Grooming Tips for Grooms – Makeup Isn’t Just for Brides

Weddings aren’t just the bride’s time to shine. Grooms, you’re front and center too—whether you like it or not. You’ll be photographed all day, hugged by every relative you know, and your partner will expect you to look just as polished.

Here’s the truth: the best bridal makeup artist doesn’t just work with brides anymore. Grooms are stepping up, and it’s about time. Looking good isn’t about vanity—it’s about confidence, respect for the occasion, and showing up as your best self.

This guide breaks down practical, no-fuss grooming and makeup tips for grooms—yes, even makeup. Don’t worry, no one’s asking you to contour your nose or highlight your cheekbones (unless you want to). These are easy, effective tweaks that will make a visible difference.

---

Why Grooming and Makeup Matter for Grooms

You’ll be on camera all day—high-def, close-up, candid, and posed. Even if you think you’re a low-maintenance guy, those photos will live on forever.

Here’s why it’s worth the effort:

• Oil and shine show up in flash photography

• Under-eye darkness can make you look tired

• Dry or uneven skin can age you in photos

• Redness or blemishes can draw unwanted attention

• Your bride or groom is putting in hours of prep—you should too

The best bridal makeup artist ensures that the groom looks sharp and natural, not “made up.”

---

Pre-Wedding Grooming Tips for Grooms

Start these at least a week before the wedding so you don’t end up with irritation or surprise reactions.

1. Get a Clean Haircut—But Not the Day Before

Schedule your haircut 5–7 days before the wedding. That gives it time to settle and look natural, while still staying fresh.

Pro Tip: The best bridal makeup artist works closely with barbers and stylists to keep your look cohesive with the bride’s.

---

2. Shape Your Brows (Yes, Really)

No, this doesn’t mean thin, arched brows. Just a clean-up. Stray hairs can mess with your expression and symmetry on camera.

• Use tweezers or get them threaded professionally

• Focus on cleaning between and around the brows

• Avoid shaving—it grows back patchy

---

3. Exfoliate and Moisturize

Dead skin, flakes, and dryness will show under lights and HD cameras. Use a gentle scrub or exfoliating cleanser 2–3 times a week.

Follow up with a moisturizer daily. Not greasy lotion—look for non-comedogenic, lightweight creams.

Pro Tip: The best bridal makeup artist starts every groom’s session with clean, exfoliated skin to prevent cakey product buildup.

---

4. Trim and Groom Facial Hair

Beard or clean-shaven, your facial hair should be neat.

• Shape your beard or stubble a few days before

• Clean the neckline and cheek lines

• If shaving, use a sharp razor and follow with an aftershave balm (not alcohol)

---

Wedding Day Grooming & Subtle Makeup for Grooms

Now let’s talk about day-of tips. These are subtle, barely-there enhancements—nothing flashy, nothing over the top.

Step 1: Clean and Prep the Skin

• Wash your face with a gentle cleanser

• Apply moisturizer and let it absorb

• If you’re oily, use a mattifying primer or oil-control wipe

The best bridal makeup artist will often apply a light primer to help with longevity and reduce shine.

---

Step 2: Even Out Skin Tone

Not foundation—think tinted moisturizer or BB cream.

• Balances out redness or blotchiness

• Evens your complexion without looking like makeup

• Apply with fingers like you would lotion

Pro Tip: Ask your artist or partner for a lightweight product recommendation. The best bridal makeup artist custom-blends tones to avoid the “mask” effect.

---

Step 3: Conceal Blemishes or Dark Circles

A small dab of concealer can go a long way.

• Use under the eyes to brighten and hide puffiness

• Dab on any pimples or red spots

• Blend it in completely with a finger or sponge

Don’t skip this step—it’s one of the easiest and most effective. Even the most camera-shy groom will thank the best bridal makeup artist for this trick.

---

Step 4: Control Shine

Shiny foreheads and noses in photos? Not a good look.

• Use blotting papers or oil-control powder before photos

• Reapply lightly if needed throughout the day

Pro Tip: The best bridal makeup artist keeps translucent powder or oil-absorbing sheets in the groom’s pocket or with the best man for mid-day touch-ups.

---

Step 5: Define Lips (Without Color)

Dry lips? Cracked lips? No thanks.

• Use a sugar scrub or toothbrush to exfoliate

• Apply clear lip balm—just enough to hydrate, not gloss up

Healthy lips look better in close-ups and feel more comfortable throughout the day.

---

Step 6: Groom Hands and Nails

You’ll be showing off your hands a lot—think rings, toasts, and holding hands.

• Clean, trimmed nails

• Moisturized hands

• Avoid cuts or hangnails the week of

It’s a small detail, but one the best bridal makeup artist won’t miss.

---

Optional Grooming Add-Ons

If you’re feeling extra polished—or your bride/groom wants you to go all in—consider:

• Clear brow gel to keep unruly hairs in place

• Light bronzer for a sun-kissed look (if you’re very pale)

• Lash tint or lift a week before if your lashes are super light and sparse

• Teeth whitening 1–2 weeks before the big day

None of these are mandatory—but they can take your look from average to editorial. And yes, the best bridal makeup artist has seen it all and made it work seamlessly.