When you are standing before your friends and family making a life-long commitment to your beloved, the last thing you want on your mind is how your makeup is holding up.

But how do you wear long-lasting makeup without it looking overdone? Is it possible to sport a “natural” look that stays with you through the last dance? Yes it is! Here are my bride-tested techniques for flawless, fade-free makeup on your big day.

Skin

• Prep with a foundation primer to provide a smooth surface that allows for foundation to glide on evenly. This will also keep your skin from absorbing makeup.

• Apply an oil-free foundation (unless your skin looks dry). Most weddings take place in warmer months, and if the foundation is too hydrating it will come off much faster.

• Apply a sheer, translucent powder to set foundation. (If using a cream blush, apply before powder.)

Cheeks

• To ensure cheek color stays put, layer a powder blush over a cream blush or cheek stain.

Eyes

• Prep with an eye primer then apply flesh tone eyeshadow from lash line to brow. This will prevent creasing and allow for more pigmented shadows to glide on evenly.

• Line eyes with a waterproof gel liner. When lining lower lash line, gently smudge the liner into lash line, and blend with a clean eyeliner brush.

• Apply waterproof mascara. If you tear up, just blot with a tissue—wiping will cause even waterproof products to smudge.

Lips

• Use lip pencil as a primer. To add dimension, use a pigmented shade, and for an invisible primer, opt for nude. Fill in the entire lip, then top with your favorite lip color or gloss.

Touching up

• To keep your look fresh, all you need is lip color and pressed powder. Touch up your T-zone and any other shiny areas (especially before photos) and apply lip color as needed. After eating or drinking, it is a good idea to use the pressed powder on your nose and lip area to soak up any oils before reapplying lip color.

Favorite products

• Foundation primer: Laura Mercier Foundation Primer, L’Oreal Paris Magic Perfecting Base
• Foundation: Era Face Spray on Foundation, Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk (for dry skin)
• Eye primer: Paula Dorf Eye Primer, Laura Mercier Eye Basics
• Gel eyeliner: M.A.C. Fluidline, Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Liner
• Mascara: Lancome Definicils Waterproof, M.A.C Splashproof
• Lips: Nars Velvet Matt Lip Pencil, L’Oreal Paris Colour Riche Lip Liner
• Powder: Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder, NYC Pressed Translucent Powder

 Do you have any tips for long-lasting beauty on your big day?