If you find yourself thinking: “I want to do my own bridal makeup but don’t know where to start” or “Can I do my own makeup for my wedding if I’m not a pro?” rest assured, You don’t need a celebrity glam squad to feel radiant on your wedding day—just the right techniques, time to practice, and products that celebrate your natural beauty.  In many cultures, the bride is not just preparing for one day—she is transitioning into a new identity, a new chapter. The Makoti approach reminds us that beauty is not performance—it’s practice. When you do your own makeup, you’re not just preparing for photos; you’re cultivating self-knowledge and joy. This article will walk you through how you can begin preparing.

What Is Goal-Oriented Bridal Beauty for Black and Brown Brides?

Goal-oriented beauty means setting aside intentional time—daily, weekly, or monthly—to reflect on your beauty practice. It’s not about accumulating more products. It’s about consciously experimenting with what you already have, building your makeup knowledge so that when you do purchase something new, you understand exactly why.

Step-by-Step: How to Create a Bridal Beauty Journal For Brides Doing Their Own Makeup

Bridal Makeup Prep Timeline

• 12 months before: Create your beauty Goals with a beauty journal, experiment with products, get as many free make-up sessions instore.
• 3 months before: Lock down your core routine and favorite products
• 2 months before: Finalize your bridal look, start practicing the full face
• 1 month before: Do a full wear-test of your wedding look
• 1 week before: Touch-up supplies, skincare prep, and emergency kit
• Wedding day: Execute with confidence!

1. Start a Beauty Journal

Get yourself a beautiful journal. On the first page, write your beauty goals. These could include:

• Refining your makeup skills
• Perfecting your DIY nail techniques
• Deciding on your wedding hairstyle
• Identifying which skincare products work best for you
• Learning to do your own makeup, nails, and hair for your big day

If you’re not sure what your goals are yet, leave the page blank and just start writing. Your goals will emerge with time.

At the back of the journal, write:

• Your full maiden name
• Your future name (if you plan to change it)
• The date of your proposal
• Your planned engagement period

This becomes a keepsake—a resource and memory book you can return to throughout your marriage.

2. Designate an Experiment Day

Choose one day a week to experiment with your makeup. On that day:

• Take two photos: one at the start of the day and one at the end.
• Print and paste them into your journal (or store them digitally—more on that below).

Document:

• The date
• A name for your look (e.g., “Mall Rat,” “Book Lover,” “Lazy Latte”)
• The products used
• What you liked about the look
• How long it lasted throughout the day
• Application tools used (brushes, sponges, fingers)
• Techniques used (pressure, blending style)
• What didn’t work and why

Highlight key insights for easy reference in the future.

3. Use Tutorials to Build Technique

Look up YouTube tutorials by professional makeup artists—not influencers. The goal is to learn technique, not collect product recommendations.

Some useful tutorials:

• Nikki La Rose – Bridal Makeup Do’s and Don’ts

• Nikki La Rose – Drugstore Bridal Makeup

• Mario Dedivanovic (Makeup by Mario) – Bridal look on Jackie Aina

If something stands out, write it down in your journal.

 Feel free to share your favorite tutorials in the comment section below!

4. Try, Reflect, Adjust

On your next experiment day, revisit your notes. Try applying the techniques you’ve learned, correct previous mistakes, and note your progress.

How to Keep a Digital Bridal Beauty Journal 

• Option 1: Create a photo album on your phone titled Beauty Journal. For each photo, add a detailed description:
  • Date
  • What worked and what didn’t
  • Techniques used
  • Notes from makeup artists
• Option 2: Use your Notes app or create a word document. Keep a single, running note with:
  • Photos
  • Reflections
  • Date-stamped entries
  • Quotes or tips from tutorials
  • Ideas to try next

Pro Tips for Product Discovery

• Visit your nearest MAC store for a free 15-minute consultation. Focus on one area: eyes, lips, eyebrows, countroing, lips.
  • Write down what the artist did, what products they used, and ask why they chose them.
• When you’re ready to shop for new products, use your journal insights plus online research. Then use this prompt with ChatGPT:

“I really like product X from brand Y in the color Z because of [reason], but I don’t like the price point. Can you recommend a similar product from a drugstore brand?”

“I saw a YouTube recommendation for a product that isn’t available in my country. It is product x from the brand y in the color z. Can you help me find something similar that’s available in [your country]?”

And once you try the product? Write it down!

In Summary:

The bridal experience at Ellie The Bride is not a one-time event—it’s the beginning of a lifelong relationship with your beauty practice. Through goal-oriented beauty, you’re not just preparing for your wedding—you’re learning how to care for yourself with intention and joy, long after the big day.

Have a favorite bridal makeup tip or tutorial? Share it in the comments! I have a free workbook that you can download and print in order to start building your bridal makeup look.

All my best,

Ellie