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Everything you need to know for nailing perfect DIY wedding make-up courtesy of pro make-up artists.

If the thought of a full hair and make-up team hovering around you whilst you wait to begin the best/most stressful day of your life is enough to tip you over the edge, then doing your own wedding make-up could be the solution.

The pros? Lose the entourage and embrace a more chilled behind-the-scenes vibe where you can take control of creating a make-up look you feel comfortable in.

The cons? It's easy to get the whole thing a bit wrong. And when those wedding photos last forever (no pressure), you want to look your most beautiful, and that means good make-up.

Read on for how to do your own wedding make-up according to three pro make-up artists who reveal the tips, tricks and definitely-don't-dos for how to look like a bridal goddess (and save a couple of bucks in the process)...

But also consider your style and the look you like to achieve regularly. On the day you should still feel like yourself but pump it up because it's a special day and there will be a lot of photos taken.

You can learn almost anything from Youtube, but a one-on-one tutorial with a professional make-up artist is a worthy investment for your wedding, especially if you're new to make-up.

'A session with a pro-artist is customised just for you only,' says Joy Adenuga, who's blessed countless brides with the gift of glowing skin. 'Plus, the lessons and tips picked up can be applied even after the wedding.'

She recommends booking in at least six weeks to three months in advance. 'I used to advice six months but discovered brides may have a change of mind, so I prefer doing it closer to the wedding when a lot of decisions have been finalised.'

'You don't have to buy all new make-up for your wedding, in fact using what you already own or practicing a few times with new make-up can be a much better way to feel confident and familiar with the look you're achieving,' says pro make-up artist and bridal make-up expert, Hannah Martin. 'If you're happy with the make-up you use already, why not invest in a new set of brushes to elevate your make-up to a more professional finish.'

A-list make-up artist Florrie White agrees. 'Stick to being your true self, just enhance your natural beauty with soft touches and define your features so that they stand up to the camera while also making you glow,' advices White, who's a big fan of using Sisley's Stylo Lumiere to perk up the eyes.

Hannah Martin's Top Tip: Pack a separate smaller make-up bag that contains just the products you need for your wedding make-up look. That way you won't be tempted to use anything you don't actually need.

Stay away from black shadows and anything that can look too heavy in photos. Also consider your wedding location - a more natural make-up look might suit a beach wedding better. Focus on brightening and opening up your eyes, sculpting your face with highlighters and go for rose or nude lips. 'Pairing a smokey eye with a nude lip can look old fashioned and wash you out, instead opt for a lipstick with a blue-toned pink to lift the whole look,' advises Martin.

Hannah Martin's Top Tip: Bring a decent sized mirror with you - the room you get ready in might not provide one and there's nothing worse than peering into a tiny mirror giving yourself neck ache.

Especially for brides that don't usually wear a lot of make-up. This is the best way to figure out what you want and to avoid stress on the big day. 'There's so much going on on the actual day that it's easy to lose track of time and get distracted and end up using that liquid liner you haven't touched in years,' advises Martin.

Do the trial at least a month before the wedding and take lots of photos in different light so you can review them later and decide if you want to make any changes.

Caroline Barnes' Top Tip: Wear a white dressing gown or t-shirt for your make-up trial to mimic the colouring of your dress on the day (if you're wearing white, that is!).

If you're having an outdoor wedding be sure to take photos outside so you can see how the natural light affects your make-up application.

The best way to avoid getting flustered is to take your time. If you're doing your make-up yourself, practice the look a few times before your wedding day.

Trish McEvoy's Top Tip: I always start my make-up applications with eyes first so if there's any mistakes or eyeshadow fall out, it's easy to correct without disturbing the rest of your make-up.

Do your hair first so it can set while you apply your make-up. Remember, when you're putting on your beautiful wedding dress, cover your face carefully so as not to stain the dress!

The most common pitfall for brides doing their own wedding make-up is not blending enough! When you think you've blended, blend some more!

'I prep most of my brides with MAC Face & Body - you can barely see it.'

'I'll use a higher coverage foundation on top but only on the areas that need it, I call it spot perfecting.'

'Any silica-based primer will work, my favourite is Hourglass Veil.'

'Loose powders are so finely milled now that they look invisible on your skin. By Terry's is full of hydrating hyaluronic acid so it doesn't dry your skin but does set your make-up.'

‘Give your bridesmaid a pack of blotting papers to keep in her bag so you can remove any shine throughout the day.’

‘I recently did my friend’s make-up and gave her really soft oyster pink eyes with a bit of sparkle which looked so lovely and modern.’

