Most brides prefer to employ the talents of a professional MUA for their big day, and with very good reason. But there are occasions where you might need to do your own makeup, especially with all the events that go with their main day - from the engagement or hen party, or the registry office ceremony, rehearsal dinner and day two.

Of course you might also be having a small, or laidback wedding at home or abroad, and would prefer to do your own makeup in such a way that it wows and it lasts. Whatever your reasons, we've rounded up the best tips and tricks to help you get your DIY glam on.

Image by Dasha Caffrey via One Fab Day

1. Do Your Research

Be prepared to do some legwork if you plan to amp up your own makeup. You are most likely on a skincare journey ahead of the wedding, so you have the best glow possible, and makeup should enhance it. Choosing the right foundation is a big step - the best way is to visit a counter for advice. You need to discuss everything from the makeup's suitability for your skin type, the shade and its durability for the celebration you have in mind. Some counters offer a trial vial for you to practice with at home before you buy - take it!

Tips for Choosing a Foundation:

• Book an appointment to have your foundation matched to your skin and needs.
• Bring your regular foundation, so the MUA knows what shade you like to wear.
• If using self-tan, make sure to get matched correctly.
• Ask to be colour-matched with concealer as well as foundation so they work together.
• Get the MUA to recommend a face powder shade to keep shine at bay.

Image by Dasha Caffrey via One Fab Day

2. Consider the Theme & Venue

Whatever your makeup skills, your chosen look should work with the style of the occasion. Casual, chic brunchrequires a more minimal look, but a formal dinner will be more elegant. If it's a registry office makeup you need, wear something sophisticated with a daring lipstick for fun. And if it's a hen party somewhere sunny, sunkissed skin, great lashes and muted face colours always work perfectly. In this stage of planning, it's always helpful to pin images on Pinterest or start a vision board for how your dream look should be.

Tip: If you are planning to do your own makeup and you have a bridal party, get together to discuss the look. Three or four different lip colours might be jarring, so try to settle on a couple of common makeup themes for uniformity.

Image by Katie Kav via One Fab Day

3. Book Mini-Trials & Virtual Appointments

There are so many great counters that offer mini-trials and consultations to help you bring your makeup look together. Perhaps you need a brow makeover or tips on sculpting correctly, there are usually free of charge against product purchase. It's best to book at your chosen counter so you have the undivided attention of the MUA. Some stores like Brown Thomas and Arnotts have Beauty Stylists that can put your look together for you with recommendations from across the beauty halls. Even for skilled beauty fans, this is always a very informative and easy way to discover new colours and brands.

Tips for Your Makeup Counter Session:

• Decide where you need guidance and choose your favourite brand and store.
• Take notes. MUAs are full of makeup tips, either jot them down or take a voice note.
• If it feels more comfortable, book a virtual appointment with the brands that offer this service.
• Show the MUA your Pinterest collection or vision board for the look you want.

4. Practice makes Perfect

If you do intend to do your own special occasion makeup, you will need to practice, practice, practice. Last-minute nerves (and a few glasses of bubbly) could undo your confidence. As well as that, once you have bought new makeup, practice will help you know what's working and what's not. By trying on the look you can test out how long that foundation lasts and how it looks in different light and environments.

Tip: When practising your makeup look, time yourself! This will let you know how much time you have to do your makeup when getting ready and you'll even get faster each time. You can also take a picture every time you do it. This will give you an idea of where to make tweaks - a little extra concealer or a softer contour?

Image by Belini via One Fab Day

5. Work in Layers

Part of the reason that your makeup looks and lasts so well when done by a professional is that they prep the skin for makeup perfectly, and they layer products so that they work with each other. While it would be almost impossible to get the finish an MUA would get yourself at home, using working your layers the right way will help.

Here is a quick guide to the order of products to use.

1. After cleansing, use a primer on your skin to make your makeup last longer.
2. Applying concealer before foundation helps to disguise redness, dark circles and more.
3. Buffing your foundation into your skin with a sponge helps it look more even.
4. Set your face base with a light layer of loose face powder.
5. If they need it, define and treat your brows before your eyes, they are your frame.
6. Create the eye look you have been practising and add false lashes if they are a part of your look.
7. Contour, blush and highlight in that order, you are building a dewy and pretty effect.
8. Before applying lipstick and liner dab your lips with a little balm.
9. Always line the lips to lock down your lip colour.
10. Spritz your finished look with setting spray and carry a mini version for top-ups later.

Image by Moat Hill Photography via One Fab Day

6. Think about Touch-Ups

By the time your occasion rolls around you should be well-prepared to do your own makeup. But, don't forget that it might need to stay in place all day and all night, so you will need touch-ups. We have created a detailed list for touching up, but make sure to pack a few essentials in your bridal bag.

These should include blotting papers, lipstick or gloss, a compact powder and maybe a miniature of your favourite fragrance. That way, when you need to top-up you have everything to hand.

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