Beauty: Face up to big day challenge

Despite the impressive resources devoted to the royal wedding - including a designer dress, magnificent floral arrangements, top-class guest list and a public holiday - behind the scenes the styling dramas will mirror those of many brides.

This time next week, Kate Middleton will have said "I do" and if you're a bride-to-be, or are attending a wedding this season, you'll likely be taking a keen interest in her make-up on the big day.

Wedding day make-up needs to look good outside and indoors, in both day and evening light. It needs to last through potential tears and the heat of dancing.

You also want to look your best, without simply caking on extra layers of cosmetics, so follow these hints to ensure you look elegant on your big day.

1. A classic error is to use too much blush or, worse, bronzer on the face.

Instead, choose a gentle wash of natural blusher, or highlighter, that can also be dusted across the dcolletage and won't stain your frock. A perfect option is Diorblush Glowing Color Powder Blush (28, department stores). With a range of delicate shades, this powder blush/highlighter duo is a good investment, or try 17 Blush Powder (3.49, Boots) with a dab of Benefit Moon Beam or High Beam liquid illuminators (17.87 each, Jenners and Harvey Nichols).

2. Powder can be very ageing, especially in natural light and wedding photographs.

Instead of choosing cover-up foundation that will last for hours but gives a flat finish, use natural radiance creams and tinted moisturisers for dewy skin. Nivea Visage Young Be Beautiful! Tinted Moisturiser (4.98) is a purse-friendly option and gives a radiant finish which adapts to your skin tone.

Try Rimmel Hide The Blemish Concealer (4.49) to cover up dark circles and marks.

3. Tints of colour look good on eyes - fresh and innocent is better than sexy for weddings.

Try a pastel wash of colour or smudge-coloured eyeliner along the top lid, then add individual fake lashes at the outer corner of the eye. Revlon ColorStay Eyeshadow Quads in Lavender Meadow (7.99, Superdrug) is good. Try Eyelure Naturalist False Lashes (5.31, Boots) or, if faking it is a bit fiddly, Collection 2000 Big Fake Mascara (4.99, Boots and Superdrug). If emotion might be an issue, Barry M Extreme Waterproof Mascara (5.82, Boots) will stay put.

4. Fill in lips with liner before applying lipstick, blotting and reapplying.

This will last much longer than lipstick alone. Bourjois Lip Pencil in Sienne Kiss (4.99) is subtle. All you will need is a gloss in your bag to touch up occasionally, but make sure it is non-sticky so you don't get strands of hair stuck to your lips in a breeze.

Collection 2000 Pure Gloss (1.99) comes in a choice of shades but guests, please remember, only air kisses if you're wearing a bright lip colour.