IT is your wedding day and you want everything to look perfect, your gown accessories, hair and make up. Your make up is an important part of your overall look, it should therefore, enhance you and not make you look like a masquerade. Since you will be photographed and videotaped, the camera lights are a specific concern because they tend to make the skin look paler and shinier than it really is, so your make-up should compensate for this. Here are some tips on how to apply make up on your D-day.

•Use an oil-free foundation that is as close to your own skin tone as possible. Test by applying a bit to the jaw area, then, look outside in natural sunlight to see if the colour blends in. Foundation coverage ranges from sheer to heavy; buy according to how even- toned your bare skin is.

•Undereye concealer covers undereye circles, blemishes, etc,so,make sure it is a shade lighter than your foundation.

* Set your foundation with a loose translucent powder. Then, have an oil-free pressed powder compact with you for touching up a shiny nose, forehead, etc.

•When it comes to your eyes, note that you can never go wrong with soft earth-tone eye shadows. Use a light, off-white shade to highlight the browbone, and perhaps a peach on the lid. Blend well and stay away from frosted eyeshadows as they do not always photograph well Rather, use a black, waterproof mascara on the top lashes, and a waterproof pencil to line the top lid. Try navy, charcoal, or dark brown for lining. If needed, fill in the brows with pencil or powder in a shade that is lighter than the hair (it blends in easier). Be careful not to over-do the brows.

•Blush lightly with a powder or creme blush blended into the apple of the cheeks. Just smile, you cannot miss them!

•Lipstick should not be too dark or bright, but should be in the same colour family as the blush,whether rosy or peachy. Stay away from drab browns because they are too dull for your white gown. For lip colour that lasts, try a lip pencil in a matching shade, fill in the lips, then apply lipstick over it. You can also find "indelible" lipsticks that stay on and on but make sure you really like the colour before applying it! Finish with a drop of lip gloss in the center of the bottom lip for added fullness and shine.

Your lipstick and pressed powder are the two items you will want to have with you for the day. Remember to occasionally check for shine on the skin or faded lipstick, especially when you know that photos are about to be taken.

If you feel uncertain over how to apply your make up, or just want to be pampered on your special day, you may want to hire a professional make up artist. You can find one on the internet, in the phone book, a favourite cosmetic counter, newspaper, or ask a friend whose wedding make up you admired. Whether you apply the make up yourself or not, if done with care, you will look and feel wonderful. The mementos of the day your photos, will reflect the beautiful, radiant bride you have always dreamed of being.