With the likes of Kate Middleton claiming she mastered her own wedding make up, it makes one think is this a trend we should be adopting? But how can we, as regular non-blue bloods, learn how to master this territory? I am sure our mate Kate has sat in many a chair with the professionals learning all their tips and tricks. Don’t you want some of that?

And especially for your big day, whether it be for yourself or your bridesmaids!

I know that Make up artists can really impact on your budget, and all were not created equal i.e. the big bucks does not always equal quality. How many times have you had your makeup done for a special occasion and felt like a 2 dollar *you-know-what* as you peel yourself out of the makeup chair??

It seems like a great idea in theory – Bridey’s and Bridesmaids doing their own makeup for weddings to be kind to your budget. The problem there is one may be a make up maestro, honing in on enhancing the natural beauty like Gisele Bundchen,  whilst the others fall into the too much of everything Christina Aguilera style category.

Enter one of the country’s most loved celebrity makeup artists, Liz Jones. I have worked with Liz and she is one masterful maestro. She has worked on the beautiful canvases that are Megan Gale, Jennifer Hawkins, Kate Waterhouse, Jesinta Campbell and Montana Cox just to name a few, and she is bringing the power back to the people, one smokey eye at a time.

I sat down with Liz to let you in on her insider tips and tricks, and share with you the mistakes so many Bridey’s make on the day they are wanting to look their absolute best! Whether you are getting your make up done professionally or you want to DIY, Liz gave me some amazing tips for you all!

G: Which looks are the most popular requests for brides (and bridesmaids)?

Liz: A bronze look or smokey eye for brides that aren’t afraid of make up!!

G: What is trending right now?

Liz: In summer, my favourite look is the bronze face and this can look amazing at night with the addition of a red lip

G: What is your favourite product in your kits and why?

Liz: That’s a hard one, I love the cream blush, the tone suits everyone and really brightens the face. In the bronze Face kit (that has no blush) I love the bronzer, both Sam Harris and Emma Freeman are BIG fans

G: Do you have a secret that you can share with my brideys that is a fail safe for you?

Liz: make sure your make up is blended and you have the correct base tone. Never fake tan your face if you need to match a fake tan use a bronzer and a darker tinted moisturising foundation.  I say this because foundation over fake tan always looks heavy and muddy. In my bronze kit, there is a small bronze brush, people often think that bronzer is best applied with a big brush and all over your face but in fact you get no contour this way just one face full of bronzer everywhere. In my ‘How To” videos there is a step by step guide to bronzing your face and adding contour which is a real must for those wedding photos.

G: What are some mistakes that brides make with their hair and make up?

Liz: I think brides feel they have to try so much harder on their wedding day to look glamorous so often they look overly made up (I’d have to say that can be a turn off). Go with a slightly heightened sense of your own beauty. For example, if you like that J Lo polished bronze face and you know it suits you don’t feel you have to make that too pronounced. Go for one element to exaggerate slightly such as single lashes and lots of coats of mascara with the bronze look to give the eyes that extra ‘pop’ don’t keep adding make up. Likewise if you have a nice full mouth go for that red lip but make sure that it doesn’t harden your look. If you’re doing a smokey eye stay natural or beige on the lip. Resist the temptation to go overboard. Likewise with hair, don’t overdo it, ‘effortless but polished’ is a theme that should apply to that big day. Number one rule: always make sure whatever hair and make up you chose it actually goes with your dress. If you’re unsure, study red carpet moments with celebrity looks you relate to.

So Bridey, are you keen to try this yourself? With professional guidance at every step?