'I'm obsessed with the Nikki Wolff x Sweed Lashes cluster eyelashes. You can do a simple eye with some delicate lashes and you'll look exceptional.'

'Warm a balm or cream highlighter with your fingers before tapping onto your cheekbones for a healthy glow.'

To avoid layering too many products on your skin, which can make your make-up slip off, use a lightweight moisturiser with a primer built in. Give your skincare a minute to absorb before applying your make-up.

'The secret to making your make-up last all day isn't necessarily a magic primer but if your skin does tend towards oily, then an oil-controlling primer can help,' explains Martin. 'But don't use this if your skin tends to be dry or dehydrated because it'll feel tight. Either way, you want to avoid a silicone-based primer as it'll create a barrier between your skin and your make-up and you want your make-up to blend into your skin, not sit on top of it.'

Loaded with humectants hyaluronic acid and glycerin, this recent launch from MAC is a hero for skin that tends to look dry by lunchtime. The viscous cream texture works brilliantly to prep skin for a layer of foundation, smoothing pores and lines while helping to ‘grip’ your base products. Try it over the brand’s Face + Body Foundation for a low-coverage, supremely dewy complexion.

Kjaer Weis’ rich and creamy primer contains ethically sourced mica pigments to lend the skin a pearly sheen. The effect is undeniably beautiful: think skin that gleams without obvious glitter. Wear it alone on low-key days, or slip it beneath a light foundation for extended staying power.

Clé de Peau’s sublime primer will keep dry and flaky patches at bay from morning to night. The lightweight milk might sink in seamlessly, but it’ll be working hard to keep your skin super-hydrated for hours on end. Try the brand’s equally good Radiant Fluid Foundation on top.

This is the one to choose if you're hoping to brighten skin all-over. The peachy tint works to even out sallow areas and make you look ultra-rested, even without a foundation on the top. Extra points for the broad-spectrum SPF 35, too.

Another newcomer to have slipped straight into our kits, Refy’s Glow and Sculpt Face Primer is one to try. More skincare than make-up, the pigment-free serum contains glycerin, niacinamide and camellia oil to hydrate and balance the skin barrier, and leaves behind a transparent, shimmer-free base that’ll grip your foundation for hours. We’re approaching the ‘sculpting’ promises with a firm side-eye, but the dewy effect this one delivers is not up for debate.

A true classic, Le Blanc De Chanel sits somewhere in-between a skin illuminator and a primer. The pearlescent fluid instantly boosts skin radiance and can be used all over the face before a foundation, or simply to spotlight the highest points of your cheekbones. It does contain powders, so isn’t for anyone seeking a super-dewy result, but the radiance it delivers is outstanding.

A lot of ‘blurring’ primers tend to highlight dryness and flaking patches, but Tatcha’s Liquid Silk Canvas is the perfect middle ground. It’s silicone-based, so does a great job of masking enlarged pores and lines, yet is balanced out with hydrating ingredients that’ll keep a thirsty complexion satisfied. For days when you want your make-up to really go the distance, head here.

This under-the-radar gem has us seriously impressed. RMS’ milky gel primer makes skin feel mega-hydrated (thanks to the squalane and hyaluronic acid inside) yet isn’t so emollient that your foundation slips and slides around on top. A brilliant add-in for full-face days, it seems to disguise fine lines and texture while making skin feel drenched in moisture, taking a liquid foundation from flat to flawless in one swift step.

Laura Mercier is known for its stellar primers, and this is the most hydration-focused member of the family. The humectant glycerin base locks water into the skin, stopping your foundation from drying out and amping up the dewiness tenfold.

For a gleam that shows through your foundation, it has to be Charlotte Tilbury’s multi-use Hollywood Flawless Filter. A highlighter / primer hybrid, this pigmented formula lights up dull, dry skin, and looks great either worn solo or beneath a liquid base. Try swiping it over your cheekbones as the final step in your routine for a little extra impact.

Our love for Glossier’s most misunderstood product knows no bounds. Futurdew is billed as an ‘oil-serum’ hybrid which, honestly, is helping no-one to understand exactly what it does.

Trust us: the best way to employ this dewy wonder product is by smoothing a very light layer beneath foundation: the result is that elusive mega-moisturised effect that you usually only get after a lengthy facial.

A make-up and skincare hybrid, this luxe formula was created with the help of Augustinus Bader, the man behind one of Victoria Beckham's favourite skincare brands. It works as both your moisturiser and illuminator, and contains Bader's lauded TFC8 nutrient cocktail to plump and regenerate in the long term.

