Tips for blushing bridesIf you're a liner girl, you'll want the full monty for your big day. It is a vital part of formal make-up these days, but such a tricky one to get right (mea culpa). I wasn't intimidated by Stila's new "small wonder" Liquid Eye Liner (€20), which is a petit tube with a felt-tipped marker feel, making it easy to control and apply with accuracy. Stays put all day, too.
Back to base
Your base is all-important on your wedding day, as a good primer will keep make-up in place until the last dance. Chanel's Le Blanc de Chanel Sheer Illuminating Base (€35) gives an inner glow when used as a base or mixed with foundation. If you're feeling less than fresh on the day, dot a little underneath eyes and at the corner of your lips for a soft-focus effect.
Lasting eye appealYour mascara should give extraordinary length and volume - and not budge, smudge, smear or flake for 15 hours. If that sounds like your wish list for the perfect bridal lashwear, it's straight to the Estée Lauder counter for you. It is expanding its Double Wear range to include Zero-Smudge Lengthening Mascara. Available in black and brown (€23).
Good foundationThe trick here is to use a heavy-duty foundation that does the business, but gives an ethereal finish. One of Lancôme's bestsellers has been improved, to give an even, light-reflecting finish. Photogenic Luminesse (€35) claims to deliver continuous hydration (plus SPF15), lasts for up to 14 hours and feels like a silky moisturiser.
All in oneTwo sets worth considering are Benefit's Pink to Please a Woman, Gold to Get the Guy! I know that's a long-winded name, but this fun palette contains three beautifully subtle eye pastels and lip stains that would make for a fairytale bridal look (€29). A lovely gift idea is the Bobbi Brown Bridal Kit (€75), which comes in a sleek white case containing five of her bridal bests.
Top tipsWhen I saw this gorgeously feminine nail lacquer from Sothys, I wanted to be a bride again, so perfect is it for the hand that receives the wedding ring. It is a delicate mixture of pale rose with just the right amount of lustre. Les Ongles in Rose Vinyle (€18.60), 01-2864770 for stockists.