Beauty report: Blushing brides

Bridal make-up is not straightforward – you have to consider such elements as black-and-white photography versus colour, staying power, waterproofing and photo flashback, but it isn’t at all impossible to do yourself. Only the most trusted products should be used on the day, and always do a trial of your make-up (wear it for at least nine hours and monitor its behaviour) whether you are having a make-up artist do it or not.

Garnier Miracle Sleeping Cream (€19.99): This is one of my all-time favourite skincare products – and so affordable. Good make-up depends on a good canvas. Use this nightly in the run-up to the big day and skin of all ages will be soft and contented.

Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation (€50): I used this on my sister-in-law on her wedding day. There was no flashback in the photos (caused by higher SPFs when the titanium dioxide in the foundation reacts with a camera flash to make the face look lighter than the body) - it had the most radiant, but not glowy, finish on the day and in photos.

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush (€14.99): I loathe flat foundation brushes – they are flat and streaky and take too much work. A synthetic buffer like this won't absorb much foundation, and leaves skin looking airbrushed. You can't go wrong.

Bobbi Brown Face & Body Bronzing Powder (€46): Bronzer should always be matte in order to look like sun-kissed skin and not reflect light in photographs. This one is huge and perfect for creating shadows and contour, or just replicating a few days in the sun.

Amazing Cosmetics Amazing Concealer (€27 online): I've mentioned this concealer before in this column, but only the most tried and tested products will do on your wedding day, and there's nothing this can't cover, from dark circles to the angriest blemish. Choose from 20 all-inclusive shades.

Clarins Fix Make-up Spray (€28): A fixing spray gives a softer finish than powder. Spritz liberally over make-up that's been on for several hours, then apply a touch of concealer with a fluffy brush. Your base will look brand new.

Tom Ford Ultra Rich Lip Colour in Revolve Around Me (€49): One of the standout products in a frankly stellar summer collection, this is the perfect bridal lip colour. A nude that doesn't take life out of the face, it also comes in a glorious white and gold bullet.

YSL Couture Brow Palette (€35 from May 22nd): This palette is sophisticated and eminently practical. Perfect for blondes and brunettes, there's no clashy warmth to the shades. It gives you your brows, but fuller.

Jo Malone London Rare Teas Collection Oolong Tea (€300 for 175ml): One of a series of six new fragrances, this is an ultimate luxury fit only for special days. A buttery, rich fragrance with hints of bitter cocoa and almondy tonka bean, this earthy fragrance is creamy with a hint of sweetness.