Getting glammed up for a special event can be so much fun! But it can also feel intimidating, especially if you don’t wear makeup regularly. The key is to practice and figure out what works for your features, skin type, and personal style. With some tips on application, a well-edited makeup kit, and a dose of confidence, you’ll have the skills to create a gorgeous look for any occasion that comes your way.
Prepping Your Canvas: Caring for Your Skin
Before reaching for any makeup products, starting with a clean and hydrated complexion is essential. Healthy, glowing skin is the best canvas for seamlessly applying cosmetics.
Establish a Skin Care Routine
The best way to care for your skin is through an AM/PM skincare routine focused on cleansing, treating, moisturizing, and protecting. Start with a gentle cleanser in the morning to wash away oil and impurities without stripping the skin. Apply serums or treatments to target skin concerns like dark spots or fine lines.
Follow up with a daytime moisturizer and face sunscreen to hydrate and protect. Remove the day’s makeup with a makeup remover or cleansing balm at night, then cleanse again. Apply any treatment products before finishing with a rich night cream to nourish while you sleep.
Prep Before Makeup Application
On the day of your event, do your regular skincare routine in the morning or afternoon to establish a clean slate for makeup. Before makeup application, refresh your face with a hydrating toner or rose water. Then, apply a layer of moisturizer and let it soak in. This hydrates smooths fine lines and creates a dewy base for makeup adhesion.
If you have oily skin or large pores, use an oil-absorbing primer on the t-zone before makeup for smoother application and more extended wear. Those with dry skin can apply primer all over.
Creating Your Look: Products and Tips for Stunning Makeup
The type of event you’re attending will inform the intensity of your makeup. Daytime affairs call for a lighter hand and neutral hues, while nighttime and black-tie invite drama and richer colours. Whatever the dress code, these tips will help you customize your look.
Flawless Complexion
Start with a layer of full-coverage foundation in the right undertone for your skin. Blend into the hairline, ears, and neck. Use a colour-correcting concealer before foundation application to conceal blemishes, dark circles, or hyperpigmentation.
Set with a lightweight translucent powder, focusing on the t-zone. Define cheeks with a neutral blush shade that complements your skin’s undertone. Sweep highlighter along the tops of cheekbones for a strobed effect. Finish by misting the face with setting spray for extended wear.
Sculpted Eyes
The eyes are the focal point of any glam look. Sweep a neutral base shade across the lid up to the brow bone to provide a canvas for the other shadows. Define the crease with a medium brown shade blended in a soft V shape for definition.
Deepen the lash line by pressing a dark shadow or pencil liner close to the upper and lower lashes. Finish with 2-3 coats of volumizing mascara on the top and bottom lashes.
Try a smudgy, smokey eye with rich shades or a graphic cat eye flick in liquid liner for drama. Keep lips neutral to let bold eyes take centre stage.
Polished Pout
A signature lip colour is a perfect accessory for your party look. Brown and rose nude lipsticks are versatile for every day and suit all skin tones. Or go bold with a rich red or wine shade for the night. Metallic, frosted, and liquid lipstick formulas add holiday-ready shimmer and drama.
Use lip liner to define and prevent feathering. Apply your lip colour in layers, blotting with a tissue in between to increase wear time. Finish with a swipe of lip gloss in a similar hue for extra shine and moisture.
Pulling Your Look Together
Once your makeup is in place, consider how all aspects of your look come together for harmony and impact.
Enhance Your Features
Play up your best features while minimizing those you might feel uncomfortable with. For example, bold brows balance a strong jawline. Highlighter and contour slenderize a round face. False lashes emphasize doll-like eyes.
Complement Your Outfit and Accessories
Match your makeup to your dress or suit colours and tones. Jewel-toned shadows pair perfectly with an emerald cocktail dress. Warm metallic eyes mirror a rose gold bag and heels. Deep berry lips pop against a little black dress.
Add makeup extras that enhance accessories, like a bold matte lip to showcase a statement necklace. Let your style inspiration for the event guide your beauty look.
Check Lighting
Step outside or look in different mirrors to see your makeup in various lighting. Makeup can look intense under specific interior lighting. Adjust as needed to feel confident and glamorous upon arrival at the event.
Confidence Is the Best Accessory
As you master unique occasion makeup, remember confidence and joy are the most beautiful finishing touches. Smile, laugh, and have fun connecting with others. Touch lipstick after eating or drinking, but don’t obsess over perfection. Your inner sparkle paired with your glam look will have you shining all night long.
The next time you RSVP “yes” to a wedding, milestone birthday, dinner dance, or any special event, say yes to playing with makeup too. You’ll gain skills and find signature looks that elevate your natural beauty. So get creative, glow up, and book now for a glamorous look to remember!