If the thought of a full hair and make-up team hovering around you whilst you wait to begin the best/most stressful day of your life is enough to tip you over the edge, then doing your own wedding make-up could be the solution.

The pros? Lose the entourage and embrace a more chilled behind-the-scenes vibe where you can take control of creating a make-up look you feel comfortable in.

The cons? It's easy to get the whole thing a bit wrong. And when those wedding photos last forever (no pressure), you want to look your most beautiful, and that means good make-up.

how to do your own wedding makeup
Matteo Scarpellini

Read on for how to do your own wedding make-up according to three pro make-up artists who reveal the tips, tricks and definitely-don't-dos for how to look like a bridal goddess (and save a couple of bucks in the process)...

How To Do Your Own Wedding Make-Up: The Guidelines

1.Keep weather, location, and colour schemes in mind

    But also consider your style and the look you like to achieve regularly. On the day you should still feel like yourself but pump it up because it's a special day and there will be a lot of photos taken.

    2. A personalised tutorial will help

    You can learn almost anything from Youtube, but a one-on-one tutorial with a professional make-up artist is a worthy investment for your wedding, especially if you're new to make-up.

    'A session with a pro-artist is customised just for you only,' says Joy Adenuga, who's blessed countless brides with the gift of glowing skin. 'Plus, the lessons and tips picked up can be applied even after the wedding.'

    She recommends booking in at least six weeks to three months in advance. 'I used to advice six months but discovered brides may have a change of mind, so I prefer doing it closer to the wedding when a lot of decisions have been finalised.'

    how to do your own wedding makeup
    Astrid Stawiarz

    3. Don't stray too much from your usual make-up routine

    'You don't have to buy all new make-up for your wedding, in fact using what you already own or practicing a few times with new make-up can be a much better way to feel confident and familiar with the look you're achieving,' says pro make-up artist and bridal make-up expert, Hannah Martin. 'If you're happy with the make-up you use already, why not invest in a new set of brushes to elevate your make-up to a more professional finish.'

    A-list make-up artist Florrie White agrees. 'Stick to being your true self, just enhance your natural beauty with soft touches and define your features so that they stand up to the camera while also making you glow,' advices White, who's a big fan of using Sisley's Stylo Lumiere to perk up the eyes.

    Hannah Martin's Top Tip: Pack a separate smaller make-up bag that contains just the products you need for your wedding make-up look. That way you won't be tempted to use anything you don't actually need.

    how to do your own makeup
    Vincenzo Grillo/Imaxtree

    4. A subtle smokey eye can be great for a bride

    Stay away from black shadows and anything that can look too heavy in photos. Also consider your wedding location - a more natural make-up look might suit a beach wedding better. Focus on brightening and opening up your eyes, sculpting your face with highlighters and go for rose or nude lips. 'Pairing a smokey eye with a nude lip can look old fashioned and wash you out, instead opt for a lipstick with a blue-toned pink to lift the whole look,' advises Martin.

    Hannah Martin's Top Tip: Bring a decent sized mirror with you - the room you get ready in might not provide one and there's nothing worse than peering into a tiny mirror giving yourself neck ache.

    5. Practice, practice, practice!

    Especially for brides that don't usually wear a lot of make-up. This is the best way to figure out what you want and to avoid stress on the big day. 'There's so much going on on the actual day that it's easy to lose track of time and get distracted and end up using that liquid liner you haven't touched in years,' advises Martin.

    Do the trial at least a month before the wedding and take lots of photos in different light so you can review them later and decide if you want to make any changes.

    Caroline Barnes' Top Tip: Wear a white dressing gown or t-shirt for your make-up trial to mimic the colouring of your dress on the day (if you're wearing white, that is!).

    how to do your own wedding makeup
    Filippo Fortis/Imaxtree

    If you're having an outdoor wedding be sure to take photos outside so you can see how the natural light affects your make-up application.

    6. Set aside an hour and a half for make-up on the day

    The best way to avoid getting flustered is to take your time. If you're doing your make-up yourself, practice the look a few times before your wedding day.

