Being a natural red-head I was a bit apprehensive about having someone else do my makeup for me on the day of my wedding. I’d gone through a couple trial runs with a few different professionals but was never satisfied with the results. The moment they saw my hair color they all did the same thing: reach for the orange makeup. Not only is that not a particularly flattering shade on me it was most certainly not one I wanted to see in pictures for the rest of my life so I decided to do it myself. Before the big day I did a lot of research and practiced a few new techniques to make sure that my makeup would last throughout the day but not come out looking too heavy or fake. When I had to put my new-found knowledge to the test I ended up being quite pleased with the results. Today I still use those same tips whenever I need my makeup to be long-lasting and picture-ready. Since they work so well for me, I figured I’d pass them on to you!

1. Start with a good moisturizer. If you don’t already use one you should start experimenting a few weeks before your wedding to find one that’s right for your skin type. Using a moisturizer will not only help your makeup go on easier but will also keep your skin looking healthy and radiant throughout the day. Look for one with a built-in SPF; this will be especially important if you’re having an outdoor wedding or if you get stranded in the sun while taking pictures. A word of warning: the wrong moisturizer can cause your makeup to easily wipe off on the nearest sleeve or worse, your dress! It’s a good idea to try out your moisturizer with the makeup you’re planning to use for your wedding to avoid any potential problems. My favorite: Olay Complete All Day Moisture Lotion SPF 15.

2. Use foundation. While many women don’t normally wear foundation it’s a good idea for your wedding day; it creates a base for the rest of your makeup. It’s important to find one that matches your skin tone and to blend it well over your entire face and across your eye lids. Using a foundation that’s the wrong color will not only leave you with a lovely stripe along your jaw-line but can also wash you out or make you look like you have a bad tan. A good foundation will help even out your skin tone and hide any little imperfections making you look beautiful from up close and in your pictures! When I wear foundation I go with MAC Studio Fix.

3. Set your makeup with powder. This should be applied after your foundation and will give your makeup a more “finished” look. It will also help prevent your mascara from making raccoon-circles under your eyes as the day goes on. You should look for one that’s either the same color or just slightly darker than your foundation and brush it all over your face and eye lids. I like to use a translucent powder over my face and brows after applying my makeup as well to give it extra staying power. My pick: MAC Select Sheer/Pressed Powder.

4. Use eye cream before applying eye shadows. While there are products on the market that are specially made for this, any eye cream you have at home can be used as well. Before applying your eye shadow blend a small amount of cream over your eye lids. This will help keep your eye makeup from fading or creasing throughout the day and will work with either powder or cream eye shadows. A tip for applying powder eye shadow: press a tissue beneath your lower lashes to catch any excess that falls onto your cheeks to protect the rest of your makeup. A tip for cream shadows: brush a light layer of translucent powder over your lids after applying eye shadow to add extra protection against creasing.

5. Go with waterproof mascara. Your wedding day can be emotional and to make sure that you’re not facing your groom with streaks of black running down your cheeks it’s best to use a mascara specially made for that purpose. Usually just selecting the waterproof version of your favorite mascara is safe since you’re going with a brand you already trust. One I love: L’Oreal Double Extend Waterproof Mascara. Of course fake lashes are always an option as well but be sure to practice before your wedding to make sure you know how to make them stick!

6. Fade-proof your lipstick. If you’re using a regular lipstick then follow these simple steps to help your color last longer. First, dust a little translucent powder over your lips so your liner has something to grab on to. Next, pick a liner that’s the same shade as your lipstick, (don’t go any darker or you risk looking Halloween-y) and use this to define the natural shape of your lips then to fill in your entire mouth. Last grab your lipstick and layer that over the top then finish it off with a little gloss. Another way to get lip color that lasts for hours is to choose from the many brands that offer a long-lasting lipstick or stain. With dozens of colors to choose from you’re sure to find one that’s perfect for your big day! My choice: Revlon ColorStay Soft and Smooth Lipcolor.

Doing your own makeup can be fun and will help save you money! With a little practice and by following the tips above, you’ll be able to get beautiful, long-lasting makeup that you can be proud of on your big day!

- Kelsey Gonzalez