Tips for picture-perfect makeup on your wedding day
By R.J. Ignelzi
Copley News Service

Brides want to put their best face forward on their wedding day. And makeup artists give them two words of advice: be prepared.

Many brides tell makeup artists they simply want to "look natural." Twila Shakespeare, makeup artist and owner of Faces Fantastic in San Diego, tries to set the brides straight.

"I say to them, 'Look, you're not going bowling. You're getting married. You need to wear some makeup.'"

A makeup practice run is an absolute necessity, she says. "You don't want any surprises on the wedding day."

Many brides opt to have their makeup consultation/application done in conjunction with their engagement party. Shakespeare thinks this is a good idea.

"This enables them to get some feedback. They can see what others think of their makeup," she says.

You will want to find a salon far enough in advance so that there will be no surprises, so you can try shades and make sure you are not allergic to products.

During a makeup consultantion, many things will be taken into consideration -- the color of the gown, flowers, accessories, your skin tone and your hair and eye color.

It's also important to take into consideration time and location of the wedding, says Marilynn Dworkin, makeup artist at The Make-Up Studio in Solana Beach, Calif. Is it an afternoon ceremony or evening? In a church or outdoors?

Though some brides prefer a more natural look, makeup artists urge them to consider how the look will hold up after spending 10 hours or so in front of cameras.

If the bride does nothing else special with her makeup on her wedding day, she should at least wear a fairly dark lipstick, says Elaina Owen, makeup artist at the Face Factory in San Diego.

"A red or maroon lipstick works well because it shows up in the wedding pictures," she said. "Darker lipstick also makes the teeth look whiter and the whole smile appear bigger."

There are a few makeup musts for any bride, according to Shakespeare. These include waterproof mascara, long-lasting lipstick and tissues - not linen hankies because paper tissues are more tear-absorbent.

A word to the wise: Plan ahead and make sure you schedule an appointment with the same makeup artist on your wedding day.