Both shades look beautiful on all skin tones: Original is an iridescent pearl, while Golden is a skin-warming bronze.

This bouncy jelly primer feels so cooling and quenching on eternally thirsty skin. It's water-based and completely clear, so a good one for layering under a glowy foundation, and puts a complete stop to those caky patches that develop throughout the day.

When it originally launched, Fenty Beauty was firmly focused on creating a matte complexion, so the dry-skinned among us rejoiced when this hydrating powerhouse joined the line-up

A tall glass of water for dehydrated skin, it feels deliciously cooling and will make your foundation apply flawlessly.

Luminous Silk is a holy-grail base for many, and we can confirm the corresponding primer is every bit as impressive.

This milky formula leaves behind a natural-looking sheen that appears almost pearlescent, and works beautifully beneath the aforementioned foundation.

This primer eradicates any signs of tiredness (dark circles, be gone!) whilst providing skin with a gentle sun-kissed glow. Trust it to relieve any uncomfortable dryness while making a heavy foundation feel lighter and fresher.

When selecting a foundation it's important to work with your skin type instead of against it.

If you have oily skin - Avoid foundations boasting an illuminating finish. Go for a satin or demi-matte instead.

If you have dry skin - Avoid an overly matte formula. A silky matte finish will hold up all day and photograph beautifully.

'It's a myth that wedding make-up has to mean full coverage heavy matte foundation,' says Martin. 'If a bride has good skin and doesn't need much coverage, I won't use it. I like to prep skin with a sheer foundation and then use a higher coverage foundation on top, only on the areas that need it.'

Try to use a foundation without an SPF as any camera flashes will reflect off the SPF creating a chalky look in photos. This is not a myth!

If you plan on spray tanning for your big day, go a few days ahead of time and get your foundation matched a day after to avoid your face looking paler than your body.

Powder is always a good idea, but approach with a light hand. Use a finely milled translucent formula, it will help set the make-up and blur the look of fine lines and pores without adding any weight.

'You need to be really careful with setting sprays because, depending on the formulation, a lot of them are hydrators, which is not what we want,' says Martin. 'In fact, it's going to do the opposite to setting your make-up - it'll add glow and refresh skin that's looking too matte but it won't help your make-up stay in place. You're better off with a loose powder on a small to medium brush pressed into your skin where you need it - around the nose, top of eyebrows etc - to lock in your base.'

If you're on the drier side, blotting papers are a great idea, according to Adenuga. It'll take away the shine without making the skin appear cakey.

Caroline Barnes' Top Tip: Use a powder puff to apply a light veil of powder and really push it in.

When you get your hands on a setting powder from the Mother of make-up you know it's going to be a good one. With decades of backstage make-up experience under her belt, McGrath knows a thing or two about keeping make-up matte in the heat.

Dry skin sufferers rejoice! This hyaluronic acid-infused setting powder helps to mattify without sapping any moisture from your skin.

Totally translucent and enriched with La Mer's signature Miracle Broth, this is the setting powder that's good to your skin and your foundation.

Leave the faff at home and not your powder brush with Chantecaille's genius 2-in-1 setting powder. Simply sweep on and go.

Winning the award for the boujiest packaging ever, Gucci's new vintage-inspired setting powder has us feeling all old Hollywood glamour.

A firm favourite of ELLE Beauty Assistant, Charlotte Bitmead, Fenty Beauty's setting powder gives a flawless matte finish that says 'Instagram selfie come get me!'.

ELLE Beauty Editor Jennifer George's go-to setting powder, it Cosmetics' Bye Bye Pores does what it says on the tin, smoothing over any visible pores for a flawless (and grease-free) finish.

This genius loose powder helps set make-up, blur pores and absorb any unwanted shine. The best bit? It's available in eight shades (all with delicious cake-themed names) so it looks epic on all skin tones.

Sometimes a pressed powder is the on-the-go shine saver you need. Charlotte Tilbury's seriously fine-milled powder absorbs any excess oil and blurs imperfections without getting caught in your face fuzz.

Infused with light-reflecting particles, this ultra refined setting powder blends seamlessly with your foundation to set any wayward concealer and mattify oily patches.

If white powders tend to come up chalky on your skin tone, opt for a universal yellow shade instead. Bobbi Brown's mineral-based powder works a treat swept over foundation or bare skin.