    Trish McEvoy's Top Tip: I always start my make-up applications with eyes first so if there's any mistakes or eyeshadow fall out, it's easy to correct without disturbing the rest of your make-up.

    how to do your own wedding makeup
    Filippo Fortis/imaxtree.com

    7. Do your make-up before you get dressed to avoid spilling anything on it

    Do your hair first so it can set while you apply your make-up. Remember, when you're putting on your beautiful wedding dress, cover your face carefully so as not to stain the dress!

    8. Blend! Blend! Blend!

    The most common pitfall for brides doing their own wedding make-up is not blending enough! When you think you've blended, blend some more!

    Hair, Head, Hairstyle, Eyelash, Style, Youth, Brown hair, Hair coloring, Blond, Makeover, pinterest
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    How To Do Your Own Wedding Make-Up: The Kit
    Studio Face And Body Radiant Sheer Foundation
    MAC Studio Face And Body Radiant Sheer Foundation
    Now 50% Off
    £16 at LookFantastic
    Credit: .

    'I prep most of my brides with MAC Face & Body - you can barely see it.'

    Luminous Silk Foundation
    Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
    Now 19% Off
    Credit: .

    'I'll use a higher coverage foundation on top but only on the areas that need it, I call it spot perfecting.'

    Veil Mineral Primer SPF 15
    Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer SPF 15
    Credit: .

    'Any silica-based primer will work, my favourite is Hourglass Veil.'

    Hyaluronic Hydra-Powder
    By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra-Powder
    Credit: .

    'Loose powders are so finely milled now that they look invisible on your skin. By Terry's is full of hydrating hyaluronic acid so it doesn't dry your skin but does set your make-up.'

    Invisimatte Blotting Paper
    Fenty Beauty Invisimatte Blotting Paper
    Credit: .

    ‘Give your bridesmaid a pack of blotting papers to keep in her bag so you can remove any shine throughout the day.’

    Scattered Light Glitter Eyeshadow
    Hourglass Scattered Light Glitter Eyeshadow
    Credit: .

    ‘I recently did my friend’s make-up and gave her really soft oyster pink eyes with a bit of sparkle which looked so lovely and modern.’

    Cluster Lash
    Sweed Lashes x Nikki Wolff Cluster Lash
    Credit: .

    'I'm obsessed with the Nikki Wolff x Sweed Lashes cluster eyelashes. You can do a simple eye with some delicate lashes and you'll look exceptional.'

    Lit Up Highlight Stick
    Westman Atelier Lit Up Highlight Stick
    Credit: .

    'Warm a balm or cream highlighter with your fingers before tapping onto your cheekbones for a healthy glow.'

    How To Do Your Own Wedding Make-Up: Step By Step

    Step 1 -Primer

    To avoid layering too many products on your skin, which can make your make-up slip off, use a lightweight moisturiser with a primer built in. Give your skincare a minute to absorb before applying your make-up.

    'The secret to making your make-up last all day isn't necessarily a magic primer but if your skin does tend towards oily, then an oil-controlling primer can help,' explains Martin. 'But don't use this if your skin tends to be dry or dehydrated because it'll feel tight. Either way, you want to avoid a silicone-based primer as it'll create a barrier between your skin and your make-up and you want your make-up to blend into your skin, not sit on top of it.'

    15 Of The Best Hydrating Primers To Plump Up Dry Skin
    Prime Time Hydrate & Glow Primer
    bareMinerals Prime Time Hydrate & Glow Primer
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    A nourishing trio of glycerin, apple extracts and coconut derivatives leave skin feeling cushiony soft and ready for your base make-up. A little goes a long way in ensuring your foundation stays put and looks good through long hours.

    Face Primer
    Refy Face Primer

    Refy may be best known for its brow products, but this primer is worth a closer look. The ingredient list reads like a top tier skincare serum, with niacinamide, glycerin and panthenol to help bolster fragile and dehydrated skin. Aside from improving the wear of your base, it also works hard to brighten, calm and moisturise your complexion over time.

    Forever Glow Veil
    Dior Forever Glow Veil

    Cooling, soothing and mega-hydrating, the gently pearlescent formula glides over moisturised skin to make anything you apply on top look so much better. Try tapping it on top of your cheekbones as a subtle highlighter too.

