Ten tips for the blushing bride

On your special day you want to look like yourself, only better, so remember it's more about enhancing your own features than what your make-up artist or current trends dictate...

1. Take care of beauty treatments such as facials and waxing at least two weeks before the wedding. They can temporarily irritate the skin, so give yourself time to recover.
2. Always start with a clean face prior to applying your wedding day make-up. Having to remove old make-up can irritate skin, and any left over residue will cause the new make-up to not set as easily.
3. Experiment with a dewy complexion. Skin that glows is softer and looks wonderful in photos.
4. The one day you may want to consider wearing waterproof mascara is your wedding day. Amid tears, there is no room for error!
5. Make sure to explain any allergies you may have to your make-up artist, red skin and flare-ups can be easily avoided.
6. Summer weddings require extra-special care. Be sure to use sun block under your make-up. Standing outside for a few hours can lead to burning. Also use a lightweight foundation so skin can breathe in the heat. Finally, remember that perfume and heavy hairspray can attract bees, so keep the extra scents to a minimum.
7. Lipstick will be put to the test, as it must stay fresh for hours. Use a lipstick sealer after applying lipstick, and apply loose powder on top for even better results.
8. Always appoint that one friend or relative to be responsible for holding your lipstick, powder and other make-up essentials, and making sure it is well applied, you'll never have time (or remember) to check your own make-up during the reception. Another good idea is to place your lipstick and powder under the flowers on your table for easy access.
9. Your pictures are as important at the end of the night as at the beginning. Touch up with lipstick, powder and blusher after a few hours. Also, matte lipstick can appear flat and dull in photographs, so opt for something more creamy in texture.
10. With many long-wearing cosmetics now available, consider using some of these products for your special day. They are sure to help your make up endure for longer.