Even if your wedding day is not for several months, now is the time to start planning your make-up for the day.  Plenty of practice is needed to achieve a perfect look and it is worth getting some professional advice on colours that suit you naturally.   Some brides like to have their make-up applied by a professional but others prefer to do their own.  If you follow the advice below, you should be able to achieve a perfect look with minimum of effort.

I)      Ensure that you cleanse tone and moisturise regularly twice a day in the months that run up to the wedding.  It can be a stressful time and may show in your skin if you don't look after it.  Try and avoid fatty food and stick to a healthy diet full of fresh fruit and vegetable.  Zinc is good for the skin and can be found in nuts and seeds.   On the morning of the wedding, make sure you have cleansed, toned and moisturised at least two hours before applying your make-up.

II)      A smooth "pallet" is the next step.  Use a primer to even up the skin tone.  If you are prone to redness, apply mint adjuster all over the face, then neutral adjuster under the eyes to cover up any dark circles.  Use concealer on any prominent blemishes.  It is also a good idea to put some eye base on the eyelids rather than foundation.  The eye area is very delicate and can be damaged easily.  Eye base acts like a primer for eyes and is moisturising and protective.

III)     Now apply foundation.  Use a damp sponge for a smooth finish and start in the centre of your face working outwards, towards the hair line.  It is vital to find a foundation that matches your skin tone closely and ensure that you don't leave a line around your chin giving you a "mask" effect.

IV)      Now apply loose powder.  This may not be something you usually do, but it will be a long day and the powder will help to "set" the foundation and keep it in place.  Apply liberally and brush the excess off with a soft brush.

V)      Use a soft eye pencil in a flattering shade and apply close to the lash line.   Use a neutral colour eye shadow over the whole eyelid and a slightly darker shade as an accent on the outside corners.  Blend together.  Try and use colours that are subtle and not too bright.  Now apply two coats of mascara in either brown (for blondes, red heads and light brunettes) or black/brown (for dark hair).  Waterproof mascara may be necessary, particularly if you are an emotional type!  Alternatively, get your eye lashes tinted and use clear mascara.  This is particularly effective on women with long thick eyelashes.

VI)     Now apply blusher.  Again use a colour that suits your skin tone and be economic with your application.  Just use the colour to gently contour your face.

VII)    Finally lipstick.  Make sure your lips are soft and smooth.  Again, this requires preparation in the months running up to the wedding by keeping your lips moisturised and exfoliated.  Apply a lip base for added moisture retention and a smooth base.  Use a natural coloured lip pencil to outline your lips and then apply two layers of lipstick in a soft colour that suits you.

Just remember, keep calm (bach's rescue remedy can help), allow plenty of time and find somewhere quiet and uncluttered and you can achieve that perfect fresh and natural look you have always dreamed of.