    Studio Radiance Moisturising + Illuminating Silky Primer
    MAC Studio Radiance Moisturising + Illuminating Silky Primer

    This is the backstage secret at fashion week for achieving runway-ready, radiant complexions. Loaded with humectants hyaluronic acid and glycerin, this viscous cream texture works brilliantly to prep skin for foundation, smoothing pores and lines while promising that plumped, well-rested finish.

    Pro Filt'r Hydrating Primer
    Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Hydrating Primer
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    When it originally launched, Fenty Beauty was firmly focused on creating a matte complexion, so the dry-skinned among us rejoiced when this hydrating powerhouse joined the line-up.

    A tall glass of water for dehydrated skin, it feels deliciously cooling and will make your foundation apply seamlessly.

    Filter Primer Blurring & Moisturizing Primer
    Tula Skincare Filter Primer Blurring & Moisturizing Primer

    Fresh from Stateside, probiotics-based brand Tula makes outstanding essentials at prices that won't make you weep.

    Start with the skincare, but don't sleep on this make-up offering either: the brand's Filter Primer comes in a host of iridescent tints, and combines moisturising emollients with those signature probiotics to look after your complexion. The First Light shade has a golden sheen, ideal if you prefer a sunkissed glow.

    Glowy Super Gel
    Saie Glowy Super Gel

    Here it is: the primer/highlighter hybrid we've been dreaming of. Saie has absolutely nailed the brief with this one; the serum-like multipurpose gel is pigmented but not sparkly, and hydrating without feeling heavy.

    Sandwich it between moisturiser and foundation for an all-over dewy effect, then tap it on as a highlighter to spotlight those cheekbones. Or just use it on its own. With skin this luminous, there's barely need for added coverage.

    No1 De Chanel Skin Enhancer
    Chanel No1 De Chanel Skin Enhancer

    Aside from brimming with red camellia oil and extract to shield the skin from the damaging effects of environmental aggressors, this tinted primer also contains hydrating hyaluronic acid. It works nicely on its own for a your-skin-but-better finish but plays equally well underneath foundation.

    Futuredew - £26
    Glossier Futuredew - £26

    Our love for Glossier’s most misunderstood product knows no bounds. Futuredew is billed as an ‘oil-serum’ hybrid which, honestly, is a rather confusing name.

    What we do know is that this reflective fluid creates that elusive mega-moisturised effect that you usually only get after a 90-minute facial. It melts nicely on top of foundation too, so keep it in your bag and tap onto cheekbones to revive thirsty skin.

    Skin Nova
    Vieve Skin Nova

    The champagne-tinted cream can be worn under any foundation to lock it in place while also amping up the radiance. Seriously, your base will look freshly applied for hours on end. A tip: try blending it into your foundation to sheer out the coverage and boost the glow.

    The Liquid Silk Canvas Primer
    Tatcha The Liquid Silk Canvas Primer

    A lot of ‘blurring’ primers tend to highlight dryness and flaking patches, but Tatcha’s Liquid Silk Canvas is the perfect middle ground. It’s silicone-based, so does a great job of masking enlarged pores and lines, yet is balanced out with hydrating ingredients that’ll keep a thirsty complexion satisfied. For days when you want your make-up to really go the distance, head here.

    Flawless Start Hydrating Serum Primer
    Elizabeth Arden Flawless Start Hydrating Serum Primer
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    This unusual formula contains tiny droplets of oil suspended in a base of cooling humectants. Without falling back on silicones or shimmer, it manages to prep skin for foundation, ensuring your base go on smoothly.

    Pure Canvas Hydrating Primer
    Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Hydrating Primer
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    Laura Mercier is known for its stellar primers, and this is the most hydration-focused member of the family. The humectant glycerin base locks water into the skin, stopping your foundation from drying out while dialling up the dewiness.

    Hollywood Flawless Filter
    Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter
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    For a gleam that shows through your foundation, it has to be Charlotte Tilbury’s multi-use Hollywood Flawless Filter. A highlighter/primer/skin tint hybrid, this pigmented formula lights up dull, dry skin, and looks great either worn solo or beneath a liquid base. Try swiping it over your cheekbones as the final step in your routine for extra impact.

