Wash your face with a mild cleanser to remove makeup, oil, and dirt, then use a gentle scrub to buff off any dry patches. Or, if you have sensitive skin, skip the exfoliant and simply use a washcloth. Blot your skin dry, and spritz on a soothing rose or chamomile toner to add a dewy glow. Then, rather than slathering on a heavy moisturizer, "opt for a gel-based lotion that'll leave your face smooth and help extend the wear of your makeup," says Vanessa Scali, a makeup artist in Los Angeles.

First, select a foundation that's suited to your skin type. Choose a matte finish if you tend to get oily, and go with a creamy formula if you're on the dry side. Steer clear of illuminating formulas, as digital photography is hyper-sensitive to shimmer and can make glowing skin look greasy. Apply a light layer of primer, then use a foundation brush to sweep makeup onto the t-zone. Blend it out to the edges of your face and ears, taking care to work it into your neck and hairline. Then, press it into your skin with your fingers. "This picks up excess makeup and smoothes out telltale lines," Scali says. Finally, keep shine in check by applying a mattifying balm to your T-zone, and sweep translucent powder all over to set everything in place. Throughout the day, use blotting sheets to soak up excess oil without removing your makeup.

To eliminate dark under eye circles or shadows on the inner corners of the eyes, reach for a creamy concealer. Apply it with your fingers to prevent residual amounts from sinking into fine lines. For blemishes and pimples, regular concealer just doesn't cut it. Instead, use a camouflage, a type of cover-up that's tacky to the touch. "It's a drier version of concealer that's densely pigmented and less emollient so it stays put and makes anything vanish," says Scali. Apply a tiny amount with a small, pointed brush, and repeat to build coverage if needed.

"Eye shadow primers smooth out the skin on the lid, cover up veins, and prevent shadows and liners from migrating for hours," says Julie Harris, a New York City makeup artist. After smoothing it over the entire lid and the eye crease with your finger, dust on a neutral bone- or almond-colored shadow with a fluffy brush.

For a very defined line, use a felt-tipped liquid liner or a waterproof eyeliner pencil; then to set it, trace the line with a thin brush dipped in a matching eye shadow powder. "For a softer line, apply regular kohl eyeliner before your base neutral eye shadow," says Harris. "The shadow will smudge it out a bit for a diffused look."

Blush often pulls a disappearing act half way through the day. To make it stay put, layering is key. First, smooth a cream formula onto the apples of your cheeks. Then, dust on an oil-absorbing invisible powder to lock in the color. Lastly, apply a final coat of powder blush with a large, fluffy brush.

Chances are pretty good that you're going to experience a happy tear or two, so why risk a streaky mess? "Waterproof formulas are the way to go for weddings, but they can dry out quickly and make lashes look spidery if you're not careful," says Harris. To get around this, use a brand new tube on the day of your wedding, and separate your lashes with a lash comb after applying it. Or, eliminate the need for mascara altogether by opting for faux lashes or even long-lasting lash extensions.

Long-lasting lip products work well, but they often feel thick and dry. The good news? "It's easy to make your regular lipstick last longer and feel comfortable," says Scali. First, prep lips with a moisturizing lip balm, then use a washcloth to buff it -- and any dry skin -- off. Next, fill in lips completely with a flesh-toned lip liner to give your lipstick a base to adhere to. Apply your lipstick with a lip brush, blot with a tissue, and then repeat. Matte lipsticks last the longest, but if you want a hint of shine, layer on a gloss or balm. Just remember, adding these slippery toppers also shorten the lifespan of your color and increases the need for touch-ups.