How to Choose Makeup Inspo That Actually Fits You

Jahara Jennaé
Jun 23
4 min read

Soft glam isn’t about changing you. It’s about honoring what’s already there.

When people ask what my signature style is, I always say the same thing: soft glam, rooted in enhancement. It’s your face, but elevated. Your features, your skin, just brought forward with a little intention, care, and technique. That’s the heart of a soft glam bridal or special event look.

A lot of my clients come in with a mix of excitement and nervousness. They’re searching for bridal or event makeup inspiration that will make them feel beautiful, but still look like themselves. And I get that. Looking in the mirror on your wedding day, or any special day, your biggest fear is not recognizing your own face.

But if you’re getting your makeup done, it’s because you want a little more polish, a little more confidence, and a little glam that feels effortless and true to you.

That’s where I come in. I’m not here to mask or overcorrect. I’m here to meet you exactly where you are. I study your bone structure, your eye shape, your skin tone, and your comfort level. I ask the right questions. I listen. And then I build a look that feels aligned with who you are, not just what’s trending.

Your makeup shouldn’t wear you, it should move with you. You should still recognize yourself in every photo. You should feel like the most refined, radiant, grounded version of yourself.

To me, that’s the beauty of soft glam. The goal isn’t to hide and cover up. It’s to add a little something, without taking anything away.

A big piece of accomplishing the best look, is to have the right goals. That comes from your inspo and what you’re hoping to accomplish. But if you're feeling overwhelmed with makeup inspiration, you’re not alone. There are so many beautiful looks out there that it can start to feel impossible to narrow down what you actually want. That’s why I always encourage my clients to simplify and focus on how they want to feel, not just how someone else looks. It’s easy to get distracted by someone being pretty in the Pinterest photo, but you have to really look at what her glam is made up of and not just the overall finish.

Here are a few things to keep in mind as you choose your beauty inspiration:

1. Dewy doesn’t have to mean short-wearing.

We can absolutely create a glowy, radiant look, but most of the viral dewy foundations don’t hold up well through long hours, flash photography, and tears. The good news is that we can mimic that dewy finish with long-wear products, layered skincare, and the right techniques. It’s about balance.

Soft glam bridal makeup with a glowing complexion and romantic half-up hairstyle

2. Know the difference between “natural” and “neutral.”

“Natural” is about the amount of makeup. It means light, skin-forward, minimal. “Neutral” is about tone, soft browns, taupes, peaches, muted pinks. You can absolutely have a full glam look in neutral tones, or a very natural look with a pop of color. Knowing the difference helps us tailor your look.

Side-by-side comparison of two bridal makeup looks: a matte full-glam neutral-toned look with smoky liner and bold lashes on the left, and a soft natural makeup look with skin tint, light blush, and minimal lashes on the right. Center text describes the difference between “neutral” and “natural” in makeup coverage and color.

3. Inspo that reflects your features

One of the biggest traps brides fall into is choosing inspo based on someone else’s face. What works on one skin tone or bone structure may not translate the same way, and that’s not a flaw. That’s exactly why your makeup is custom. Instead of copying someone’s face, we’ll take inspiration from the feel of the look. Do you love the softness? The eye shape? The glow? The colors? That’s what we build from. I'd rather you have 5 inspo photos because you like the lip color from one, shadow from another, blush placement from another. It's okay to build something from a few places, rather than gettign caught up on looking for something where you like every single element.

Side-by-side comparison of a bride in an off-shoulder gown with soft updo and red lipstick, next to a reference image of Taylor Swift with classic red lips and winged liner. Center text explains how the bride used Taylor Swift as glam inspiration due to similar features and a shared wedding theme aesthetic.

4. Kim K is not soft glam.

If you’re saving inspo that has full contour, over lined lips, dramatic lashes, and sculpted brows, you’re probably drawn to full glam, not soft glam. There’s no wrong choice, it’s just important to know where your preferences land so we can design accordingly.

Side-by-side photos of Kim Kardashian in two full glam makeup looks with bold contour, lashes, and sculpted lips. Center text explains that while her makeup appears soft in texture, it is actually a full glam style and may overwhelm brides seeking soft glam looks.

5. Skin is the foundation of everything.

Even the best makeup can’t undo months of skin stress. This doesn’t mean your skin needs to be flawless. But a consistent routine in the months leading up to your wedding can do wonders for how makeup applies and wears. Think hydration, exfoliation, and gentle care, not overcomplicating.

Vanity tray of skincare products including Charlotte Tilbury, Dior, Laneige, Caudalie, and REFY, styled on a gold tray. Center text emphasizes the importance of consistent skincare for makeup performance, highlighting hydration and exfoliation.

6. Be specific about your non-negotiable.

Are you super picky about your brows? Do you have a go-to lip combo? Do you hate the feeling of false lashes? Tell us. Nothing is too small to note. The more we know about your preferences, the better we can design something that feels like you. Makeup does have a particular formula, but it’s all skewed by personal preference. So if you know your preference, TELL US. We just met, so we are learning you in real time.

7. Wear white to your trial.

It may sound small, but wearing a bridal-colored top or something that reflects your dress color helps you see how the full look comes together. Makeup always reads differently next to white or ivory, so this is a subtle but powerful tip.

Side-by-side images of a bride in a white top laughing and getting ready, with a makeup artist styling her hair. Center text explains the “White Top Theory,” which highlights how clothing color affects how makeup appears, especially for brides wearing white on their wedding day.

8. Focus on alignment, not replication.

Let your inspiration be a guide, but remember it’s not always a blueprint. We’re not here to copy and paste. We’re here to co-create something that feels like your version of beauty, your wedding energy, your reflection. Makeup is about more than looking good. It’s about feeling steady, grounded, and beautiful in a way that feels honest.

Makeup comes with so many options, and narrowing things down with intention can be the difference between loving your final look and feeling disconnected from it. And don’t forget, your feedback matters. Share your opinions, ask for adjustments, and let us know what feels good or what doesn’t. We want to get it right for you, but we’re not mind readers. I hope this helps you feel more prepared, more confident, and ready for your next glam session.

Not sure if your inspo is really “you”?

Let’s make it make sense — check out Why Soft Glam Isn’t Just Natural for the truth behind the term

– Jahara Jennaé

Founder + Artist

Whether you’re planning your big day or just love learning more about beauty that feels like you, I’m so glad you’re here.

➤ Browse more posts from The Beauty Edit

➤ Inquire about working together — I’d love to be part of your story.