    Luminous Silk Hydrating Primer
    Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Hydrating Primer

    Luminous Silk is a holy-grail base for many, and we can confirm the matching primer is every bit as impressive. This fluid formula leaves behind a natural-looking sheen that appears almost pearlescent, and works beautifully beneath the any foundation.

    Step 2 - Foundation

    When selecting a foundation it's important to work with your skin type instead of against it.

    If you have oily skin - Avoid foundations boasting an illuminating finish. Go for a satin or demi-matte instead.

    If you have dry skin - Avoid an overly matte formula. A silky matte finish will hold up all day and photograph beautifully.

    'It's a myth that wedding make-up has to mean full coverage heavy matte foundation,' says Martin. 'If a bride has good skin and doesn't need much coverage, I won't use it. I like to prep skin with a sheer foundation and then use a higher coverage foundation on top, only on the areas that need it.'

    Try to use a foundation without an SPF as any camera flashes will reflect off the SPF creating a chalky look in photos. This is not a myth!

    If you plan on spray tanning for your big day, go a few days ahead of time and get your foundation matched a day after to avoid your face looking paler than your body.

    how to do your own wedding makeup
    Imaxtree

    Step 3 - Powder

    Powder is always a good idea, but approach with a light hand. Use a finely milled translucent formula, it will help set the make-up and blur the look of fine lines and pores without adding any weight.

    'You need to be really careful with setting sprays because, depending on the formulation, a lot of them are hydrators, which is not what we want,' says Martin. 'In fact, it's going to do the opposite to setting your make-up - it'll add glow and refresh skin that's looking too matte but it won't help your make-up stay in place. You're better off with a loose powder on a small to medium brush pressed into your skin where you need it - around the nose, top of eyebrows etc - to lock in your base.'

    If you're on the drier side, blotting papers are a great idea, according to Adenuga. It'll take away the shine without making the skin appear cakey.

    Caroline Barnes' Top Tip: Use a powder puff to apply a light veil of powder and really push it in.

    13 Of The Best Setting Powders Guaranteed To Keep The Top Lip Sweat At Bay
    Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Setting Powder
    Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Setting Powder
    Credit: .

    When you get your hands on a setting powder from the Mother of make-up you know it's going to be a good one. With decades of backstage make-up experience under her belt, McGrath knows a thing or two about keeping make-up matte in the heat.

    Hyaluronic Tinted Hydra-Powder
    By Terry Hyaluronic Tinted Hydra-Powder
    Credit: .

    Dry skin sufferers rejoice! This hyaluronic acid-infused setting powder helps to mattify without sapping any moisture from your skin.

    The Powder
    La Mer The Powder
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    Totally translucent and enriched with La Mer's signature Miracle Broth, this is the setting powder that's good to your skin and your foundation.

    HD Perfecting Loose Powder
    Chantecaille HD Perfecting Loose Powder
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    Leave the faff at home and not your powder brush with Chantecaille's genius 2-in-1 setting powder. Simply sweep on and go.

    Poudre de Beauté Powder
    Gucci Beauty Poudre de Beauté Powder
    Credit: .

    Winning the award for the boujiest packaging ever, Gucci's new vintage-inspired setting powder has us feeling all old Hollywood glamour.

    Pro Filt'r Instant Retouch Setting Powder
    Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Instant Retouch Setting Powder
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    Credit: .

    A firm favourite of ELLE Beauty Assistant, Charlotte Bitmead, Fenty Beauty's setting powder gives a flawless matte finish that says 'Instagram selfie come get me!'.

    Bye Bye Pores Face Powder Translucent
    it Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Face Powder Translucent
    Credit: .

    ELLE Beauty Editor Jennifer George's go-to setting powder, it Cosmetics' Bye Bye Pores does what it says on the tin, smoothing over any visible pores for a flawless (and grease-free) finish.

    best setting powder
    Huda Beauty Easy Bake Loose Powder - £29

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    This genius loose powder helps set make-up, blur pores and absorb any unwanted shine. The best bit? It's available in eight shades (all with delicious cake-themed names) so it looks epic on all skin tones.

