Every bride wants to look absolutely stunning on her wedding day—for her groom, for the guests, and for the camera. You have a dream of a dress, fabulous shoes, and the perfect hairstyle. Your wedding makeup is the last step to getting gorgeous. Having a professional makeup artist apply your makeup on the big day will guarantee that you look picture perfect and feel pampered before “I do.” He or she will create a custom look just for you, one that complements your wedding style and personal taste.

When it comes to putting your best face forward, there are a few things to consider:

• Your wedding makeup needs the staying power to carry you through hours of family photos, joyful tears, and overzealous hugs. A professional’s work will last from the very first picture to the final toast—without making you look like a clown.
  
• Save the trendy looks for the honeymoon. “On your wedding day, your makeup needs to be flawless and timeless,” says Baltimore makeup guru Nicole Palermo. You want to love the way you look when you show the grandchildren your wedding album—don’t let an of-the-moment look date you.
  
• Remember that wedding makeup doesn’t mean wedding makeover. Pick a look that enhances your natural style—not one that renders you unrecognizable!
  
  

  It’s never too early to start looking through magazines and websites for styles that catch your eye. Or pick through your favorite pictures of yourself to see how your makeup looked then.

  
  

  You should start looking for a makeup artist three to four months before your wedding. Visiting your favorite makeup counter is a great way to start. It’s smart to stick with makeup your skin is accustomed to—the last thing you need is a wedding-day blemish! Book a trial consultation to discuss likes (deep red lips) and dislikes (shimmery baby-blue lids). For inspiration, bring pictures of looks that have caught your eye, as well as swatches of your gown and veil. Make sure to share how you’re wearing your hair—dramatic hairstyles can completely change a made-up face.

  
  

  Want the rest of your bridal party to look smashing as well? Your makeup artist can apply your bridesmaids’ makeup too. Be sure to make their appointments well before yours to allow ample time for you. On the big day, expect your transformation to take about an hour or so.

  
  

  On your wedding day, all the effort will be well worth it. You’ll be able to laugh, cry, eat, and drink and still look picture-perfect—no raccoon eyes in sight.

  
  

  More My Day tips for big-day radiance:

  
  

  Do
  • Visit your favorite makeup counter to try out different products
  • Go with a heavier than normal foundation—camera flashes will make you look washed-out otherwise
  • Use waterproof mascara
  • Practice under all different kinds of lighting—natural light is especially important for an outdoor wedding
  • Take a picture to see how the makeup looks on film

  
  

  Don’t
  • Try a new product too close to the wedding—you don’t want big-day breakouts!
  • Use too many glossy or shimmery products
  • Get talked into any look or product you don’t feel comfortable with
  • Decide to tweeze your eyebrows by yourself for the first time

  
  

  Finally, take care of yourself! Drink lots of water, eat smart, and get plenty of rest before the big day. And above all, the best way to be a beautiful bride is to smile, smile, smile!