Even if you normally wear little or no make-up, it is important to wear some on your wedding day, so here are a few tips to help you look picture perfect when you walk down the aisle and say "I do".

Wearing makeup ensures you don't end up looking 'washed out' in your photos. Most brides prefer the natural look using soft colours that complement their skin tone, giving them a magical glow all day long. That's not to say that a heavier look like a smoky eye doesn't achieve the same outcome!

It is important that you have a make-up trial prior to your wedding day, to ensure everything is perfect for the big event. Bring along any photos or magazines with make-up styles that you like, and discuss these with your makeup artist. Also ask if she freelances, in the home or salon of your choice, to save you time in what is already a busy schedule.

Ensuring your make-up last all day is one of the bride's biggest challenges, however through preparation and by taking the time and trouble to have your make-up done properly you can ensure your face remains flawless throughout the day - no matter how long the celebrations continue.

Despite fashion trends towards shiny, translucent make-up, brides are going matt for their weddings. The trend at the moment is very natural and fresh. Apply a clean, fresh base with a natural shine, but matted out along the T-zone so you don't look sweaty in shots, especially in the heat. Set concealer and foundation with a sheer finish loose powder to make them longer lasting and to ensure that skin looks matte in pictures. If your dress has an open neckline, be sure to warm up your neck and chest with a dusting of bronzing powder.

Foundations are still most popular in matt finish, and as the day wears on, the bride will develop a slight sheen anyway. But for those who want their faces to look fresh, natural and glowing, use a MAC Prep and Primer to c alm and soothe the skin, blot away excess oil, and even out skin redness. The prep and primer improves the lay down and application of foundation or powder.

MAC Studio Finish Satin Foundation has a sunscreen built in (SPF8) to help protect you from harsh rays and is a great choice in foundation. However the Mac Studio Tech is definitely my favourite, as it l ooks solid, but glides on as a soft, creamy emulsion. Studio Tech provides a natural matte, powder-perfect finish that is smooth to blend, easy to work with and provides a full range of coverage. This product is also light diffusing, softening lines and creating a fresh, flawless finish on all skin types.

MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation is ideal for touching up your base if it gets smudged during the celebrations.

Shimmery, dewy cheeks are currently in fashion. Cheeks and under the brows, can be highlighted with a natural shine, however the shimmery look may only appeal to the younger bride. When applying blush on your cheeks it is better to use more than not enough.

Apply a shadow base, concealer and powder to eyelids before the shadow goes on, to help it last through a long day. For tired eyes, apply an eye cream before getting your make-up done. Waterproof mascara is essential for weddings, when you're prone to joyous tears.

Popular hues for summer include soft, muted shades of mauve/platinum, sand/champagne, and oyster. Bronzes and brown-pinks are also gorgeous on the eyes and can be defined for evening with charcoal and dark brown.

False eyelashes, where needed, can finish the look and enhance the eyes. Today's false eyelashes are more natural looking and there are dozens and dozens of brands to choose from, and several types of lashes (full set, clumps, or individual lashes). This array of choices will make it easy to achieve the look you want to create.

Full sets are the easiest to apply , and individual lashes the hardest since they require a very steady hand. When you are first learning how to apply false eyelashes you should practice several times , and wear them at home before venturing out into the world so you will get to see how they feel. Most makeup artist will apply lashes for you, but you can also shop around if you want something more permanent that will last through your big day and through to your honeymoon.

Brows are important to your look, as they frame the eyes; they are the 'windows to the soul'. It's advisable to get a professional beautician to shape your brows for you, however try and find one who takes out hair by hair, for a perfect line, rather than one who waxes.

Finish off your perfect look with the perfect pout - the current trend leans towards softer lips, with a glossy finish. MAC Lip Glass is my choice as it is a unique lip-gloss available in a wide variety of colours that can create a high gloss, glass-like finish or a subtle sheen. It's designed to be worn on its own, over lip pencil or lipstick and is the perfect product for creating shine that lasts.

Having the perfect smile on your wedding day can enhance your wedding day look and can be achieved with the Zoom tooth whitening procedure. Its safe effective and fast. It takes around 90 minutes, for your teeth to become dramatically whiter.

To keep you looking perfect throughout the day and night, don't forget to carry a touch-up kit containing pressed powder, lipstick or gloss and lip liner.

Melinda Keighran
Freelance Makeup Artist