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    Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Micro-Powder - £35

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    Sometimes a pressed powder is the on-the-go shine saver you need. Charlotte Tilbury's seriously fine-milled powder absorbs any excess oil and blurs imperfections without getting caught in your face fuzz.

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    Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder - £42

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    Infused with light-reflecting particles, this ultra refined setting powder blends seamlessly with your foundation to set any wayward concealer and mattify oily patches.

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    Bobbi Brown Retouching Loose Powder - £30

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    If white powders tend to come up chalky on your skin tone, opt for a universal yellow shade instead. Bobbi Brown's mineral-based powder works a treat swept over foundation or bare skin.

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    RMS Un Powder - £32

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    The most cryptically-named setting powder of the edit, RMS' Un Powder thankfully still does the job. Free from Talc, Silicone, Parabens and perfume, this is the ultimate setting powder for those with sensitive skin.

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    Translucent Loose Setting Powder
    Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder
    Credit: .

    Iconic for a reason, the secret to using Laura Mercier's translucent powder is all in the application. Instead of dabbing, take the powder puff, fold it in half (so it resembles a taco) and roll the powder onto your skin. It'll set your make-up in seconds.

    Step 4 - Blusher

    You get the most natural finish with a cream blusher and can always layer with a powder for deeper pigment and the longest wear, but the right blusher also depends on your skin type.

    If you have dry skin - You definitely want a cream.

    If you have oily skin - Opt for powder.

    Blusher should always be placed on the high apple of the cheek (the fullest part when you smile) and never too close to the nose to avoid looking flushed.

    12 Of The Best Blushes For All Skin Types And Tones
    Best blusher
    Blush Divine Radiant Lip & Cheek Colour
    Rose Inc Blush Divine Radiant Lip & Cheek Colour

    Rosie Huntington-Whiteley really did her research before moving her beauty universe, Rose Inc, into the product space. Her stand-out launch, Blush Divine, was tested and re-tested on members of the supermodel’s beauty community, ensuring the texture, shade range and performance were exactly right. The result is a winning blush that Space NK can hardly keep in stock.

    Expect a creamy yet pigmented cream blusher that looks spectacular on both cheeks and lips, imparting cool-toned colour that awakens skin without looking overly ‘done’. Believe the hype.

    Best matte cream blusher
    Nudies Blush
    Nudestix Nudies Blush

    Since make-up artist Pati Dubroff used this skin-brightening blusher stick as part of Sofia Richie's bridal look, it's been pretty-much impossible to get hold of.

    But now, this fiery, blendable cheek enhancer is back – and the smartest among us will know to snap it straight up. For best results, do as Dubroff did, blending the spicy coral Picante over a base of the bronzing Sunkissed shade.

    Best hydrating blusher
    Les Beiges Water-Fresh Blush
    Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Blush

    For those looking to dip a toe into blush for the first time, Chanel's sublime Les Beiges launch will fit the bill perfectly. Boasting the same encapsulation technology as the acclaimed skin tint, these humectant-rich formulas melt on contact with skin to release the lightest, most translucent wash of colour. This being Chanel, the colours are all cool, flattering and completely chic.

    Best dewy blusher
    Dew Blush
    Saie Dew Blush

    Saie's liquid blush is the perfect product for creating a super-dewy look. Blend lightly but generously: these illuminating shades look beautiful when swept right across your cheeks and the bridge of your nose. If you're especially fair-skinned and struggle to find a shade right for you, head straight to Peachy and thank us later.

    Best cream blusher
    Cloud Paint
    Glossier Cloud Paint

    We know you know Glossier Cloud Paint. This creamy cheek colour – now available in a spectrum of eight shades – remains unbeaten when it comes to flattering hues and a soft, diffused finish. We’re crowning it the perfect gateway blusher.

    Best blusher balm
    Flush Blush
    Trinny London Flush Blush

    Trinny London's loyal fans love these blush pots for their practicality as well as their perfectly natural hues. Simply swipe and dab over the high points of your cheeks for a flush that says 'walk in the park' not 'extreme spinning'.

