Wedding day make-up is a delicate subject. To look your best without your photos looking dated within a few short years, you should aim for a more polished version of your everyday look. It's a fine balancing act-looking natural without appearing washed out.

Images (c) 2009 Mary Basnight.  All Rights Reserved.

Lauren Owen, make-up stylist

Thank you to Mary Lee, who graciously shared with OBWmag her make-over and photo shoot images.   

10 Tips for Wedding Day Make-up

1. With all the last-minute nerves on the morning of your wedding, it's worth thinking about having a steadier hand apply your make-up. Hire a professional make-up artist or ask a trusted friend to help.
2. Whether you decide to hire a hair stylist and make-up artist, you should visit their salon or ask the professional to come to your home.  Either way you go is not the point, having at least one trial run before the big day is more the issue. 
3. Avoid going for a dramatic new image on your wedding day. Stick to a more natural effect, so that you'll look like yourself-just a slightly more glamorous version.
4. Certain photography techniques, such as soft focus, can cause lost facial definition in your images.  Try to define your features as much as possible, while avoiding the hard lines of eye pencils and liquid liners. Blend a little eyeshadow instead.
5. Pinky-brown lipsticks whiten teeth whereas orange or red can make them look brownish. If you have very pale skin, a cherry red lipstick can look a bit harsh. Steer clear of overly pale or pearlised lipstick, and go easy on the lip liner.
6. Take extra care with your makeup if planning on having any black & white photography.  Dark red lipstick turns black and heavy-handed blusher will look even darker in black-and-white photos, while pastel colours can fade out completely.  
7. Make sure you wear waterproof mascara. Weddings can be very emotional and this way you'll avoid the panda look.  Kiss mascara from Blinc is one option as are faux eyelashes.  Both are worth looking into for "what to wear" on your wedding day.
8. Pluck your eyebrows and wax your legs at least four days before the wedding so any redness has time to calm down.
9. Treat yourself to a professional manicure. Your hands are likely to be the focus of attention, from the minute you sign the register to the cutting of the wedding cake-and everyone will want to look at your ring.
10. Remember to spare a few moments to freshen up your make-up throughout the day.  Ask your professional what items are best to keep in your Wedding Day Emergency Kit.

--by Lauren Owen, MACPro make-up artist and owner of All Eyes on the Bride.