When you are planning your big day, there is so much to figure out on your own. The last thing you are probably thinking about is choosing your makeup look--unless you are a makeup fanatic. Many friends or family members may have advice to give, but it truly is best to discuss what works for you (and won't make you regret your choice down the road) with a professional.

Makeup styles that are in fashion constantly change. This can happen so quickly, in fact, that a look "in" during your bridal preview may be "out" by the time your wedding rolls around. This is why I always suggest a bride do something a bit more classic. You don't have to be plain Jane conservative (especially if that's just not you), but I don't think you want to look at your wedding album in 20 years and wonder, "why did anyone let me dress/style/hair/makeup like that!?". I think this is a big reason brides are now opting for classic or vintage styles more so than ever--something timeless and beautiful no matter what decade we are in.

My top 3 bridal recommendations:

1. IT'S ALL ABOUT YOUR SKIN.

Aside from your eye and lip looks, make sure your makeup artist can make your skin look flawless on camera. Skin is the base of your face and therefore must look as close to perfect as possible. As artists, we cannot physically change your skin texture. We can, however, create that illusion with our photo-friendly products and technique knowledge. You are paying a lot of money for your photos that you will keep for the rest of your life. These expensive photos will be what you reference visually to remember this once in a lifetime event--YOUR once in a lifetime event. Make sure you are confident in the fact that you look the best you have ever looked.

2. THE FLAWLESS, GLAM FACE.

A classic neutral, light "naked" eye, but still with some definition by adding a thin (or thick if you want to add a bit of drama) winged eyeliner. This can pair with any lip color suitable to you skin, style, and wedding details. You could also skip the wing and have an artist lightly press color into the lash line for definition for something very natural but camera-ready. I would add a touch of color to the lip but avoid reds due to possibility of smearing, getting on your teeth, having to touch up, etc.

3. EYES TO DIE FOR.

A very light smokey eye. Read: I don't mean dark all over your lid--unless that's what you desire. A soft, light smokey eye gradient will help to define your eyes and create shadows and shape, and to round or elongate them if needed. This look can be very versatile and can range from light neutrals to dark depending on the bride, time of day, and amount of definition she desires.

Key looks to stay away from:

1. RED OR DARK LIPS

Unless this is a style you commonly wear and are prepared to handle the maintenance on this type of look, avoid it. You don't want all your beautiful, expensive pictures to showcase that lipstick on your teeth or faded lipstick after you ate and drank all day/night long.

2. OVER THE TOP LASHES or BROWS

If they look like caterpillars, they're probably too much and will be out of style in 2 months....or were they ever in style?

3. ANYTHING THAT SEEMS LESS THAN STUNNINGLY BEAUTIFUL

This is your big day. It's the way you feel that matters the most. Don't let someone else convince you to do a look you aren't happy with.

Happy planning,

Farah xo