Soft Glam vs. Full Glam: Which Makeup Style is Right for Your Wedding Day?
As a bride, one of the most exciting parts of your wedding planning is choosing the perfect look for your big day! And in your search for a makeup artist, you've likely seen these two styles mentioned all over social media: "soft glam" and "full glam." So, what's the difference? While each has its own unique charm, deciding which is best for you depends on your wedding vision, personality, and overall aesthetic. I'm here to break down these two popular makeup styles to help you in determining which one will make you feel like the most beautiful and confident version of yourself on your wedding day.
What is Soft Glam?
Soft glam makeup is a classic, timeless look that enhances your natural beauty with a touch of sophistication. Think of it as the perfect balance between elegance and simplicity. If you envision a glowing, radiant complexion with an emphasis on your natural beauty, soft glam is the way to go.
Key Features of Soft Glam:
Flawless Yet Natural Skin: The goal of soft glam is to perfect your skin with a light to medium-coverage foundation, perhaps layered on top of a skin tint, that still allows your natural texture to shine through. Subtle contouring and highlighting with cream based products add dimension to the facial shape without being overdone or too harsh.
Soft, Romantic Eyes: Eyeshadow shades like neutral taupes, soft pinks, and warm browns or bronzy colors are used to enhance your eyes, giving you a gentle, romantic look. Whether you prefer a natural shimmer or a light smoky eye, your eyes will still pop while balancing with the rest of the makeup.
Subtle or Whispy Lashes: Lashes are applied to enhance your eyes without being too dramatic. Some makeup artists will opt for individual lashes that are customized to your eye shape, rather than a heavy strip lash. Lashes are often paired with a soft and blended liner on the top lash line to emphasize the eye shape.
Radiant Glow: Soft glam uses a combination of cream blush and highlighter to bring a soft glow to your skin. Think rosy cheeks and a natural glow-from-within highlight that catches the light just right, creating a fresh, dewy and youthful finish.
Soft glam is the perfect option for brides who want a natural-but-noticable look that radiates beauty and elegance without feeling too overdone.
What is Full Glam?
Full glam is a makeup style designed to create a bold, dramatic, and polished look. It's all about enhancing your features with more intense makeup techniques, making you stand out and look glamorous. Imagine flawless, matte skin, bold eye makeup, and lined lips—it's the kind of look you'd see on red carpets or at big events.
Key Features of Full Glam:
Flawless Full-Coverage Skin: Full glam starts with a full-coverage foundation that gives you a flawless, airbrushed finish. Contouring and highlighting are more intense, giving your face more definition and structure. Concealor will often be baked, meaning a heavy amount of powder will be applied under the eyes and throughout the t-zone for maximum shine control through out the day.
Dramatic Eyes: It's all about eyes that POP in a full glam application. You can expect bold eyeshadows, such as smoky eyes, a dramatic cut crease, or vibrant hues that make a statement. Liner is sharp and defined, often with an extended wing and your lashes are full and voluminous, giving your eyes a captivating, cat-eye effect.
Bold Lips: For brides who really want to stand out, full glam can include a bold lip. Whether it's a classic red, a deep berry, or a striking, slightly over-lined nude, your lips will be perfectly defined and ready for photos.
Long-Lasting Perfection: Full glam makeup typically includes a matte finish and long-wear alcohol based setting spray to ensure your makeup stays flawless from the ceremony to the reception.
If you're someone who does a full face of makeup on a daily basis and isn't scared of a little drama, then you might be the perfect candidate for full glam.
How to Choose the Right Style for Your Wedding Day
When choosing between soft glam and full glam for your wedding day, it's important to think about the overall vibe you want to create and what feels most "you."
As a bridal makeup artist, I’ve work with over 100 brides a year and I’ve found that soft glam is often the go-to choice for brides who want a more natural, timeless look. It’s perfect for enhancing your features subtly without feeling overly done. I’ve had brides who chose soft glam for intimate ceremonies in charming gardens or destination weddings by the beach, where they still wanted to look polished but in a way that matched the simplicity of their surroundings. Soft glam gives you a glowing, radiant complexion and soft, neutral eyes that photograph beautifully, creating a refined yet effortless feel.
On the other hand, full glam is the ideal choice for brides who want to make a bold statement and embrace their inner diva. Think of words to describe this look like: dramatic, intense, vibrant, and statement-making. This look is perfect if you're looking to turn heads, feel confident, and stand out in photos, all while being the star of the show.
In Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice between soft glam and full glam comes down to your personal style and preference as a bride. It's imperative that you choose a makeup artist who aligns with your vision and specializes in the specific style you want to go for on your big day. I recommend doing your homework by looking for consistency in artist portfolios across various social media platforms. What type of artist do they market theirself as? What is their signature style? Can you find inspiration photos from their personal portfolio that are similar to the look you desire?
Remember, it's always important to communicate your vision clearly to your makeup artist, and trust them to help you feel like the most radiant version of yourself as you walk down the aisle. I hope this information helps guide you in making the right choice for your beauty look on your special day!
Swoon Styles, based in Dallas and serving brides across Texas and Florida, specializes in creating timeless, radiant bridal looks that celebrate each bride’s unique beauty. In addition to our exceptional styling services, we offer professional education for aspiring makeup artists, covering advanced bridal techniques and business skills. Our hands-on classes and personalized sessions empower beauty professionals to elevate their artistry and succeed in the bridal industry. If you’re a bride or makeup artist looking for expert guidance, we invite you to inquire via our website at https://www.swoonstyles.com.
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