Five Sure-Fire Steps to a Flawless Wedding-Day Face by Sandra Mardenfeld

   Wedding make-up can be tricky -- the perfect look requires a magician's touch with just the right amount of blush, lipstick and eye color. That traditional ivory, off-white or white dress, with its tendency to wash out your makeup, doesn't help either. "The trick is not to look overdone, but to look as natural as possible without being too garish," advises soap opera's "Guiding Light" Head Makeup Artist Paul Gebbia. Oh, is that all? Actually, it's not too hard with these five sure-fire steps to a flawless wedding day face.

1. Waterproof It
   Face facts -- you're going to cry. The waterworks may start as your dear 'ol dad walks you down the aisle or when your beloved first turns to kiss you after the ceremony, but sooner or later even the most sensible bride sheds a tear. So waterproof make-up is the only way to go. "Try to avoid any eye make-up underneath the eyes, except light mascara," suggests Make-up Artist Christianna Billman. "Tears will cause running and a long day is a recipe for the raccoon look."

2. Keep It Simple
   "Most brides try to look so dramatically different on their wedding day that it is hard to recognize them. Too much of everything...hair, makeup, veil, gown," says Robin D. Gaines, a makeup artist for Oil Of Olay Cosmetics. "The idea is not to go overboard. A classic look is always going to stand the test of time. If you don't believe me, just take a look at your prom pictures!"

   Also, the fresh-faced bride, decked out in pretty, neutral colors, is as traditional as the white dress she wears. According to Billman, this look will also last longer than a heavy-handed approach. So avoid those dark black, brown and blues…instead try light powder washes (one color brushed lightly over the entire lid) in colors like cream, peach and soft pinks (not fuscia). Heavy red lipstick also fades quickly and tends to crack. Heavy foundations will do the same.

3. Tricks of the Trade
   How much makeup should a bride wear? You should wear what makes you comfortable. If you don't wear makeup, start wearing it a few weeks before your big day. "Nothing is worse than feeling unlike yourself on such a special day," says Gaines.

   According to Gebbia, the most common mistakes brides make is they forget to blend their makeup, especially the neck -- which, by the way, should be the same color as the face. "The foundation should always be as close to your skin tone as possible," advises Gebbia. "Do not try to change the color of your skin with makeup."

   You'll also want to avoid frosty shadows and blushes. They'll reflect too much everytime that camera flashes. Don't use dark contrasting liners with your lipstick either -- you will look harsh on film.

4. Retouch Magic
   Beauty fades quickly -- so touch up frequently. "A wedding and reception can last up to 12 hours! Not to mention that your photo is being taken on a constant basis throughout," said Gaines. "Keep loose powder, a good mirror, lip color and blush in a small, elegant bag that you have access to."

    Powder is a girl's best friend when flashbulbs start. A flash emphasizes anything that reflects light, and translucent powder will prevent you from looking "greasy" in pictures.

5. Get Experiment Happy
   You want to test all the products you'll use on your big day to see how they look and if (God forbid) you have any allergic reactions. Gaines even suggests starting to get your skin in shape about three months before your wedding. She recommends indulging in at least two facials, the last being no less than three weeks before the big day. "It takes that long for a skin cell to make it from start to finish, so abiding by this time frame should give you the best face possible," says Gaines. "I tell brides-to-be not to eat poorly the month before. A good rule is; eat nothing that comes in a cellophane bag, or an aluminum can. The stress is enough, don't help to create blemishes."