Beauty Advice from Brilliant Wedding Photog Liz Banfield

July 29

If you’ve pored longingly over the pages of Martha Stewart Weddings, you’ve undoubtedly come face-to-face with the work of Liz Banfield. A brilliant photographer whose fresh, documentary-style work is also in frequent rotation in InStyle, and Town & Country, Liz has pretty much seen it all when it comes to bridal beauty. Here, her do’s and don’ts for looking picture-perfect on your big day:

Get your hair and makeup professionally done. Be sure to do a test run and take photos!
If you don’t normally wear makeup, get it done professionally. It’s much harder to create a nature, subtle look.
Avoid mineral makeup. It can be too reflective in flash photography.
Dark lipstick shades can look black in sepia and black & white photos.
My favorite classic red lip color: MAC Pro Longwear in Lasting Lust.
False eyelashes are fraught with problems—particularly full strips, which can pull away from all the crying and hugging. Stick to individual lashes if you’re set on wearing them.
I hate, hate, hate, fake tans.
Wearing hair down is so cool, but it’s a risk. Up do’s are more practical.
Don’t fight your natural hair texture. If have straight hair, curls are going to fall. Whatever style you choose has to last all night.
Get your roots done the day before the wedding. You don’t want them showing in photos!
Groom essentials: Teeth whitening, caution when wearing facial hair, and blotting papers for keeping shine at bay. The Body Shop’s are guy-friendly because they don’t contain powder.
Get a good night’s rest before the wedding. Meditate before bed, or take an Ambien if you think you’ll have trouble falling asleep.
If you’re prone to cold sores, ask your doctor to prescribe Valtrex as a precaution.
Avoid salt and alcohol the night before, which can make people look puffy. Drink a ton of water instead!