Bridal makeup is so important...you want to look natural, but you also need enough color to look flawless in photos! Don't stress (it's bad for your skin) :-). Here are some tips for looking your best on your wedding day.

We use Jane Iredale exclusively on our brides! Not only is it great for your skin, the coverage is flawless and the colors are amazing.

Wedding Day Makeup Tips

SKIN: Healthy skin is the perfect canvas. Start an exfoliating routine at least 3 months before the big day, and find a moisturizer that's right for your skin.

PREPARE: Clip magazine images you love...they are a good guide for you to go by if you're doing your own makeup, or give them to your makeup artist so you are on the same page.

TREAT: Before applying color, treat breakouts with an anti-inflammatory concealer...we use Zap and Hide.

PRIME: Absence Oil Control Primer is perfect to apply before foundation; it is used on photo shoots all the time! It absorbs oil and helps give your makeup staying power. OUR SECRET FOR FLAWLESS MAKEUP ALL DAY!

CONCEAL: Apply concealer under eyes and over anything else you want to hide! Match your concealer to your skin color as closely as possible...mix a dap of your foundation in to help concealer blend better.

BASE: We like applying a cream foundation AND powder for wedding day. It gives amazing coverage, but if you skin is super oily, stick to just mineral powder. To find your shade, apply 3 stripes of color to your cheek. The one that best matches your natural skin tone is the one for you. If you will be spray tanning for your wedding, be sure to do the color test with the spray tan on your skin.

EYE SHADOW: A lid primer can make shadow stay longer. Pick a shadow color for the lid that compliments (not matches your eye color). For the crease, use a darker shade of the lid color. Under the brow bone, use a shimmery, light color to highlight the eye.

EYELINER: You'll want eyes to de defined for photos, but don't over-do it! Jane Iredale Cream-to-Powder liner is ideal because it gives you gorgeous color with staying power. Line the upper lid and the outside corner of the lower lid. (Lining the entire lower lid can make eyes look too small).

MASCARA: Soooo important for drama! Use a lash conditioner to thicken, then 2 layers of black mascara. A few individual false lashes at the outside corners will give you a natural but bold look. Click here for tips on false lashes...

BROWS: Brow are sooo important because they frame your face and can make or break your photos. Stay true to your natural shape and color! Pencils help fill in gaps, while gels are great for covering greys and keeping down unruly hairs. Click here for more brow tips...

CHEEKS: Pick a color that matches your natural tone when you are flushed (pinch your cheeks and match that color). Don't extend the color past your pupil. The fan brush helps you create a perfect "chiseled look" effortlessly. Use a bronzer to add natural color...sweep it across your forehead, down the nose, decolette, etc.

LIPS: Since you want high drama on your eyes, go for a more subtle lip color. For staying power, fill in the entire lip area with liner (but leave the center portion of the upper and lower lip unlined...this creates a "pouty" look). Apply lipstick, then a layer of lip gloss to soften the look and add shimmer. Keep the gloss handy for easy touch-ups throughout the night.

The key is practice! Whether you are doing your own makeup or hiring a professional, do at least one practice round pre-wedding day. Take photos and devide what does/doesn't look good on camera. And remember...a gorgeous smile is more important than any makeup you put on! Congratulations.

Photo image(s) used by permission of Iredale Mineral Cosmetics, Ltd.