While Zendaya’s role in Challengers may deserve credit for the surge in tenniscore-inspired beauty looks, this trend has proved to have real staying power, especially when it comes to weddings. “Tenniscore is the latest buzzword for what so many brides already want: a clean, fresh, and elegant look that focuses on enhancing rather than transforming the person wearing it,” says Shannon O’Brien, a Chicago-based makeup artist. “It’s less [about] covering up and more about refined techniques that elevate the wearer. It’s about looking healthy and radiant.”
Meet the Expert
- Shannon O’Brien is a Chicago-based bridal hair and makeup artist.
- Sandy Mendez is a Playa del Carmen-based hair and makeup artist and the owner of By Sandy Mendez.
- Sarai Martinez is a celebrity hairstylist and makeup artist and the owner of Sarai by Day.
This aesthetic prioritizes dewy skin, soft blush, fresh brows, and slicked-back hairstyles that feel effortless, polished, and refined, says Sandy Mendez, a bridal hair and makeup artist. However, transforming such a vision into a wedding-day look requires a thoughtful approach. “Brides can make tenniscore feel bridal—rather than gym-class sporty—by focusing on intentional styling and luxury finishes,” she says. For example, instead of just brushing your hair back into a tight ponytail, she suggests pulling out a few soft, face-framing pieces or adding a pearl-embellished accessory, such as a headband or bow.
Here, the experts break down their favorite tenniscore-inspired hair, skin, and nail looks that guarantee you’ll be serving—pun intended—on your big day.
What to Keep in Mind With Tenniscore Wedding Beauty
If you’re gravitating toward a tenniscore-inspired beauty look for your wedding day, keep two primary factors in mind: your skin and the products you select. Below, the experts explain why these elements are so important for nailing this aesthetic.
The Importance of Hydrated and Healthy Skin
“Skin is the foundation of any look, especially one as fresh and skin-forward as tenniscore,” O’Brien says. “Properly prepped skin will only enhance this look.” Start being consistent with your skincare routine three to six months before your big day. As you get closer to your nuptials, avoid any harsh treatments—and make sure to hydrate.
While it may sound simple, following these recommendations can make a key difference in your bridal look. “I always tell my brides to drink as much water as possible leading up to the wedding day, especially the night before,” O’Brien notes. “It shows in your skin!”
Sweatproof Products Are Critical
During a long match, you may notice tennis players working up a sweat. However, even as they endure point after point, their makeup seems to stay perfectly in place. That’s due to sweatproof products, something that’s just as critical on your wedding day. “[Ask for] sweat-resistant base products, cream-to-powder formulas, long-wear waterproof mascara, mattifying primers where needed, and a good setting spray,” Mendez says.
And while you may not be as concerned about sweat when it comes to your hair, take the necessary precautions to ensure your look stays in place. “Brides should always have heat-protectant spray, anti-humidity spray, and a strong-hold hairspray that will create a shield and protect the hair from sweating through,” says Sarai Martinez, a celebrity hairstylist.
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A Slicked-Back Bun
Photo by Mel Toms
“Tenniscore-inspired bridal hair is all about clean lines, low-maintenance vibes, and sleek structure,” Mendez says. A slicked-back, sculpted bun is a timeless style that’s the ideal choice for summer weddings or brides who want a minimalist look, she says. Searching for inspiration? Turn to Zendaya, who Mendez says offers “a master class in understated glam.” For a romantic take on this classic updo, add in a few face-framing layers, or turn it into tight twist.
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Dewy Skin
Photo by Benjamin Smith
Dewy skin is a key element when it comes to tenniscore-inspired wedding beauty. However, when executed incorrectly, such a look can seem sporty instead of bridal “Placement is key,” O’Brien says. “The difference between someone photographing dewy and someone photographing sweaty is the placement of that glow. We want to control the shine ,so the glow can really pop; my general rule is anything between the width of your pupils from forehead to chin should not be shiny.” To even out your skin, she suggests using a hydrating primer and radiant-finish foundation.
