Makeup. Hiring a special makeup artist to create your dream look on your big day is crucial. So who are you going to call? An expert who understands how you want to look: in a word fabulous, with model lips and a sheer, glowing complexion; a specialist in the art of makeup for photography.

Shimmer: In person, that softly shimmering shadow on your brow bone and swept over your cheeks looks lovely, right? So how come on film you look like a drag queen? It's simple, really. The soft glimmer is reflected and magnified on film, often too-too dramatically. Save the shiny stuff for a balmy summer dinner at the beach; for your wedding, stick with sheer or classic mattes in neutral tones.

Shine: Question: What's the difference between a dewy complexion and a greasy complexion? Answer: The kind of foundation you use. We recommend oil-free or water-based foundations and well-blended cream blushes. Anything else is likely to translate as shiny on film. Same goes for high-gloss lipstick. Not only is it easily kissed away, it's also too trendy and too sexy for a wedding day. Find a matte in a soft rose, fresh pink or natural nude.

Contour: Play up that bone structure with a quickie lesson in contouring. Choose a foundation one shade darker than your skin tone and use it to structure and shade your face. It's easy -- just be sure to blend, blend, blend.
For cheeks, blend your contour color underneath your cheekbone, sweeping up to the jaw. For eyes, sweep your contour color in the crease of your eye to make it appear larger. For nose, shade your contour color along both sides of your nose to enhance its shape.

Colors: Because you'll be looking at that album for the rest of your life, we suggest you choose neutral, fresh colors - at least for your pictures. Stick with sables, peaches, soft roses and creams while you're taking photos. Keep eyeliner to a minimum (and use subtle-shaded powder only, please).

Lashes: Add two or three individual false lashes to the outer edges of your upper lids. They look GREAT on film and in person.

Black and White or Color: We know, we know. We've heard it too. There are experts that maintain your makeup has to be one way for color photos and another for black and white. Well, that's not going to happen. So, when you're figuring out your makeup, plan for color photography. You walk around in color, chances are most of your pictures will be in color, and what looks great on brides in color, looks great on brides in black and white, too. Sure, dark red lipstick looks black in black and white film, but you're not going to be wearing dark red lipstick. Right?

Making It Last: For your wedding day, your makeup is applied in layers to make it last longer. And while layering and blending are at the core of a long-lasting look, water-based and matte products help, too.

Trendy Looks: We know you're out there -- you brides who find shimmery body powder, blood-red lips, hi-gloss lipstick, and dark eyeliner simply impossible to resist. We understand. Just promise us you'll wait until the reception to punch up the soft and subtle look you used for the film and the ceremony. The important thing to remember is: All things trendy must stay far away from the camera. The timeless look is always where it's at for brides-on-camera.