First, let’s get one thing straight: I don’t intend to talk about the royal wedding forever. I mean, I won’t be talking about it forever. Will not. I promise you that. But when I read that the former Miss Middleton did her own makeup for her big (really big) day, I figured we had better talk this one out with some Seattle-based wedding and fashion makeup pros.

Here, six such local professionals not only dish on what they think about DIY makeup (okay, okay, you can totally guess what they’re going to say about that), they also allow for those who are adamant about applying their own eye-liner and generously offer tips on shopping for blush and spreading on foundation. Great gals these are—and one great guy, too!

Also! In the huge and gorgeous slideshow here you’ll see more of each artist’s work and get even more tips on key summer looks and the best wedding day trends.

This Wedding Wednesday is a regular beauty bonanza.

Erin Skipley
‘For the DIY bride, it’s important to invest in good quality products that have low or no SPF and avoid mineral foundations that have a high Mica content (produces glare on the skin). Use a neutral color palette that will accentuate your natural beauty, and avoid trendy colors/metallic textures with a lot of sparkle.’

Skipley, a frequent contributor to SMBG shoots, also offers this list of easy to use makeup kit essentials (I will refrain from commenting on the product names):

Primed and Poreless by Too Faced
Strobe cream by M.A.C.
Fix + by M.A.C.
Diorskin Airflash foundation (apply w/ brush)
Dior Skinflash under eye brightener
NARS bronzer in Laguna
NARS blush in Orgasm or Sex Appeal
Stila all over shimmer duo in Kitten
Stila convertible color in Peony

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Shannon Mercil from I Love Blush
‘If you are having a destination wedding and absolutely have to do the Kate thing, invest in a makeup lesson. (Rumor has is that was Kate had two professional lessons before her Royal Reveal.) For smudge-free eyes one of my favorite tricks is to apply Too Faced cosmetic’s Shadow Insurance before all other eye makeup. This product allows your makeup to stay put ALL night though dancing, sweat and (those much anticipated) tears.’

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Jenny Bowker
‘There are so many factors that go into your wedding day, adding the stress of doing your own makeup can go wrong quickly. If you make a mistake with delicate techniques such as false eyelashes, contouring the face or achieving a golden glow you may find yourself in a panic with no way to fix it. There are also tricky techniques for high def quality makeup that ensure you look perfect in both professional photos and regular old flash shots.’

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Suresh
‘A real pro understands how the camera sees you, not just the human eye. New digital cameras are invasive and expose everything on your face. There is a major difference between "everyday makeup" and "photo-ready makeup." The makeup techniques I use are tested from the photo sets I work on so my brides look impeccable on their wedding day.’

In offering a tip for those who absolutely have to do what the former commoner is said to have done, the one-name artist has this: ‘Use good makeup brushes and blend products well. A well blended face looks professional and photographs better. Avoid harsh lines around the eye and don’t contour your cheekbone with pink (like Kate did). It’s a major makeup faux pas.’

(To be honest, I wasn’t crazy about those cheekbones myself.)

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Jenny Verador
‘As professionals, our job is to make you look your best. We know what to highlight on the face; for example, a highlighting pen in the inner corner of the eyes, bridge of the nose, and above the cheekbones to give you a fresh and glowing look.’

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Lindsey Watkins
‘I believe that it pays to have a professional do makeup because we can ride that fine line between making sure the bride looks beautiful in person but also reads well in photographs. You never want a bride to look washed out in her photos. Also, a makeup artist knows how to match and blend foundation expertly to the bride’s skin tone and will know what colors overall will compliment the bride’s skin, eye, and hair color.’

Click on the slideshow for more tips and images.