Calynn Chapman didn’t grow up around many people who wore makeup
Calynn Chapman didn’t grow up around many people who wore makeup
So, when it came to her wedding, the 25-year-old debated if wearing makeup was something she even wanted to do
After doing more research on makeup and bridal makeup artists, she ultimately decided to forgo makeup altogether, as that’s what made her feel most comfortable
Later, she shared about her decision on TikTok, where she went viral, amassing more than 25 million views
Calynn Chapman didn’t grow up around many people who wore makeup. In fact, it wasn’t until she got older that she became interested in makeup, purely out of curiosity.
The Nashville local also never struggled with acne, scarring or blemishes. So, when it came to her wedding, whether or not to wear makeup was something she debated for a while. While the 25-year-old was comfortable in her own skin, she also wanted to look her best. After doing more research on makeup and bridal makeup artists, she ultimately decided to forgo makeup altogether, as that’s what made her feel most comfortable.
“I believe that God made me perfect just the way I am, blemishes and all. And I wanted to embrace that. I also didn’t want to risk spending a lot of money on a makeup artist and potentially not liking the way I looked on the big day,” the bride tells PEOPLE exclusively.
“I told my mom and my bridesmaids. Since they knew I had never worn makeup before, it didn’t come as a shock to them, and they were fully supportive of my decision.”
On her wedding day, Jan. 27, 2024, Chapman used her everyday face wash, moisturizer and clear lip gloss. Then, she slipped into her dress and walked down the aisle. At the time, she says, her skin was clear, and she was simply happy to be marrying her husband.
“I don’t think there will be any other event in my life quite like my wedding,” she adds. “If I can go makeup-free for that, I think I can go makeup-free for anything.”
Chapman adds how leading up to her wedding she watched many wedding videos on TikTok. Through her search, she came across many bridal makeup tutorials, along with videos showcasing unconventional wedding choices. However, she hadn’t seen one about going without makeup. She thought it would be fun to join the trend with something different — like her choice to go makeup-free on her wedding day — and posted about it on TikTok.
To her surprise, the video went viral, amassing more than 25 million views and 25,000 comments.
“Your wedding photos, not mine!” one person commented.
“trust me ull regret it,” someone else wrote.
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Another person replied, “this is such a flex i’m so happy for u girl.”
@calynndavis This was something I went back & forth on during the entire engagement. I never wear makeup, but it was my wedding! But at the end of the day, I decided against it & I felt the most beautiful I ever have just being naturally me.
“I was quite overwhelmed reading the comments,” the bride says. “I still remember the first negative one. I had never had so many views or received negative comments before. I thought about deleting it, but more began to pour in from people who thought I was bragging or said I needed makeup. But for every negative comment, there were hundreds of people backing me up — people I didn’t even know, which I thought was really cool. They were willing to stand up for a stranger.”
“I’ve received many comments and DMs from girls saying they are now considering going natural for their wedding or even prom because of my confidence in the video,” she adds. “I think every girl should feel confident in her own skin.”
@calynndavis Replying to @TayS. ♬ original sound – calynn chapman
Looking back, Chapman says she doesn’t regret her decision at all. While reading some of the comments did make her question whether she should have just tried it out, at the end of the day, when she thinks back on her wedding, she says she felt the most beautiful she’s ever been.
“No amount of makeup could have changed that,” she says.
“This experience has made me want to encourage even more girls to be comfortable in their own skin, even on the biggest days of their life,” she adds. “There is absolutely nothing wrong with makeup and wanting to enhance features. But it should not be required for anyone, regardless of the event.”
