Wedding days typically start very early and end late. Couple that with tears and laughter and you’ve got perfect storm for makeup meltdown. It absolutely does not have to be this way and you can (yes really, you can!) have a perfect face from morning to night if you use the right long-wearing makeup essentials. From the perfect waterproof eye pencil, to a long-lasting blush, eye shadow and lippy, here’s our custom-curated extended-wear makeup kit.

Wedding fever seems to be everywhere this month. Even Hollywood is feeling the vibe. At Sunday’s Screen Actors Guild Awards many on the red carpet were looking glam in gorgeous, white, very bridal-like gowns, most of which were created by bridal designers including Romona Keveza, Amsale and Marchesa. Here are five ladies who offered some amazing aisle style inspiration.

Remember the press-on manicure? Well it’s back baby, but this time the tips are super-cool, super-easy to apply and long-wearing, lasting up to seven days. Meet the Impress Press-On Manicure by Broadway Nails (from $7 at Walmart and London Drugs). Each set of nails comes packaged in this cute little polish bottle which holds enough tips (in different sizes to fit all your nails) for a one-time application. How easy-breezy is this mani? Simply groom your natural nails to a short-ish length, peel the sticky backing from the tip and affix to nail. THAT’S IT! The tips can be filed into different shapes and lengths to suit your style and the finish on them is incredibly shiny and natural-looking. Perfect for all those engagement parties, right?! They are available in 36 different variations and include both solids (Control Freak, Casting Call and Ecstatic Cling are a few of our faves pictured above) and patterns. We suggest packing a few in your honeymoon bag so post-wedding, you can mix up your mani on location—no nail polish or remover required.

Justina McCaffrey is one of Canada’s bridal design stars. Her dresses are quite simply breathtaking and over the years she has dressed a host of famous lovelies on their wedding days. We sat down with the Toronto-based designer and asked her for some savvy shopping advice for brides-to-be. Here are her top five tips.

1. Evaluate your budget and visit boutiques that coincide with your budget.

“One of the most frustrating situations is when you want a dress that you cannot afford. It is best to recognize and accept the budget you have, and to follow through with stores that matches your budget. There are many fine shops with lovely moderately-priced dresses to choose from.”

2. Try to book an appointment on a day other than Saturday.

“Often Saturdays are busy and there are many brides trying on dresses. It is best to book on a Tuesday or Wednesday when there is less activity.”

3. Take notice of the store’s interior and the protocol of the staff.

“Choosing the right dress also means having the relationship with the store. This is important especially during fittings, alterations and payments. Make sure you feel comfortable rather than feeling rushed or pressured by the consultant. Do research, ask friends, and read blogs about other bride’s experiences at bridal boutiques.”

4. Bring your Mom.

“Buying a wedding dress is an emotional experience and often brides  will regret not having their mom present during that magical moment when you’ve found the right dress. Your mom will also have very valid opinions when decision-making may become difficult.”

5. Limit the amount of friends that you bring.

“Many times too many friends make the decision-making process more confusing  You need to feel confident in your decision and do not need to get approval from every bridesmaid or relative about her your choices. Keep your shopping contingent small and your dress a surprise from most for the big reveal on your wedding day.”

This year, it’s all about simplicity when it comes to gowns (as noted in our roundup of the 12 Biggest Wedding Trends for 2012). We’re talking less razzle-dazzle with crystals, pearls and beading, more interesting fabrics, textures and tactile details like ruching, ruffles and rosettes. When your dress boasts a great design, but not a lot of bling, that means more accessorizing opportunities (statement necklaces, bangles, chandelier earrings….YES!). We’ve chosen 10 of our favourite stylish, yet simple, gowns from the latest designer collections.

The red carpet at this year’s Golden Globes didn’t rock our socks off, but the beauty looks (hello red lips!) and hairdos in particular definitely did. Here is our top five best tressed list and why we think they are ideal for your wedding day.

There’s a new secret beauty weapon in town you may have heard the buzz about: BB Cream. What is it? BBs have actually been on the market for a while—they are wildly popular in Asia—but have now started making headlines in North America where you may have noticed an explosion happening at the cosmetic counter. Known as “Blemish Balm,” “Beauty Balm,” or “Beauty Benefit” cream (depending on the manufacturer), these lightweight liquid formulas are to be applied after moisturizer, before foundation or powder. The benefits are multi-purpose: hydration, lightening and brightening. They also even out skin tone and provide SPF protection. Here are five fantastic BBs to check out.

On our hit list of the 12 biggest wedding trends for 2012 we talk about bespoke honeymoons, creating highly personalized travel experiences for your post-nuptial escape. Sounds amazing doesn’t it—but how do you do it and where do you start? We spoke to Phillipe Brown, co-owner of Brown & Hudson, a London-based company that creates amazing bespoke travel experiences (over 80 percent of their clients are from North America, with a significant number from Canada) to find out what’s hot in honeymoons and how you can create a highly specialized one.