Celebrity makeup artist Naoko Scintu shares the top bridal beauty trends for 2025

With an A-list client roster that includes Daisy Edgar-Jones, Emilia Clarke, Kate Hudson and Emily Ratajkowski, Naoko Scintu knows a thing or two about makeup that makes a statement—without overshadowing your natural beauty. The London-based global makeup expert for Dolce & Gabbana Beauty shares her top bridal beauty trends for 2025, from the return of blush to the importance of glowing skin, and how to strike that perfect balance between timeless and trendy on your big day.

Brides Today: What are the biggest bridal beauty trends you foresee for 2025?

Naoko Scintu: This year is looking to be all about a ‘blush’ moment. Brides can fully embrace this trend by adding a beautiful pop of colour to their face, which would make them look like an elevated version of themselves. In my experience, brides do not want be caked with makeup that changes their appearance too much. So having a flush of colour on the cheeks really works.

Another timeless trend that will definitely be popular in 2025 is great skin. Skin that looks healthy and radiant is key. Dewy, fresh and glowing skin or a 3D matte effect both work wonders; it depends on the type of finish a bride seeks personally. I had a tendency to lean towards the glowing skin finish, but the effect that DG Beauty’s EverLast Foundation gives has converted me to try the latter.

BT: What kind of trends do you hope won’t catch on this year in bridal makeup?

NS: Too much of everything on the face all at the same time. I’m a firm believer of using a few elements on the face at a time. But with Instagram and TikTok trends, sometimes more seems to be the way forward. It’s important to see what works for each individual, but when in doubt, less is always more. Also, heavy contouring is a big no. Keep the contouring light and fresh, using ample highlights to keep the skin glowing.

BT: What can a bride do to make sure her makeup lasts through her events?

NS: Make sure the skin is prepped really well for anything you apply to last long. My favourite primer for this is the Bergamot Glow Primer, as it gives your skin an instant hit of hydration and makes your makeup last longer, all while keeping the skin hydrated. Use products that are long-lasting and nourish the skin.

BT: In the weeks leading up to the wedding, how can a bride prepare her skin? And how essential is skincare in a bridal makeup regime?

NS: I know this sounds boring, but go back to the basics—drink plenty of water, and start your day with warm water with some fresh lemon. Another boring piece of advice is to get plenty of sleep!

As for skincare, the base is what is really important. It’s all about the prep, which will make what you put on top work better. A skin prepped to its optimum will also need much less makeup.

BT: How do you enhance a bride’s natural features without her looking too done up?

NS: Soft and natural highlighting and shading enhances one’s beauty. I also prefer to use a powder to a cream, as it’s less intense and more natural with better staying power. Use a great eyeliner to enhance the eyes and make them pop. Add a thin black eyeliner close to the lashline.

BT: What’s a common makeup mistake that brides should avoid at all cost?

NS: When retouching the skin—powdering the T zone, for instance—use a non-powdery product, or the skin will end up looking caked and less radiant.

BT: What factors should a bride consider when choosing her makeup artist?

NS: A bride should really go for a makeup artist whose work they love. If you want a more ‘natural’ approach to makeup, go for someone who does this day in and day out. It’s all about finding a makeup artist who suits the bride’s aesthetic.

BT: How can brides balance looking timeless in their photos while still feeling trendy?

NS: Balance is key. Hair and makeup need to work in harmony, so keeping them balanced is how the look can be made timeless. Also, since it’s likely the most important day of your life, it’s important to look like yourself, which I think is key to looking timeless and still trendy in photographs.

BT: Any advice for brides who wish to do their own makeup for their wedding celebrations?

NS: Keep it fresh and natural. Also get someone to assist you when doing your makeup, to help apply individual eyelashes, for instance. You’d want to eliminate stress on the big day.

All images: The brand 

This article first appeared in Brides Today, January-March 2025 print edition.

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