    Best multi-use blusher
    Colour Nectar Pigment Balm
    Rituel de Fille Colour Nectar Pigment Balm
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    Rituel de Fille is a brand known for creating otherwordly colours that feel different yet entirely flattering. A real hidden gem, these multi-use pigment balms are designed to light up your eyes, cheeks and lips with a translucent but impactful glow. Dab and blend with your ring finger for creamy colour that doesn't smear or smudge.

    Best blusher for bright colours
    Soft Pinch Liquid Blush
    Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush

    Selena Gomez's liquid blush is one of the most in-demand beauty products of the year – and the popularity is absolutely warranted. These creamy formulas are pigmented, but not frighteningly so, and manage to remain dewy all day without shifting or fading. There are neutrals to lure in the minimalists, but we find the peachy, pinky shades perfect for hot summer days.

    Best powder blusher
    Blush

    You likely know the NARS line-up for its inexplicably horny product names, but the likes of Aroused and Deep Throat are also some of the best blushes around.

    The finely milled powders are ultra-light and a cinch to blend, carving out cheekbones without ever looking muddy or heavy.

    Looking for a place to start? Everyone from Emma Stone to Meghan Markle loves the classic shimmering-peach Orgasm, while Naomi Campbell has reportedly worn Taj Mahal for years.

    Best shimmering blusher
    Ambient Lighting Blush
    Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush

    Hourglass’ Ambient Lighting Blush is perhaps the most popular of them all – and for good reason. The now-iconic powder brought blush back from the brink of extinction, offering skin-brightening, pore-masking benefits with a hint of colour.

    The shade range runs from cool-toned mauves to perky peaches and some sublime deeper pinks, so there’s bound to be one that suits. It's a bridal make-up artist favourite for a reason.

    Best stick blusher
    Baby Cheeks Blush Stick
    Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Blush Stick

    Gucci Westman's eponymous make-up line is full of beautiful muted tones that work with the natural hues in your skin. A fan favourite, these chubby blush sticks come in a host of pinks and taupes, and can be simply scribbled over cheeks and patted to blend. Expect gentle warmth: as if you've just strolled through the countryside, not sprinted for the bus.

    Best liquid blusher
    Sunset Blush Balm
    Vieve Sunset Blush Balm
    Pros
    Cons

      Vieve's balmy creams come in a small edit of burnished hues that sit somewhere in-between a blush and a bronzer – perfect if you want to awaken skin in one fell swoop. They're denser than most, so use a stipple brush and a light hand to blend without shifting your foundation beneath. As for the staying power? It's up there with the best.

      Step 5 - Contouring

      '99.9% of the time these days I'll use a cream highlighter for bridal make-up,' says Martin. 'Powders can look very metallic and they're easy to overdo - once it's on, there's not much coming back, with cream you have a bit more control.

      'Warm it up on the back of your hand or on your fingers and then lightly pat on the tops of your cheekbones - you'll get the most beautiful lit from within look.

      Florrie White's Top Contour Tip: Follow the natural architecture of your face. Suck in your cheeks to see where you need to apply more of a shadow for a sculpted result. Follow the hollow from your mouth to your hairline when blend only using upwards sweeping movements instead of swishing back and forth. Then apply on the outer edges of the forehead and under the jawline.

      how to do your own wedding makeup
      Matteo Scarpellini

      Step 6 - Eyebrows

      Your eyebrows should look naturally full and well-shaped. Use a precision pencil to fill in areas of sparseness with small, hair-like strokes. Finish them with a brow gel to fix them in place and create the look of a flattering full brow.

      'The secret is to not overdo it,' advises Martin. 'Step back and make sure you pencil them in while using a larger mirror, rather than a small close up one. It's much easier to sense the balance of your make-up when you can see your whole face. Brush up your brows so you can see their natural shape and lightly fill in using a colour that isn't too intense.'

      14 Of The Best Eyebrow Make-Up Products To Buy Now
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      Best For Filling Brows

      Benefit Precisely, My Brow Pencil - £22.50

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      The super-fine nib on this pencil allows you to sketch on life-like hairs with ease. It comes in 12 shades too, so you won't end up with two-toned brows.

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      Best For Brows That Hold All Day

      Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze - £24

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      If you want the effects of brow lamination but without the whole process (and cost) then this is the one for you. With a few quick swipes of this on a spooly, your brows will stay put all.day.long. Unlike other clear gels, this leaves no visible flakiness either.