The most cryptically-named setting powder of the edit, RMS' Un Powder thankfully still does the job. Free from Talc, Silicone, Parabens and perfume, this is the ultimate setting powder for those with sensitive skin.

Iconic for a reason, the secret to using Laura Mercier's translucent powder is all in the application. Instead of dabbing, take the powder puff, fold it in half (so it resembles a taco) and roll the powder onto your skin. It'll set your make-up in seconds.

You get the most natural finish with a cream blusher and can always layer with a powder for deeper pigment and the longest wear, but the right blusher also depends on your skin type.

If you have dry skin - You definitely want a cream.

If you have oily skin - Opt for powder.

Blusher should always be placed on the high apple of the cheek (the fullest part when you smile) and never too close to the nose to avoid looking flushed.

Rose Huntington-Whiteley really did her research before moving her beauty universe, Rose Inc, into the product space. Her stand-out product, Blush Divine, was tested and re-tested on members of the supermodel’s beauty community, ensuring the texture, shade range and performance were exactly right. The result is a creamy yet pigmented cream blush that looks spectacular on both cheeks and lips, imparting cool-toned colour that awakens skin without looking overly ‘done’. Believe the hype.

We know you know Glossier Cloud Paint. This creamy cheek colour – now available in a spectrum of eight shades – remains unbeaten when it comes to flattering hues and a soft, diffused finish. We’re crowning it the perfect gateway blush.

Trinny London's loyal fans love these blush pots for their practicality as well as their perfectly natural hues. Simply swipe and dab over the high points of your cheeks for a flush that says 'walk in the park' not 'extreme spinning'.

Liquid blush can be tricky to perfect: too watery and you’ve got an application nightmare on your hands.

From Milk Makeup's skin-kind Bionic collection, this one strikes the perfect balance, delivering dewy colour with true staying power. It can be simply tapped on with fingers and doesn’t dry instantly, so you’ve got time to perfect your placement and really blur out those edges.

The warming shades are heavily pigmented, so go lightly: a tiny drop on each cheek is likely ample. You can always add more, but correcting heavy application is a harder task.

Hourglass’ Ambient Lighting Blush is perhaps the most popular of them all – and for good reason. The now-iconic powder brought blush back from the brink of extinction, offering skin-brightening, pore-masking benefits with a hint of colour.

The shade range runs from cool-toned mauves to perky peaches and some sublime deeper pinks, so there’s bound to be one that suits. It's a bridal make-up artist favourite for a reason.

Gucci Westman is the make-up artist behind many a seamless red-carpet look, so it should come as no surprise to hear her blush sticks are some of the most flattering around. Baby Cheeks is buttery and more luminous than most, meaning you’ll forget all about highlighter.

Rituel de Fille is a brand known for creating otherwordly colours that feel different yet entirely flattering. A real hidden gem, these multi-use pigment balms are designed to light up your eyes, cheeks and lips with a translucent but impactful glow. Dab and blend with your ring finger for creamy colour that doesn't smear or smudge.

You likely know the NARS line-up for its inexplicably horny product names, but the likes of Aroused and Deep Throat are also some of the best blushes around.

The finely milled powders are ultra-light and a cinch to blend, carving out cheekbones without ever looking muddy or heavy.

Looking for a place to start? Everyone from Emma Stone to Meghan Markle loves the classic shimmering-peach Orgasm, while Naomi Campbell has reportedly worn Taj Mahal for years.

Nudestix’s blush sticks impart completely matte colour without a trace of shimmer, but that’s not to say they can't brighten a tired complexion beautifully. Bondi Bae is the famous just–been-on-holiday shade, while Teracotta Tan looks spectacular on deeper skin tones. They’re multi-use, so try swiping over lids and lips as an easy way to master the monochrome trend. There’s even a handy built-in brush for seamless blending.

Mac knows exactly how to do shimmer right, and these Sheertone blushes strike just the right balance of glitter and glow. The iridescent particles bounce the light back out from your face, creating super-luminous skin that shines from day to night.

'99.9% of the time these days I'll use a cream highlighter for bridal make-up,' says Martin. 'Powders can look very metallic and they're easy to overdo - once it's on, there's not much coming back, with cream you have a bit more control.

'Warm it up on the back of your hand or on your fingers and then lightly pat on the tops of your cheekbones - you'll get the most beautiful lit from within look.

Florrie White's Top Contour Tip: Follow the natural architecture of your face. Suck in your cheeks to see where you need to apply more of a shadow for a sculpted result. Follow the hollow from your mouth to your hairline when blend only using upwards sweeping movements instead of swishing back and forth. Then apply on the outer edges of the forehead and under the jawline.