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Elevated Natural Nails
Photo by Molly Carr
When it comes to your big-day manicure, opt for short, natural nails polished with a soft pink, milky white, or nude hue. However, to truly embrace a tenniscore-inspired look for your wedding, start with one of those shades and add a tiny pearl detail at the base of each nail. This small-but-impactful choice will give a subtle nod to the classic aesthetic.
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A White Headband
Photo by Hana Gonzalez Photography
“Headbands are a great accessory to accentuate the tenniscore [look],” Martinez says, noting that there are countless ways to incorporate one into your bridal look. Channel your inner Brigitte Bardot by leaning into the teased style of the 1960s—or slide such a piece over a slicked-back bun. For a headband that feels a bit more elevated than your everyday accessory, search for one featuring pearl or satin details.
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A Flush of Color
Photo by Lucy Munoz Photography
Rather than a powder blush, opt for a cream version to nail the tenniscore-inspired look. And don’t be afraid to embrace an unexpected color. “Sometimes the brightest red can be the most natural look,” O’Brien says. However, before swiping the hue across your cheeks, make sure to prep your skin to ensure it has a sweat- and humidity-resistant base, she adds.
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A Medium-Height Ponytail
Photo by Adonye Jaja
A ponytail is a quintessential look when it comes to tenniscore style. However, to make your updo appear a bit more sophisticated, Mendez suggests a medium-height version. “Add beach waves for an effortless chic vibe, or flip out the ends [for a touch of] retro glam while still feeling sporty and fun,” Mendez says. Opt to secure your hair with a white band or bow for another nod to the aesthetic.
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A Half-Up Style With Soft Waves
Photo by Hannah Greenwood
“This style is a beautiful option for brides who want a romantic touch while staying polished,” Mendez says. “The top half is slicked or smoothed down, while the bottom flows in soft, brushed-out waves. It’s sporty-meets-sophisticated.” She points to Sofia Richie Grainge, who turned to the timeless style for her engagement party. “Her signature sleek top and gentle waves screamed ‘quiet luxury with a tenniscore twist,’” she adds.
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A Glossy Lip Tint and Brushed-Out Brows
Photo by Maria Hibbs
For a look that’s clean, natural, and chic, focus on your lips and brows. Rather than a matte bridal lipstick, try combining a more subtle lip tint with a glossy top coat. “A sheer stain with gloss gives that ‘just kissed’ sporty look,” Mendez says. Instead of filling in your brows, consider embracing their natural texture by brushing them up, making them appear a bit more fluffy. “Use a clear brow gel for a polished but natural lift,” Mendez adds.
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A Slicked-Back Ponytail With Defined Curls or Coils
Photo by The DV Image
Instead of a bun, consider a slicked-back ponytail that highlights your curls. “This style embraces natural texture while keeping the look fresh and face-forward,” Mendez says. “Using curl-defining products and edge control, this can be styled with accessories for a truly regal tenniscore moment. Tracee Ellis Ross often rocks this balance of sleek and bold—and it translates beautifully for brides.”
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Ribbons and Bows
Photo by Nirav Patel Photography
Don’t be afraid to add an accessory—or two—to your look. For hair that’s worthy of the tennis court and wedding events, considering integrating a ribbon or bow. “One styling option would be a mid-height pony with a middle part, with a white bow placed on top of the pony,” Martinez says. “Another would be a low fish braid with a bow placed on the end or on the top of the braided ponytail.”
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French Tips
Photo by Nora Photography
Opt for a classic French manicure with tips on mid-length almond-shaped nails. To add a tenniscore-inspired touch to your hands, turn to the trendiest color in weddings right now: butter yellow, a more subtle, bridal take on the neon yellow hue associated with the sport. Other pastel shades, include baby pink and sky blue, also fit with the aesthetic.
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A Defined Lash Line
Photo by Monica Leggio
You don’t need a heavy eyeshadow to make your eyes stand out on your wedding day. Instead, create definition in your upper waterline by focusing on your lashes and the space around them. Turn to a pencil to give yourself an unexpected pop—without the harsh lines or darkness, O’Brien says. (Just make sure to use a waterproof version.) Finish the look off with a few coats of mascara.
