Paint It Black (Or Purple, Or Glitter): Redefining Wedding Beauty

Introduction

Let’s talk about wedding makeup — not the airbrushed, cookie-cutter kind that clings to glossy magazines and insists every bride should glow like a beige Instagram filter. We mean alternative wedding makeup — expressive, emotive, rule-breaking beauty; bold, messy, glitter-strewn, goth, punk, witchy, romantic, or whatever you need it to be.

In the alternative wedding world, makeup isn’t a finishing touch — it’s part of the statement. It’s for those who grew up idolising Morticia more than Meghan, who feel naked without their eyeliner flick, or who see a bold lip as armour. It’s for the couples who want to see themselves reflected in their wedding photos — not a watered-down version of someone else’s dream.

But despite how far the industry has come, alternative makeup artists still face misconceptions, and couples still feel unsure — worried they’ll be judged, misunderstood, or told to tone it down. This blog is here to clear the fog: to demystify what “alternative” really means in a beauty context, to advocate for personal expression, and to spotlight the artists shaping a new, inclusive, honest face of wedding beauty.

In the shimmering liminal space between tradition and rebellion stands Kate Reynolds — a makeup artist who doesn’t just paint faces, but tells stories through skin, pigment and power. Her work moves beyond the surface to reflect the soul beneath — whether that soul is wrapped in black velvet and cathedral lace, glittering in ethereal pastels, or pulsing with riot grrrl energy.

We asked Kate a few questions about the world of alternative makeup:

What is alternative wedding makeup - what sets it apart from traditional styles?

Alternative makeup is generally anything that challenges societal ‘norms’ when it comes to weddings and their aesthetics. It can be anything you make it; whether you’re someone who can’t live without a big old winged liner or feel completely naked without a statement bold lip. Styles can definitely vary: some may lean into a completely traditional gothic style and others may just take certain elements, (such as a grungy smoky eye paired with more understated skin) finding the perfect balance between messy and refined. The way I like to think of it is wedding makeup with an edge - that’s how it differs from a traditional style. There are always points of visual interest, such as bold colours, different textures (shimmers/glitters) and graphic elements (liner/dark lip). It’s really anything that challenges outdated conventional beauty standards.

Are there any specific trends in alternative wedding makeup currently?

I think a lot of nearly-weds are gravitating towards matching their makeup to their colour scheme, whether it’s flowers or even their bridesmaids’ dresses/wedding party outfits. I’ve had a lot of clients leaning towards bold colours, especially blues, purples and oranges. Not forgetting blush, so much blush! Going foundation-free is also a common thing I’ve seen so far this year. You can definitely have a complete alt makeup application without foundation - it’s just about strategically layering and product placement. Some people might dislike it due to sensory reasons and others just prefer not wearing it. If there’s a certain aspect of makeup or a particular product you don’t like, it’s absolutely fine to skip it!

What do you think the biggest concern is for alternative couples looking for a makeup artist?

One of the most common concerns that I’ve come across is finding an artist that has an extremely diverse portfolio but also has a deep understanding of different aesthetics. Making sure that you find someone that’s flexible, adaptable and will tell you that there’s no ‘right’ way to do makeup - it’s all down to your personal preference. However, while it’s important to have someone who specialises in alternative makeup, a lot of the time the wedding party or family members don’t necessarily have the same makeup preferences as the nearly-wed. It’s crucial for your artist to be able to cater to everyone, regardless of style.

What is the question you wish more people would ask

Not necessarily a question - but I wish more people would think about the setup for their hair and makeup artists, whether it’s a preview or on the actual wedding day. We can’t put our kit on sofas, coffee tables and preferably not shoved into a corner with no natural daylight. We of course will adapt to the environment we’re working in but sometimes these things can make our jobs super difficult. Another thing worth mentioning - listen to your beauty suppliers when they give you a schedule/running order for the morning! We know it might seem crazy to start makeup/hair at 7am when your ceremony isn’t until 2pm but time generally just disappears on your wedding morning. Ideally, you’ll want to be finished with makeup/hair a minimum of 60 - 90 minutes before your ceremony starts. This gives you plenty of time to get changed, have first looks, photos and any final touch ups before you get hitched!

Is there a misconception people believe that isn't true... example: people think choosing a wedding dress is all prosecco and happy tears with your besties, but it's never like the movies.

A HUGE misconception when it comes to makeup is thinking that it can take away texture; fine lines, dry skin or an uneven skin surface won’t just disappear when you apply makeup on top. Makeup can only correct or cover up colours/discolouration and it will only look as good as the base underneath it. We also need to remember that pores, fine lines and texture are completely normal - everyone has them! Makeup is going to look like makeup on your skin, if you look super close up, you will be able to see where things sit and settle but it’s easy to forget that no one will be looking at you from 10cm away! It’s always a good idea to look after your skin - makeup artists can do the best prep there in the moment but the real work comes from you at home.

Conclusion

Alternative makeup isn’t about being “anti” beauty — it’s about redefining it. It’s about creating space where your everyday look is respected, your sensory needs are honoured, and your aesthetic — however dark, dramatic, dewy, or deconstructed — is celebrated as wedding-worthy.

This is more than blush and liner. It’s a movement that says you don’t need to fit into someone else’s vision of bridal perfection. Your freckles, your scars, your eyeliner wings, your bare skin — they belong. And your makeup artist? They’re not there to “fix” you. They’re there to amplify your voice, your vibe, your vision.

So whether you’re planning a witchy woodland elopement or a neon-lit warehouse rave, know this: the face you show the world on your wedding day should be your own. Loud, soft, wild, regal — whatever makes you feel powerful. And if you want to wear orange blush and no foundation?… that is the look.

About Kate Reynolds:

Kate Reynolds is a creative force, a collaborator, and an advocate for self-expression without compromise. In a beauty world still haunted by outdated standards, she stands as a beacon for individuality, flexibility and fierce inclusivity. Kate understands that alternative isn’t a trend — it’s a truth.

At TilDeath, we’re honoured to count her among our Collective of darkly talented souls — the ones who see beauty in the bold, the brave, and the beautifully unconventional. Head over to the Dark Wedding Directory to discover more authentic alternative wedding creatives.