This is where you can tailor the look to your bridal personality. For minimal brides, a sheer coral gloss feels youthful and radiant. For classic brides, a satin coral lipstick strikes the perfect balance between pigment with luminosity while those opting for bold sunset glamour can go in for a richer coral matte. The trick is ensuring that the coral harmonises with your blush. Too orange and it can overpower; too pink and it loses that sunlit magic. 

Matching coral to your bridal wardrobe 

Coral makeup pairs beautifully with ivory, champagne gold, and soft blush ensembles. It adds vibrancy to minimal white gowns and warmth to heavily embroidered lehengas. For brides wearing traditional red, coral works best in softer concentrations—perhaps in the blush and lid, paired with a more classic lip. If your jewellery leans heavily gold, coral enhances its warmth. With rose gold accents, opt for pinker corals. With diamond or platinum jewellery, keep the coral fresh and luminous rather than deep. The youthful colour even looks great on your nails! 

Beyond trend cycles, coral evokes joy. For brides navigating a day filled with ritual and emotion, coral offers lightness. In many ways, it reflects the spirit of a summer wedding itself: warm, vibrant, unforgettable, a shade that feels like love at golden hour.

Lead image: Aliaa Bhatt/Instagram 

Also read: The magic of the double cleanse: A bride’s essential skincare move  

Also read: In full bloom: The floral lehenga remains a bridal favourite