Journal · Destination weddings · Ethiopia
Ethiopian bridal makeup: a pre-wedding shoot in Harar
Destination weddings keep growing in popularity, and this one took me all the way to Ethiopia. Dru and Dawit wanted their pre-wedding photos to capture the essence and culture of the country, so they chose traditional attire and the historic walled city of Harar. Here’s how I created Dru’s Ethiopian bridal makeup and hair, and how to pair your look with traditional dress for your own celebration.
By Corrie Elle, founder and lead makeup artist · Updated October 2026 · 6 min read
Photo: Christophe Viseux
The short version
- Dru’s look was simple yet sophisticated, focused on her natural beauty.
- A subtle smoky eye in neutrals, a soft but defined contour and rose-toned lips balanced her vivid attire.
- Soft curls set with flexible spray kept movement in her hair, finished with a gold headpiece.
- When you wear traditional dress, let the fabric and jewellery lead and keep the makeup in harmony.
Ethiopian bridal makeup for Dru and Dawit
For their pre-wedding photos, Dru and Dawit chose traditional dress and the city of Harar, a walled city in the eastern part of Ethiopia. Harar is bursting at the seams with colour, culture and history, and every corner seemed to offer another stunning backdrop.
In the photo above, for example, the couple stands in front of a weathered gate framed by sky-blue and golden-yellow walls. Dru wore a white dress trimmed in gold, a vivid fuchsia and gold shawl and a gold headpiece. Meanwhile, Dawit wore a white tunic with gold embroidery.
Her Ethiopian bridal makeup, step by step
After talking through Dru’s vision for the shoot, I chose a look that was simplistic yet sophisticated, so her natural beauty and her attire could shine together.
01
Focus on natural beauty
First, I kept the skin fresh and even, so it looked like her own skin, only polished, in the strong daylight.
02
Add a subtle smoky eye
Next, I created a soft smoky eye with beautiful neutrals, adding depth without competing with the colour of her shawl.
03
Define with soft contour
Then I added a soft yet defined contour to sculpt her features, which helps the face read well in outdoor photos.
04
Warm the cheeks and lips
After that, a hint of colour on the cheeks and a rose-toned lip brought warmth and tied the look to her fuchsia shawl.
05
Style hair with movement
Finally, her hair was already beautiful, so I added soft curls and set them with a flexible spray to keep plenty of movement. The gorgeous gold headpiece really completed the look.
Pairing Ethiopian bridal makeup with traditional attire
Traditional dress is the star of the show, so your makeup should frame it rather than compete with it. These are the principles I follow.
Classic and luminous
White and gold
- Keep the skin glowing, so it contrasts beautifully with white fabric
- Choose warm neutrals as well as a touch of gold on the lids
- Pick a lip that flatters you as well as the embroidery
Bold and balanced
Statement colour
- Let a vivid shawl or dress be the focus
- Then echo its tone softly on the cheeks or lips
- Meanwhile, keep the eyes defined but neutral
Finished and secure
Gold accessories
- Plan the hairstyle around where the headpiece sits
- Use flexible hold, so hair moves but stays put
- Add warm highlight, especially where the gold catches the light
Ethiopian bridal makeup tips for a destination shoot
Bring your actual outfit, shawl and jewellery to your trial, or at least clear photos, so we can test the look with every piece. Additionally, plan for the conditions: strong sun, heat and dust all call for long-wear products (more in my guide to summer wedding makeup) and a light, breathable base.
Ask your photographer about the light and timing, because golden hour and midday need slightly different intensity. Finally, pack a small touch-up kit with your lipstick, blotting papers and a few pins, especially if you’ll move between several locations.
Planning an Ethiopian or Eritrean wedding in Canada?
Many couples celebrate with more than one look, moving between traditional dress and a modern gown during the day. That’s exactly where a well-planned hair and makeup schedule helps, so each outfit gets a look designed for it.
In Toronto, the GTA and Ottawa, we can test every look at your bridal trial, including your headpiece and jewellery. For days with several outfit changes, the Curated Experience keeps one artist by your side all day, so each outfit change comes with a refreshed look.
Ethiopian bridal makeup: your questions
What makeup suits traditional Ethiopian attire?
Generally, glowing skin, softly defined eyes in warm neutrals and a lip that complements the colours in your outfit. The goal is harmony with the fabric, embroidery and gold jewellery.
Can you style my hair around a gold headpiece?
Yes. Bring your headpiece to your trial so we can plan the style around where it sits, then secure it with flexible hold so your hair keeps its movement.
Do you travel for destination weddings?
Yes. We’ve travelled for destination weddings and photoshoots abroad, and we’re happy to discuss your plans. Travel is quoted separately based on your location and schedule.
Can you change my look between traditional and modern outfits?
Absolutely. We’ll design a look for each outfit at your trial and schedule the changes, or keep an artist with you all day with the Curated Experience.
Celebrating your culture on your wedding day? Let’s plan your looks.
Share your wedding date, where you’re celebrating and the outfits you’ll wear. We’ll design looks that honour your traditions and check availability in Toronto, the GTA and Ottawa, or for your destination.