Skintastic
Before putting on your makeup, start with a polished base. That is, thoroughly cleanse, exfoliate and moisturize your face and neck. By taking these extra steps you makeup will stay longer and look better.

“Good skincare habits should begin months before your wedding day,” says Sandi Borgmeyer, Independent Senior Sales Director for Mary Kay. “Radiant skin is your best accessory.”

Color Me Beautiful
Your wedding day is a day to look your best, not drastically different from your everyday self. Appropriate makeup application will accentuate your best features yet allow your true beauty to shine through. Do not make the mistake of wearing too much makeup; you want people to say “you look beautiful,” not “your makeup looks beautiful.”

Apply makeup you feel comfortable wearing. Color is a way to look slightly different from your everyday self. Purchase coordinating eye shadow, blush and lipstick in colors that are not already in your makeup case. Color on your checks is especially important, says Borgmeyer, since the camera can dull your skin.

There are some colors that you should avoid. Stay clear from bright, trendy colors; instead, stick to classic, neutral shades. According to Borgmeyer, some cosmetics do not fare well with the camera: “Be careful of shimmery eye shadows and lipsticks because shimmer tends to pick up too much light from the camera. Some lipglosses can also look overly shiny in photographs.”

Eye-Mazing
Purchase waterproof cosmetics, especially eye makeup as a few tears of joy may be shed. This will also increase your makeup’s stay-power. If you don’t already own an eyelash curler, buy one and learn how to carefully use it; it will elongate your lashes and open up your eyes.

Don’t forget about your eyebrows. They frame your face. If you plan to have your eyebrows shaped, do so at least a week before the wedding to avoid redness. Add a touch of color to your eyebrows for extra definition.

Stay with Me
To ensure you look your best throughout the day, ask your personal attendant to carry powder or blotting papers and a tube of lipstick or lipgloss for touchups throughout the day. You may want to ask her to let you know when you need a touchup, as this will be the last thing on your mind during pictures and at the reception.

“Use an oil-controlling mattifier under your makeup, especially if you have oily skin. And a concealer under foundation will help your skin look flawless longer,” says Borgmeyer. “Top it off with a light dusting of powder to set your makeup.”

Pro Advice
You may want to consult a professional makeup artist to give you personalized application and color tips prior to your wedding day. If your budget is tight, visit a department store’s cosmetics counter or a professional makeup artist for a makeover. Often, the makeup application will be free; you will just need to pay for the products you want to purchase. Even if you only buy one or two items, or none at all, you will probably learn a few tricks from a professional in the cosmetics industry.

Also consider hiring a professional makeup artist for your wedding day. It’s one more way to pamper yourself and ensure you look your best on a day when all eyes will be on you. Arrange for a trial run a few weeks before the day to make sure you like the professional’s style.

Have fun with makeup. Cosmetics should be used as a tool to help you look your best. It should not be obvious that you are wearing makeup; rather you should have a natural-looking glow and confidence knowing that you truly are a beautiful bride.

It’s in the Bag: Makeup Bag Basics

• Cleanser
• Moisturizer
• Foundation
• Concealer
• Powder
• Blush
• Bronzer
• Eyeshadow Palette
• Waterproof Eyeliner
• Waterproof Mascara
• Eyelash Curler
• Lip Liner
• Lipstick
• Lipgloss
• Blotting Papers
• Makeup Brushes
• Q-Tips
• Makeup Remover