The bridal emergency kit

After months of preparation and preening, the last thing you want is for a last minute hiccup to ruin your beautiful, perfect bridal appearance.

Every bride should carry an emergency beauty kit, packed with clever must-haves that cover-up any tiny imperfections to keep you looking picture-perfect – and avert disaster if it should strike.

We asked leading make-up artists Mariam Jensen and Helen Kalli what they advise brides to carry in their handbags on the big day.

For your skin

: Concealer

Helen says: "Most brides consider a pimple to be a big day disaster, so even-out your skin tone with foundation and cover any blemishes with a matte concealer, which you can carry on the day for top-ups. Concealer also brightens-up your make-up and erases tell-tale signs of tiredness under your eyes."

Top tip:
Helen uses Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage.

For your eyes

: Long lasting eye liner

Mariam says: "Carry a soft pencil that can be easily smudged for a dramatic effect later in the day. I love NARS Larger Than Life Long-wear Eyeliner which comes in a variety of gorgeous shades."

Top tip:
Eye drops will make sure your eyes are bright and gorgeous throughout the day.

For your shine

: Translucent Powder

Helen says: "Powder keeps shine at bay throughout the day, and it helps to keep make-up in place. I use a Mineral Translucent Finishing Powder by Laura Mercier as it gives a nice natural, soft looking finish."

Top tip:
Blotting sheets combat any excess oil or perspiration to keep you shine-free, particularly important for your wedding pictures. You can buy them from MAC or Bobbie Brown.

For your lashes

: Eyelash glue

Mariam says: "If you're wearing false lashes, make sure they will be perfect all day by carrying some spare adhesive. That should help them last through any humidity - and on the dance floor."

Top tip:
Look for black eyelash glue so any imperfections look like eyeliner.

For your lips

: Lip gloss

Helen says: "For long-lasting, luscious lips, use your lip liner to outline and then fill in your entire lip with the pencil. Then dust some translucent powder over the lips to set and apply gloss on the top. Take the liner and gloss with you for top-ups."

Top tip:
Your lipstick will last longer if you regularly exfoliate and moisturise your lips in the run up to the wedding, creating a smooth base.

For your smudges

: Make-up remover

Mariam says: "You never know when you'll need to do an emergency touch up throughout the day to deal with anything from smudged eyeliner to smudged lip lines."

Top tip:
Mariam recommends Beauty Fixation by Japonesque - clever little buds containing make-up remover.

For your feet

: Cooling foot spray

Helen says: "If they feel sore, spray your throbbing tootsies under the table to cool them down - then get those heels back on the dance floor."

Top tip:
Top tip: If you’re not used to wearing high heels, the Scholl Party Feet Pack is a good investment to keep your feet happy all night long.

For your nails

: A nail file

Mariam says: "Just in case you snag or crack a nail, it’s wise to pop a file into your handbag."

Top tip:
If you want to make sure your nail polish doesn’t chip or flake on the big day, you could try long-lasting, natural-looking UV Gel. It’s best to visit a professional nail salon to have the product applied and to have it taken off.

For your tears

: Cotton buds

Helen says: "Use cotton buds to delicately blot tears or mascara smudges away – never wipe or you will smudge your make-up."

Top tip:
Cotton buds are also handy if you want to create smoky eyes for the reception, when you go from angelic bride to queen of the dance floor.

For your nerves

: Rescue Remedy

Helen says: "I always carry Bach Rescue Remedy in my kit. Nerves can strike at any time on your wedding day and sometimes emotion can take over."

Top tip:
Rather than drinking excessively to calm your nerves, take a regular break from your guests just to gather yourself. Pop into the bathroom to touch up your make-up and take some slow, deep breaths while you preen. Or, take a quick walk outside to compose yourself – if your groom can sneak away too, even better!