

With over 15 years experience as a makeup artist and her own NYC makeup studio, Amy Kernahan knows how to make women look and feel their best. When it comes to brides, she emphasizes the importance of talking to your makeup artist: the more she understands your needs, the better. These tips from Amy will also help you get your desired look:
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Get Started Early
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Start a skincare routine at least 6-9 months ahead. "Use an exfoliating/brightening skincare system, such as the Reverse line from Rodan and Fields ($160). This transforms dull skin tone."
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Watch The SPF
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"Make sure the artist does not use any products with a sunscreen higher than 10 spf; this can reflect light and cause skin to look washed out in photos." (Try MAC's SPF10 Foundation, $29.50).
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Play It Safe
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"Your wedding is not the time to try a trendy makeup look," says Amy. Amplify your natural beauty with shimmery earth tones, like this Dior Iridescent Palette ($58).
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Go With Gloss
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"Glosses tend to be less maintenance throughout the wedding day as they don't require skilled application," says Amy. She prefers sheer pink and coral glosses, like Dior's primer and polish in one ($30).
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Don't Freak About Breakouts
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If you've still got a couple days, facilitate healing and prevent further blemishes by using a bacteria-fighting acne product. Amy uses Unblemish Dual Intensive Acne Treatment ($86).
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Always Wear Protection
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"Never get too much sun exposure before your big day. Your skin will look uneven and red in photos," says Amy. Protect yourself before the wedding with a dermatologist-recommended brand like Neutrogena's Ultra Sheer SPF ($11.99).
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Carry Oil-Proofing Backup
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To stay oil-free without smudging your finished look, Amy gives brides a blotting product, such as her Invisible Blotting Powder ($25) to use as necessary throughout the day.
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Makeup
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Amy Kernahan
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Get more photo-ready finishes from floral hair accessories to wedding jewelry sets to your something blue, in our fabulous guides.