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      BBB London Brow Build Gel - £20

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      There are many brow gels to choose from, but this one just does a little bit more that most. Heftily pigmented, it adds instant thickness as the formula grips to the hairs, and holds even the heaviest of hairs to attention.

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      Best Brows On A Budget

      e.l.f. Ultra Precise Brow Pencil - £6

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      Proving that budget buys can be just as brilliant as their swankier counterparts, this brow pencil fills, defined and lasts as well as the best of them. Unlike many other bargain versions, it comes with a spooly end too.

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      Best For Brow Growth

      bareMinerals Strength & Length Serum-Infused Tinted Brow Gel - £18

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      Strengthening peptides and growth-inducing Red Clover Flower extract boost this brow gel, meaning not only will you brows look instantly filled and defined, but over time they'll grow thicker and fuller too.

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      Best Brow Gel

      Glossier Boy Brow - £14

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      The one step genius eyebrow product that gives you instantly thicker, brushier brows a la Glossier models in under 60 seconds.

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      Best Brow Powder

      Bobbi Brown Brow Kit - £38

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      An oldie but a goodie, the powders (available in 3 shade combinations) are easy to apply without the dreaded fall-out. Good for a natural, soft brow.

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      Best Brow Pen

      MAC Shape & Shade Brow Tint - £19.50

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      If the idea of painting on pomade or dealing with a powder formula terrifies you, this fail-safe pen might be a good option. The felt-tip like nib allows you to flick little hair-like lines in, applying a bit more pressure when you want a more intense finish.

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      Best Waterproof Brow Product

      Lancôme Sourcils Eye Brow Gel Cream - £18

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      We're not saying you should do your brows before you hit the beach, gym or club. But if you want to, and don't want the colour running down your face, this hard-wearing, water-proof formula is perfect.

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      Best Brow Shade Range

      Fenty Brow MVP - £17

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      Brow shades aren't just a case of blond, brown, red or black, so sometimes it's tricky to find that perfect match. Enter Rihanna, and her 14 shades, from ashy blond to deep black.

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      Best Brow Pencil

      Hourglass Arch Brow Micro Sculpting Pencil - £27

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      The teeny-tiny nib of this pencil gives hair-thin strokes, so the result is a natural, fluffy effect. Use a light hand and simply set with a clear gel.

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      Best At-Home Tint

      Maybelline Tattoo Brow Easy Peel Off Tint - £12.99

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      An at-home tint of sorts, this will add colour and shape to your brows for up to 3 days. It's super simple to use, and the results aren't at all as scary as the word 'tattoo' implies.

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      best eyebrow products
      Best Brow Pomade

      Anastasia Beverley Hills Dipbrow Pomade - £19

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      A cult product, this hard-wearing pomade is creamy and buildable. A tip from the founder herself is that eyebrows should always be filled in ombre. 'Start by filing the brow from the highest arch point to the outer brow tip' says Anastasia Soare, 'and then with less pressure and product, lightly fill in the inner part of the brow.'

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      best eyebrow product
      Best Brow Soap

      Soap Brows Kit - £12.50

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      Soap? For your brows? You better believe it. If feathery, Insta-worthy boy brows are your goal, then one swipe of this will give you natural-looking brows that stay put for hours on end.

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      Step 7 - Eyes

      'Again, don't overdo it, you want people to see your actual eyes,' advises Martin. 'Go for a slightly warmer eyeshadow shade than your natural skin tone and apply in the crease of your eyes to help define.'

      Use a gel eye liner and tubing mascara so that your eye make-up is totally tear proof.

      'When it comes to lashes, I love an infill but it can go wrong if you're not used to having them done. Sweed do amazing natural looking false lashes that are ideal if you want something less permanent.'

      Step 8 - Lips

      Trish McEvoy's Top Tip: I also love liquid lipsticks - they last all the way from the 'I do's to the champagne toasts!

      Nude, rose and pink toned lips look great on brides, although if you're a fan of bolder hues, there's no reason to shy away from them on your wedding. A long wear lip liner will keep everything in place during the big kiss.