Picture perfect wedding tips from Bobbi Brown

Oscar De La Renta; Reem Acra. Photo / Supplied.

Expert advice from Felix Nguyen, Bobbi Brown's assistant manager of education for Asia-Pacific

Whatever your signature style, glowing skin is a great guarantee of a glorious day.

Some brides spend a small fortune on treatments and facials leading up to their weddings, but cosmetic know-how also offers a way to enhance your appearance.

Viva asked an expert for advice, calling on Felix Nguyen, Bobbi Brown's assistant manager of education for Asia Pacific, who was in New Zealand recently for the opening of the company's latest counter in Christchurch. Bobbi Brown is known for fashioning fabulous bridal looks, from the runways of New York (as pictured above), to delivering her expertise in DIY doses via trained makeup artists offering in-store lessons.

Nguyen says women are becoming increasingly confident in breaking free of the usual "natural" wedding makeup. They are less scared of showing off their identity, whether it be with a smoky eye or a gorgeous red lip, but, that said, the majority still want to just look like the best version of themselves. Here's how.

In the lead-up, how can brides ensure their skin is at its best?

The best thing and probably the hardest thing, with all of the running around, is for brides to sleep, eat well and drink lots of water. Follow your normal skincare regime and use a mask that will plump up and hydrate your skin once a week. (Try Bobbi Brown's Extra Balm Rinse which doubles as a mask and leaves the skin feeling fresh and dewy).

Any do and don't advice?

DO make sure your foundation colour is skin-tone correct, you will be able to see if it isn't in photographs.

DO have a sneak peak at the photographer's camera to see how your completed makeup looks before the service starts. You'll still have time to make adjustments and you don't want to be surprised when you finally pick up your photographs.

DON'T overuse illuminating products (or use SPF) all over your face, it can make you look too shiny (or ashy) in photos.

DON'T contour and highlight too heavily, soft shading will bring out your natural dimension and looks better outdoors.

Balancing getting makeup that lasts while looking natural is an art, how do you start building a base?

It's all about using skincare and base products that are right for your skin. Don't use any skincare product for the very first time on the big day, just in case it doesn't work well with your skin. Always trial.

Things to keep in mind: the season you're getting married in (dry or humid), how much touching up your look will need and the type of products you'd like to use to touch up.

Layer your skincare first and then use priming products, so makeup looks perfect all day, but without looking like you're wearing a million products. (Try Illuminating Face Base, it brightens your skin and gives you all-day wear).

What about the finishing touches?

It's easy to go overboard, always step back and look at where you'd like to adjust or touch-up instead of diving in with your powder and undoing your makeup work.

What cosmetics should a bride carry with her?

Powder, lipstick/lipgloss are must-haves, a Skin Foundation Stick and blotting papers are also handy for touching up as well.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Take the time to either find the right makeup artist or, if you're doing your own makeup, find the right products for you.

You will feel more beautiful and confident, meaning less worrying about how you look and more time spent enjoying your amazing day!

Congratulations and have a gorgeous wedding day!

- VIVA