How to be a beautiful bride

Be a beautiful bride with our wedding day make-up advice

D-I-Y wedding make-up

You know your face better than anyone else and you've been successfully applying your make-up since you were old enough to raid your mum's make-up bag, but do you have the confidence to apply your own wedding day make-up?

Whatever you do, don't make the morning of your wedding the first time you attempt your wedding make-up.

Spend some time looking at the models in wedding magazines to choose a make-up style that you feel comfortable with. Most brides tend to use a classic and timeless look where less is definitely more with smoky eyes, soft lips and a gentle blush.

Most importantly, use a make-up primer, followed by a long lasting foundation, as you don't want your make-up wearing off as the day progresses. It's also a good idea to opt for a waterproof mascara as even the coolest brides have been known to shed a few tears on their wedding day.

False eyelashes are another key wedding day beauty accessory and are great for creating a wide-eyed and glamorous look. Applying lashes takes a steady hand and practice as they say makes perfect, so set aside plenty of time to trial your new look in the run up to the big event.

Once you are happy with your bridal make-up, get a friend to take your picture in different degrees of light so you can check that it looks as good on cameras as it does in the mirror.

As photos are two-dimensional, the camera can add years to your age by enhancing dark, fine lines and wrinkles. To compensate, gently apply a lighter shade of concealer (choose one with light reflecting particles) to darker areas: around the eyes, crevices and expression lines.

The professional make-up artist

A make-up artist might not have a magic wand, but he/she does have a wealth of knowledge and expertise on what is needed to create beauty and glamour.

Before booking a trial with a make-up artist ask to see previous examples of their work – most will have a portfolio of photographs from fashion shoots or weddings they have worked at in the past. Find out about their prices and ask what brands they use. If you have any skin allergies, warn them in advance and check that they can cater for your needs.

At your make-up trial talk your make-up artist about the look you want her to create – she may ask you to bring along some pictures or tear sheets from magazines illustrating the style of make-up you would like.

If you aren't happy with the make-up at your trial it's vitally important that you speak up and explain to her what it is you don't like. If you don't feel that she understands the look you are trying to achieve, then move on to someone else.

Professional make-up artists usually quote for a wedding package that includes a a trial for the bride in advance of the wedding, and will come to you to create the perfect make up look for the bride, bridal party, and mother of the bride (or groom) on the day. Prices vary hugely, but expect to pay at least £150 plus expenses such as petrol.

The make-up consultant

This option is often overlooked but it's the perfect middle ground between DIY and using a professional. The idea is that you choose your favourite make-up brand and book a make-up consultation with them in one of the large department stores. Some will charge a small fee of around £10-£15 for this, but it's usually redeemable against the purchase of any make-up on the day.

Chat to them about the type of make-up you would normally wear and how you want your wedding day make-up to differ. They will be able to suggest the perfect products to create your look and will guide you through the correct application of them to achieve a stunning wedding day look.

If you're happy with the effect, ask them to write down the details of all the products used and spend the next few weeks building up your make-up collection. You could easily end up spending £100 or more, but at least you'll have a fabulous collection of products to use over the coming months.

If you aren't confident that you could create the look yourself at home, chat to the consultant about the option of coming into the store for a make-up application on the morning of the wedding, or enquire if they would be able to come to your house for a small fee – most will be delighted with the extra cash, provided they can get the day off work!