The best tip I could and do give any bride is 'look yourself', just more polished. If you try to go heavier or softer than your regular make-up then you'll only feel uncomfortable on the day. And worst, you'll look back at the photos and dislike them. If you want to try out different looks then 2 or 3 months before your wedding is the time to start experimenting. You definitely don't want to leave it to your Wedding Day and don't do it any earlier unless you are certain your skin tone won't change.

To make your make-up last, you could try long lasting products (foundation, shadows, lipstick and waterproof mascara). Or you could try layering, that is applying a cream or cream to powder (eye shadow & blush) first followed by a match powder (eye shadow & blush). But most of all, whether you use long-lasting or regular products, take your time applying your make-up.

Makeup that is applied incorrectly can ruin you wedding photos. If at all possible, hire a professional makeup artist to do your makeup for your bridal portrait and your wedding day. If you can't afford a professional makeup artist, the following tips may help.

For Color Photos
Color film intensifies bold shades so makeup for wedding photos should look natural. Following are some guidelines for applying makeup for color photos:

• Apply foundation with a clean sponge applicator for an even skin tone.

• Use neutral eye colors, such as grays and browns. Avoid pastel shades and frosted shadows.

• Define the eyes by applying a smoky eyeliner all around the eyes. Keep it light though!

• Tweeze stray eyebrows and brush them into place with an eyebrow brush.

• Highlight your cheeks with a blush that enhances your skin tone. Smile and apply blush lightly - don't overdo it!

• Line your lips with a neutral lip liner and fill in lips with a neutral shade.

For Black-and-White Photos
Black-and-white film whitens pale shades and darkens rich colors. Following are some guidelines for applying makeup for black-and-white photos:

• Blend all makeup to eliminate any harsh lines that may be emphasized in black-and-white photos.

• Choose neutral hues that will enhance your natural skin tone.

• Avoid red lipstick because it may appear black in the photos.

Most brides on their wedding day want to look their best. However, looking their best does not have to mean looking "made up". Brides want a very clean and natural look. There are many ways to achieve such a look:

The best makeover starts with the correct foundation for your skin type and color. The first thing to do is to know your skin type. Do you have to apply powder throughout the day to control shine? Are you prone to breakouts? If so, then you most likely have oily skin and don't want a foundation that compounds the problem. You're best bet would be to choose a matte foundation, which is water based and does not add unwanted oil to your skin. If your everyday makeup tends to look blotchy and you feel as though your skin "drinks" moisturizer, then you most likely have dry skin. If this is the case, then your skin will benefit from the added oils that are found in a fluid foundation.
The best way to test the color of the foundation is to apply a small amount close to your jaw line. The goal is to find the closest match to your neck, which will give you an even look. You want your makeup to blend in nicely with your natural skin tone. Once you have applied the foundation it is always best to check the color in the sunlight (other lighting, such as fluorescent, will effect the color). If you cannot see the foundation, then you have a good match!

Regardless of the type or color of the foundation, the single most important thing for your wedding day makeup is POWDER!!! Ask any photographer and they will also agree that this is a very important step. The most commonly asked question that I get is "will my makeup last throughout the day?" The answer is yes, if you use powder. The powder, when pressed into the skin, will help to "set" your makeup giving you that long lasting effect that all brides want. Also, the last thing you want to see in your pictures is shine. In order to avoid shine you may need to powder several times throughout the day. My suggestion to brides is to have your maid of honor keep your powder handy and to let you know when you need a touch up.

Most importantly be good to yourself on your wedding day, try to relax and enjoy your day.
It's the time of year again! Summer is a busy time for weddings and Bridal makeup. Here are some pointers on bridal makeup to help the bride look her best:

Do’s

• Do make an investment in good tools. Because of natural oils on the fingertips, using your fingers to blend can cause smearing and unwanted acne. Essential tools include powder brush, blush brush, eye shadow brush, and a lip brush. Don't forget about cosmetic sponges. They are hygienic because they are disposable.

• Do make sure the foundation matches the undertones of the skin to get the most nature look in person and in photos. Use a bronzer on the face, neck, and chest if more color is desired.

• Do set foundation with powder. The powder will set the makeup and keep it on the face. More importantly, it will matte skin, so that it looks silky smooth in photos.

• Do use muted colors on the bride. The bride's natural radiance should be on display, not bright color. Earth tones and muted cool tones work best, not only for the bride, but the wedding party as well.

• Do "waterproof" the makeup. Waterproof mascara and liner sealer work well to keep the eye makeup from smudging during the day.

• Do wear a V-neck or button down shirt when getting your hair and makeup done to make changing easy. And remember, step into your dress (don't pull it over your head like you did for your fittings).

Don'ts

• Don't use your fingers to apply your makeup.

• Don't choose a Concealor that's too light and gives you a raccoon effect.

• Don't use glitter and a lot of shimmer. These tend not to photograph well, especially during a daytime affair. A little shimmer in moderation is sufficient for an evening affair. Too much of a "good thing" can be aging!

• Don't use bright or dark colors. The focus should be on the bride, not her eyes, or lips. Keeping things softened is now only more flattering, but also youthful.

• Don't miss out on getting enough rest and eating right. Radiant skin is easier to achieve with healthy skin.

• Brides should purchase their powder and lip color for the wedding day touch ups. Powder should be a translucent powder and not a powdered foundation. Powder foundation can oxidize and darken on the face, which can result in a "dirty" look as the day goes on.