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By Lucy Notarantonio
Senior Reporter
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Walking down the aisle without makeup may sound like a nightmare for many, but it was the complete opposite for this woman.
Calynn Chapman recently shared a clip of herself eight minutes before saying 'I do' on TikTok (@calynndavis). She can be seen wearing her white gown, veil, with curled hair—and not a stitch of makeup.
This choice has left the internet in complete and utter shock, racking up 21.5 million views. But the 25-year-old from Nashville, Tennessee, said in the caption that she felt "the most beautiful" by going au naturel.
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"I wanted to look and feel my best," she told Newsweek, adding: "My best was the was just being natural in the way that God made me."
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In another video, she has shared why she made this unconventional decision.
She explained that she grew up in a church where you weren't allowed to wear makeup. "I didn't learn or get into it because I simply wasn't allowed to wear it."
However, TikTok viewers aren't happy with her decision. After reading the comments, Chapman told Newsweek: "People assumed that I was hating on girls who decide to wear makeup or that I thought I was better than them by not wearing makeup."
"That was not the case at all," she said. "I've watched so many bridal makeup videos and they are so gorgeous. I just wanted to share my experience."
A 2023 YouGov poll reveals that the majority of women in the United States wear makeup at least occasionally, with 38 percent saying they use it a few times a week or daily. Only 26 percent report that they never wear makeup.
Chapman said in the video that she contemplated wearing makeup on her big day, but decided against it when she researched the costs.
According to wedding planner website The Knot, the average cost of bridal hair and makeup is $290. But there are many more costs involved, which have been highlighted on the website too:
• Hair and Makeup Trial: $225–$350
• Airbrush Makeup: $10–$25
• Elaborate Styles & Extensions: $30–$50
• False Lash Application: $10–$25
• Wedding Nails (hands + feet): $80–$160
• Extra Artists (if needed): $100–$250 each
• Gratuity: $50–$75 per service
So, Chapman certainly isn't wrong—a bride wearing makeup on her big day isn't cheap.
She said in the video: "I didn't want to spend that money and potentially not like it."
"I decided I was going to go natural. My husband is used to seeing me that way."
Newsweek discussed the video—which has almost 3 million likes—with wedding expert and editor of wedding planner website Hitched, Zoe Burke.
"If you're not used to makeup or you don't like wearing it, there's no reason to on your wedding day, the same as all other days! Your partner loves you for who you are, not what you put on your face.
"If you're unsure, it's worth having a meeting with a makeup artist or two to see if you like what they suggest, but if you want to be barefaced and natural on your big day, go for it. Anyone who has a problem with it has a problem with themselves, not you."
TikTok Reacts
The video, posted on March 30, has over 25,000 comments—some are supportive, while others are against her choice.
"Let's normalize this!" said one user, and another wrote: "People are just mad 'cause she looks amazing w no makeup on. Y'all can only dream."
"No lotion or nothing on your face??? Mate," asked a third user.
"Girl, you had one damn day," said a fourth.
Update 04/03/25, 04:54 a.m. ET: This story has been updated with comments from Calynn Chapman.
Has a wedding come between your relationship with a loved one? Let us know via life@newsweek.com. We can ask experts for advice, and your story could be featured on Newsweek.
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