Looking gorgeous on your wedding day is clearly a top priority, and perfectly coiffed hair, a toned physique and exceptionally flawless makeup are all key to looking fabulous. Not all of us have access to the pros, though, so Fashionablebride.com sat down with world-renowned makeup artist Eve Pearl, winner of five Emmy awards and Meredith Vieira's (The Today Show) personal makeup artist, to get you the tips and tricks you need to look—and feel—fantastic as you walk down the aisle.

Fashionablebride.com: Is there anything a bride can do to optimize her wedding day makeup?

Eve Pearl: Researching a great makeup artist is always beneficial and important. It takes 21 to 28 days for new skin cells to completely turn over or replenish themselves, so you will want to start taking care of your skin at least one month before your wedding day. A future bride should check with her dermatologist soon after she is engaged to make sure she is following a customized skin care regimen. Remember, your skin is your canvas!

FB: How should a bride go about finding the right makeup artist?

EP: Unlike the 1970s, today's modern bride can Google, Facebook or Twitter her way to the perfect big day. She can read both positive and negative reviews on different makeup artists, hairstylists, wedding planners, etc. She can even view and book her reception hall before she steps foot in the place. When you finally find an artist you like, always book a trial before the wedding. Signs of a good makeup artist include positive references, being time conscious (never late and works well under pressure), having a current eye for fashion and art, being hygienically conscious (carries hand sanitizer or anti-bacterial wipes), being a good listener and accommodating the client while remaining true to his/her artistic level.

FB: After a bride picks her artist, what can she do to help both before and on the wedding day?

EP: A fresh, clean, exfoliated face is always a pleasure to start out with as a makeup artist. Dry, flaky skin is difficult to cover and is most noticeable in professional photos. Exfoliating your skin the day before your application removes dead skin cells, leaving the top dermis soft and supple.

FB: Are there any hard-and-fast rules for wedding day makeup?

EP: Although I like the saying "less is more," it's really all up to the bride to decide what "less or more" really is. Some women prefer little, if any makeup, while others prefer the whole enchilada—eyebrows to the fingernails—primed, polished and powdered. It is important to verbally express to your artist exactly how much makeup you are comfortable wearing on the big day.

FB: How should makeup vary for different lighting scenarios?

EP: Natural light doesn't lie. Always check your makeup at a window or go outside and check it before you leave your house or salon. In natural light, makeup tends to be more defined. Also, try not using so much shimmer during application because it will look different under lights.

FB: How do different environmental aspects and weather patterns affect your makeup?

EP: Different climates, like extreme heat or humidity, can wreak havoc on your beautifying routine. Always remember that it all starts with a great sunscreen. In very hot, humid weather you should try a tinted moisturizer followed by an anti-shine cream and translucent powder. This will feel light on your face but still keep your skin matte throughout the day. In opposite conditions, like harsh, cold weather, you should always use a moisturizer first, followed by a hydrating, cream-based foundation. For oily skin, try oil-free formulas since the skin is already producing a good amount of natural sebum.

FB: What are some of today's trends in wedding day makeup?

EP: Right now, the most prominent trend is for brides to look as much like themselves as possible. It's a makeup artist's job to enhance her natural beauty while honoring her own style.