Blushing bridal make-up - fit for a princess!

With Valentine's Day being one of the most popular days to pop the question, many ladies will be faced with the issue of how to create their perfect wedding day look. But come April all eyes will be on the delightful Miss Middleton as she prepares to take the vow and marry her very own Prince Charming!

With the best at her disposal Kate will not disappoint, and is sure to look absolutely breathtaking on her big day.

Of course having a professional make-up artist for your wedding day is a luxury that every bride deserves, but its not for everyone, and some brides will choose to marry abroad.

I am lucky enough to work with many brides throughout the course of the year preparing them for that special moment. Each bride is unique, but the goal is the same - you want to look and feel the best that you possibly can be, and this is a unique opportunity to bring out your natural beauty and to truly shine.

A timeless bridal make-up needs to be subtle and unobtrusive, understated but very pretty. Enhancing your best features and everything that's most beautiful about your face whilst allowing the radiance to shine through. A more polished version of your everyday look. It's a careful balancing act - looking natural without appearing washed out.

If you are calm and confident that come the big day you will have the task in a very 'steady' hand, then here are a few tips that may help you on your way. And perhaps by making just a few subtle make-up changes to your usual routine, you can make a huge difference on your wedding day.

You may not be able to control the weather, but you can certainly steel the limelight - heres how!

Primer - An illuminating base can be used under sheer foundation or tinted moisturiser. Choose a silicon based primer and apply a small amount all over the face before applying foundation, concealer and a very little loose powder to set the base.

Primer : Yves Saint Laurent top secret Flash Radiance Skincare Brush: With a single brush stroke, it instantly reduces the look of enlarged pores, refines the skin's texture and wipes away signs of stress and fatigue. No wonder Top Secrets is the the darling of many a super model and makeup artist . www.debenhams.com £36.00

Foundation - Do not use a foundation that has an SPF in it on your wedding day, this does not work well in flash photography. If you require good coverage then a silicon based foundation will last longer than an oil based formula and there will be no need to touch it up.

Foundation: Bobby Brown Luminous Moisturising Foundation is a super-moisturising formula giving the skin a soft, healthy, even-toned glow as it helps reverse the visible signs of ageing. Formulated with a natural collagen boosting, skin firming blend of Hexapeptides and Milk Thistle Extract. Softens fine lines and imperfections. Skin looks and feels refreshed, renewed and beautifully luminous. www.bobbibrown.co.uk £29:00.

Eyeshadow - There are no set rules for bridal make-up colours, it is simply what works best for you. Avoid hard, harsh colours as these can be unflattering in photos. Choose softer shades of browns, purples, pinks and pastels and even lilac to open up your eyes.

Eyeshadow : Bobbie Brown - Pretty Face Palette. Healthy, natural makeup doesn't mean nude or washed out and with these four beautifully wearable soft pinks and browns for eyes, this versatile palette lets you go anywhere from almost bare to glam and smoky, with a romantic edge. www.bobbibrown.co.uk £42:00
Eyeliner - Always frame the outer corners of your eyes with a soft eyeliner by using a gel, pencil or even damp eye shadow powder but stay away from liquid liners. Apply it very close to the upper lash line, this will make your eyelashes look naturally thicker but remember to always smudge and blend to soften.

Eye Liner: Laura Mercier Eye Liner. Line and define your eyes Long-wearing and smudge-resistant, the liner adds brightness and life to the eyes. www.johnlewis.com £18.

Mascara - For instant eye lift, use eyelash curlers on clean, dry eyelashes. Add a couple of coats of a waterproof black or brown mascara and finish the eyes by adding a few single faux lashes to the outer edges. This will add a touch of romanticism and glamour, but no one will quite be able to put their finger on why.

Mascara - Smashbox Bionic Mascara Black Bionic is the first ionic mascara for longer, stronger and more voluminous super-power lashes! The specially engineered no-clump brush gently coats lashes with our revolutionary long-wearing, water-resistant formula for a high impact lash in just one sweep. www.salonskincare.co.uk £16:00

Cheeks - You will be bathed in white on your big day so remember to enhance your cheeks a tad more than usual. Opt for a silicon based cheek blush, in a soft pink or peach shade, apply to the apples of the cheeks being mindful that you want to lift the face, so keep the focus high.

Cheeks: Clinique -Blushwear Cream Stick is a convenient touch-on, stay-on, cream-to-powder cheekcolour. Glides over the skin with fingertip control. Blends easily. Blush stays see-through while it builds in colour. Transfer- and water-resistant. www.clinique.co.uk £19.00

Lips - keep those lips looking and feeling luscious all day by applying a moisturising lipstick in a shade that is slightly warmer but deeper than your natural lip colour. Choose a formulation that is sheer but has a slight shimmer to it. This will last longer and will be easy to reapply when needed. Many brides experience a dry mouth just before the ceremony, so keep that pout moist!

Lips: Cristian Dior Addict High Shine - Spectacular Shine Translucent Lipcolor Dior has created the first lipsticks as shiny as those seen on the runway! A a jellified texture that melts instantly on the lips, spectacular, long-lasting, ultra-vibrant shine Your lips are transformed. www.debenhams.com £19.00

Tip!

Use products that are long-lasting and formulations that work in daylight, artificial light and flash photography. Good eyebrows can really change the whole face and I would recommend having these professionally done.