Your eyebrows should look naturally full and well-shaped. Use a precision pencil to fill in areas of sparseness with small, hair-like strokes. Finish them with a brow gel to fix them in place and create the look of a flattering full brow.

'The secret is to not overdo it,' advises Martin. 'Step back and make sure you pencil them in while using a larger mirror, rather than a small close up one. It's much easier to sense the balance of your make-up when you can see your whole face. Brush up your brows so you can see their natural shape and lightly fill in using a colour that isn't too intense.'

Benefit Precisely, My Brow Pencil - £22.50

The super-fine nib on this pencil allows you to sketch on life-like hairs with ease. It comes in 12 shades too, so you won't end up with two-toned brows.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze - £24

If you want the effects of brow lamination but without the whole process (and cost) then this is the one for you. With a few quick swipes of this on a spooly, your brows will stay put all.day.long. Unlike other clear gels, this leaves no visible flakiness either.

BBB London Brow Build Gel - £20

There are many brow gels to choose from, but this one just does a little bit more that most. Heftily pigmented, it adds instant thickness as the formula grips to the hairs, and holds even the heaviest of hairs to attention.

e.l.f. Ultra Precise Brow Pencil - £6

Proving that budget buys can be just as brilliant as their swankier counterparts, this brow pencil fills, defined and lasts as well as the best of them. Unlike many other bargain versions, it comes with a spooly end too.

bareMinerals Strength & Length Serum-Infused Tinted Brow Gel - £18

Strengthening peptides and growth-inducing Red Clover Flower extract boost this brow gel, meaning not only will you brows look instantly filled and defined, but over time they'll grow thicker and fuller too.

Glossier Boy Brow - £14

The one step genius eyebrow product that gives you instantly thicker, brushier brows a la Glossier models in under 60 seconds.

Bobbi Brown Brow Kit - £38

An oldie but a goodie, the powders (available in 3 shade combinations) are easy to apply without the dreaded fall-out. Good for a natural, soft brow.

MAC Shape & Shade Brow Tint - £19.50

If the idea of painting on pomade or dealing with a powder formula terrifies you, this fail-safe pen might be a good option. The felt-tip like nib allows you to flick little hair-like lines in, applying a bit more pressure when you want a more intense finish.

Lancôme Sourcils Eye Brow Gel Cream - £18

We're not saying you should do your brows before you hit the beach, gym or club. But if you want to, and don't want the colour running down your face, this hard-wearing, water-proof formula is perfect.

Fenty Brow MVP - £17

Brow shades aren't just a case of blond, brown, red or black, so sometimes it's tricky to find that perfect match. Enter Rihanna, and her 14 shades, from ashy blond to deep black.

Hourglass Arch Brow Micro Sculpting Pencil - £27

The teeny-tiny nib of this pencil gives hair-thin strokes, so the result is a natural, fluffy effect. Use a light hand and simply set with a clear gel.

Maybelline Tattoo Brow Easy Peel Off Tint - £12.99

An at-home tint of sorts, this will add colour and shape to your brows for up to 3 days. It's super simple to use, and the results aren't at all as scary as the word 'tattoo' implies.

Anastasia Beverley Hills Dipbrow Pomade - £19

A cult product, this hard-wearing pomade is creamy and buildable. A tip from the founder herself is that eyebrows should always be filled in ombre. 'Start by filing the brow from the highest arch point to the outer brow tip' says Anastasia Soare, 'and then with less pressure and product, lightly fill in the inner part of the brow.'

Soap Brows Kit - £12.50

Soap? For your brows? You better believe it. If feathery, Insta-worthy boy brows are your goal, then one swipe of this will give you natural-looking brows that stay put for hours on end.

'Again, don't overdo it, you want people to see your actual eyes,' advises Martin. 'Go for a slightly warmer eyeshadow shade than your natural skin tone and apply in the crease of your eyes to help define.'

Use a gel eye liner and tubing mascara so that your eye make-up is totally tear proof.

'When it comes to lashes, I love an infill but it can go wrong if you're not used to having them done. Sweed do amazing natural looking false lashes that are ideal if you want something less permanent.'

Trish McEvoy's Top Tip: I also love liquid lipsticks - they last all the way from the 'I do's to the champagne toasts!

Nude, rose and pink toned lips look great on brides, although if you're a fan of bolder hues, there's no reason to shy away from them on your wedding. A long wear lip liner will keep everything in place during the big kiss.