Your wedding day is supposed to be one of the happiest days of your life. And if you’re not looking and feeling your best, it could be difficult to make memories that are supposed to last a lifetime. Choosing a makeup look for your big day could be considered a more frivolous task in the scheme of things, but for many brides and grooms, it’s an import part of making sure you look your best. You’ve picked the outfit, the shoes, and have hopefully decided on the right hairstyle. Makeup is the final touch.
Recently on social media, a local makeup artist has been growing in popularity due to her reaction videos from her brides and their entourage. Maddie Grabert – known on social as Maddie G – has over 350 thousand followers across her social media channels and has worked with clients ranging from Netflix stars to American Idol finalists. The young makeup artist (MUA) has found a footing in social media and is taking her skills to new heights every day.
We wanted to get to know a little more about the MUA that had brides in astonishment and ask what she’s seen trending in the bridal makeup world.
@maddiegmua a BUNCH of SOUTHERN BELLES 😭🥹 #makeup #makeupartist #mua #beauty #wedding #bridalparty #bridalmakeup #fyp #foryoupage #xyzbca #weddingbridalparty #weddingtok #wedding2026 #bride2026 #bridemakeup #makeupinspo #makeuptok #foryou ♬ original sound – Maddie G| Travel Makeup Artist
How did you get into doing makeup as a career?
I was always surrounded by it as a child! My mom always kept her red lipstick on, no matter if she was going to dinner or just cleaning the house. I was also a dancer for 16 years, so a full face of makeup was a normal thing at a very young age!
Did you imagine you’d have this much success on social media at this point in your career?
Yes and no! I was fascinated by social media from a young age. I was constantly making “videos” of myself doing makeup on school nights instead of doing my homework. I grew up learning all things makeup from YouTube and always dreamed of one day doing that. I never thought it would happen as fast as it did though. (In January, I was celebrating 20k. A few days ago, I hit 200k on TikTok. Just to put in perspective how fast things changed.)
Why do you think people react so positively in your makeup videos?
I HYPE THEM UP! The entire makeup application is an experience. I’m constantly telling them how good they look (while not seeing themselves in a mirror) so before they even see themselves, they are so excited to see it! I would also say I’m a very authentic person. What you see is what you get. So, I feel like every single person that sits in my chair becomes a friend after… which leads to good/funny reactions!
@maddiegmua I love these girls with my whole heart😭💗 #makeupartist #makeup #mua #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #beauty #bridalparty #weddingday #weddingbridalparty #wedding #bride #2026bride #travelingmua #travelingmakeupartist ♬ original sound – Maddie G| Travel Makeup Artist
Your more popular videos are your bridal party looks – What is your favorite thing about doing bridal makeup?
I treat all my brides like they are my friends. I’m a part of the biggest day of their lives. It’s a lot of emotions and energy. So, when I give them that mirror for the “final” time it’s almost as if I’ve never done their makeup before. Wedding day makeup is always 10000x better than any other day and I’m not sure why. I’ve done some of my bride for YEARS but wedding day glam was unlike anything else I’ve done before. It will always be my proudest work. I usually end up crying with my brides too lol!
What advice would you give brides going into a makeup trial or getting their makeup done on their wedding day?
Give yourself NO EXPECTATIONS when it comes to hair/makeup. I personally don’t attract picky brides anymore for this reason. Everyone’s face is so different and, I’m sorry, but no makeup artist can make you look like that AI inspo pic you saw on Pinterest! Go on the makeup artist / hairstylist social media beforehand and pick out inspiration from their OWN work AND show multiple examples. Even if it’s just a lip color you like, it makes it so much easier when we start customizing your bridal look!
Is there anything brides / or their bridal party should do before the wedding to make sure their skin is picture perfect?
- Get a good skin care routine! (nothing crazy but you need to be consistent)
- Moisturize like CRAZYYY. Inside (drink water) and out!
- Dermaplane facial a couple times throughout the year before your wedding
On this same note, anything they should avoid that would hinder the makeup artist’s job day of?
Don’t do anything out of the ordinary – like fillers/Botox for the first time. DON’T get a sunburn or go to the beach before anything wedding related. DON’T get super drunk the night before. That makeup light is turning on at 7 a.m. hungover or not, ha!
What is trending in makeup right now – especially bridal makeup?
I have a feeling full glam makeup is making its comeback. For a while brides were scared of makeup/foundation! I’ve been having some full glam brides over the last year and I LOVEEE it! I also love a very pinky blush, and I see more and more people asking for more blush… Not mad about it!
What’s the one makeup item that you couldn’t live without? One item would HAVE to be my “Shiseido eyelash curler” – can’t go anywhere without it. I have one in my purse, car, makeup bag… BUT I’d pair it with the Loreal telescopic waterproof mascara. They go hand in hand in my book!
