Here are a few tips.
A hydrating, exfoliating facial with peptide for radiance and plumping is a must. Now that you have the perfect canvas, the makeup will look flawless and last longer on your wedding day.
Prime your skin. Hourglass has a wonderful primer called Veil ($18 for 0.33oz.) that will do the trick by minimizing the appearance of pores while softening any imperfections. Primer will also repel water to ensure your makeup stays fresh longer.
Now that you're ready to apply that flawless makeup, I always recommend going the airbrush makeup route for brides. It is water based and lightweight with full coverage, without the greasy heaviness of full coverage makeups.
Try TEMPTU Flawless Complexion Kit (includes 1 AIRpod Foundation, $149) but before airbrushing the foundation, apply a cream blush, like Nars' Orgasm Multiple ($39), on the apples of your cheeks and blend upwards into the temples using your fingers. This will give the illusion of blushing through your skin instead of just blush placed on the skin.
Then set the foundation and blush with a translucent powder. I recommend using a bone cream eye shadow over the entire eye from lash line to brow and then blend a taupe color into the crease to add depth. For a more dramatic look, feather a dark chocolate from the crease to the corner of the outer eye, blending downwards and outwards along the bottom lash line to create a smoky effect. Then set the cream colors with identical powder palettes to hold in place all day.
EXPERT TIP: Prior to applying eyeshadow place a good amount of translucent powder below the eyes to protect from dark eyeshadow. Then brush away when done with eyes makeup.
This palette is ideal for fair to medium toned skin; for darker skin, use blacks or dark grays. If you're daring, use bright vibrant colors and follow the same steps. When doing a brown smoky eye for dramatic effect, I like to use a black liner, like Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner by Nars ($24). There's no caking and no smearing. Apply first along the lash lines, then the inner and upper lash lines. To break up the darkness and brighten the eye, dab a little white shimmer eyeshadow in the inner corners.
EXPERT TIP: After using mascara and/or applying lashes, use a waterproof black liquid liner, like Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner ($20), in between the upper lashes to create fullness and fill any gaps.
Next, apply false lashes. There is a huge selection of lashes out there but the ones I love the most are Shu Uemura Luxe Black ($23). Thicker at the roots and tapered at the tips, they give you that doe-eyed look, making them a must-have for pictures.
EXPERT TIP: First, curl your lashes. Always. No exceptions. Second, apply a thin layer of waterproof mascara on your lashes prior to applying the false ones, so that the two will blend seamlessly together and give you that extra vavoom you're looking for!
Of all days, don't leave yourself looking like Mona Lisa without filling in your eyebrows. To enhance your own natural brow shape, use Anastasia's Brow Genius Kit ($24). This may not be your daily makeup routine but remember, photographs extract color from your skin and add others, such as reds, to both your skin and hair.
Last, but certainly not least, your lips. Powder them. Blot them on a tissue. Apply lip liner to hold your lipstick in place. Add the lipstick, some gloss, blot again and voila!
EXPERT TIP: Always carry a touch-up bag. It should include Shiseido Pureness Oil-Control Blotting Paper ($18.50) to control shine. Throw in your lipstick and lip gloss along with mints, bobby pins and safety pins, just in case.
Now, you're all set for your big day.