Bridal beauty

Every bride wants to be gorgeous on her wedding day, but there's no magic to looking magical. It simply takes knowing what's best in long-wearing makeup, sensible skin care and truly effective hair-care products. – by Shannon McCarthy

Bing Shopping | Concealers & tinted moisturizers

Start with a concealer that’s one or two shades lighter than your skin tone to hide under-eye shadows, discoloration at the inner corners of eyes and redness around the nose. Then, use a tinted moisturizer instead of a heavier foundation for a natural effect that’s less mask and more you.

Bing Shopping | Matte powder eyeshadows

Choose matte powder eye shadows in soft, neutral colors. Anything creamy has a tendency to melt, and bright, sparkly or dramatic hues could appear clownish in photos. One exception: A swipe of muted sparkle just under your brows looks luminous and helps contour your lids beautifully.

Bing Shopping | Waterproof mascaras & liners

Waterproof mascaras and their clever cousins, liquid eyeliner and liner sealer for makeup pencils, are a must -- even if your nuptials are indoors and at night. You'll need that staying power through all your busy bridal duties and sometimes overwhelming emotion. Happy crying is a great thing, but it’s no excuse for smeared mascara.

Bing Shopping | Cheek stains

A cheek stain is the closest thing to water-resistant blush there is, and anything sweat- and tear-proof is a no-brainer for your wedding day. Make sure your face isn’t too dry when you swipe it on, as it blends better with dewy skin. Soften the effect with a matching powder color layered on top.

Bing Shopping | Brow gels

Think of brow gels as the equivalent of those frizz-tamer products for hair. Eyebrows, like hairdos, have a mischievous tendency to stray if they’re not controlled. We’d recommend clear brow taming gels over the colored versions. Just swipe a layer over your favorite brow pencil and you’re done.

Bing Shopping | Facial peels & exfoliators

Indulge in the savings and convenience of at-home facial peels, but don't do anything major within 10 days of your wedding, in case of a bad reaction. If your skin tends to be more sensitive, skip the peels and stick to a regular routine of gentler exfoliating products.

Bing Shopping | Lip exfoliators & balms

Get ready for all that wedding-day smiling, talking and smooching with a targeted treatment made just for the mouth. A specialized exfoliating product keeps lips in kissable condition, especially when followed by a nurturing lip balm full of vitamin E, humectants and sunscreen.

Bing Shopping | Masks

With all the work you’re doing (and yes, planning a wedding is sometimes like taking on a full-time job), don’t forget to de-stress and relax. Step up your pampering masks to once a week. Use clay-based masks if your complexion is oily or a deeply hydrating version if have dry skin.

Bing Shopping | Sunscreens

Be especially vigilant with your skin-care routine in the months before your wedding. This should include gentle cleansing, exfoliation, moisturizing and application of your favorite sunscreen during the day. And don’t forget an SPF application on the big day if you’re trading vows outdoors.

Bing Shopping | Mattifying primers

One of the best skin-care and cosmetic innovations of the past decade or so, primers transform your complexion into a more even canvas for makeup application. Consider dedicated mattifying, or anti-shine, products if your face tends to get slick or if you want to shrink the appearance of pores.