Wedding day make up is often overlooked.Many Brides feel confident enough to do their own,or get a friend to help out.

However,make up is one of the most important factors,and essential to complete your stunning look on such a special day.If you consider your dress,your hair,your flowers....it is essential to have the professional touch to your make up.A make up artist will understand your skin type,skin tone and give that sought after flawless look.Colours chosen,will enhance natural beauty and work well with the photographs and video.Often make up will change colour on contact with the lens,especially true with videos.A make up artist should also be able to provide long lasting make up,without any drying of the skin.

I recommend having a trial,so you can see how you will look on the day,and wear your make up.A professionally applied make up will be comfortable to wear,and not affect the skin.By that i mean skin dryness,tightness or redness.During a trial,a make up expert will look at your skin,and advise you on how best to correct dryness,redness,some effects of ageing(sorry,not all!)Some of my recommended products are listed at the end of this article.....

One my wedding day,i thought being a make up artist myself,i had no need for a professional.....(wrong!)

I felt very confident in the run up to my wedding,all my plans went smoothly,no hiccups,and i'd met the man of my dreams! On the morning of my wedding,i had breakfast,and i was still fine.However,once we begun doing our bridesmaids hair,people arrived at the venue,the flowers were delivered,and i was suddenly gripped with crippling nerves.(and believe me,im not a nervous person)Fortunately for me,many of my friends are make up artists,and i managed to enlist some help!

So,what should you look for in choosing a make up artist?

Firstly,qualifications: A professional make up artist is not someone working on a make up counter or in a beauty salon.They have some training,but it is very limited.

Secondly, experience: Where have they worked? How long for? Whilst training is important,experience will develop a make up artist into an expert.

Thirdly,during a trial,are they confident? What are their standards of cleanliness? Do they use quality products?

Always ask questions.A professional can tell you why they may be using a yellow colour corrector,or a certain shade of blush.

Final tip: If you are not happy with your make up,DO say so! A make up artist will have created a look following a consultation with you.If you dont like a colour,say so,and it can be adjusted. If you are not used to wearing make up,and it feels unnatural...SAY SO! You should wear it for a while to get used to the feeling of make up on your skin,but if you are not comfortable,call your artist,and say so.She will then be able to adjust products for your wedding day,or offer a second trial.

Ok,so here are my current top products.I do not endorse any product,but simply pass on what i have found to work over the years.As with any product,you need to take your own personal skin type/allergies into account.

Elemis skincare

This truly works.I use Pro collagen marine cream(available online) and skin bliss.If you can afford it,go for Liquid Radiance.Brilliant!

This section is updated regularly.Check back to see my other finds!