Make-up tips: How to get ready for a cocktail party

It goes without saying that like your wardrobe, the way you do your make-up constantly changes, based on the time of day and occasion. While your regular make-up suffices for a day at work, it probably not the best option for something dressy like a cocktail party. We’ve got 10 make-up tips to follow when glamming up for a cocktail event.

Make-up tip #1: Wear a bright lipstick

Now is the time to wear that bright lipstick that you love. Choose a bright pink or red that pops to give your pout a bold look. We love the M.A.C Cosmetics Lipstick in Lady Danger and Maybelline New York Color Sensational Lipstick in Hooked on Pink.

Make-up tip #2: Emphasise one feature only

The ultimate tip on how to do your make-up for a cocktail party: focus on one feature. Drawing attention to two facial features can end up looking overdone. Typically, either choose the eyes or the lips. If you do a smoky eye, wear a nude lip. Vice versa, if you wear a bold lip, stick to simple eyeliner and neutral eye shadow.

Make-up tip #3: Don’t apply under eye concealer that is too light

With all of the hype around highlighting and contouring, we can get carried away. We’ve all seen those photos on Instagram with light reflecting underneath the eyes (scary!), looking anything but natural. To avoid this from happening, stick to a colour that is no more than one shade lighter than your natural skin tone for a big night out.

Make-up tip #4: Wear a full coverage foundation

For any formal night event, it’s best to start with a clean palette for the rest of your make-up. Cover up pigmentation issues, an uneven skin tone, and redness with a good quality, full-coverage foundation. Try the Estée Lauder Double Wear or L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24h Foundation.

Make-up tip #5: Bring out the liquid eyeliner

Liquid eyeliner should be your best friend for a cocktail event. A cat eye with a winged end has become a classic and timeless eye look. Start by drawing a thin line in the inner corner, and gradually thicken it. Draw the wing up and out and then connect the two lines. Go back to smooth and thicken the line to your liking.

Make-up tip #6: Bring in the drama with a smoky eye

There is no better time for a smoky eye than a formal, evening event. The easiest way to do it:
Step 1: Apply an eyeshadow primer all over your eyelid.
Step 2: Apply a warm, medium brown eyeshadow into your crease with a blending brush, in a windscreen wiper motion.
Step 3: Using a small brush, apply a dark brown, matte eye shadow in a triangle shape into the crease and down onto the lid, on the outer half of your eye. Apply it to the lower lash line, until about 2/3 of the way in. Lightly blend out with the blending brush.
Step 4: Tightline your upper and lower waterlines with dark brown or a black kohl pencil.
Step 5: Apply liquid eyeliner to the top eyelid.
Step 6: Finish with a highlighter on the inner corner of your eye, and underneath the brown bone.

Make-up tip #7: Apply lip liner to accentuate your lips in dim lighting

Dim, cocktail lighting can mean that your lips end up going unnoticed, blending into your face. If you are using a light colour, remember to line your lips so that they stand out. Plus, sipping on wine all night can slowly rub your lipstick off, so the liner will help it last longer.

Make-up tip #8: Don’t skip the blush and bronzer

Wearing heavier foundation and concealer for an event can leave you looking washed out, with no definition or warmth to your skin. Remember to apply bronzer first to warm up your skin tone, followed by blush to add colour.

Make-up tip #9: Use metallic or glitter eyeshadows

Elaborate, dramatic eyes are on trend, so try either the metallic or glitter eye. A cocktail party calls for a fun, but refined look, so remember to downplay your other features for this. Just apply the eye shadow all over your lid and then using a blending brush, blend out the crease with a contour colour. Finish by lightly lining your eyelid.

Make-up tip #10: Don’t forget to use a setting spray

We always want our make-up to last, especially when it’s for a party. Stay looking fresh all night by using a setting spray at the end of your make-up routine.

Haven’t been able to pick a concealer that matches your skin tone? Has your face been breaking out even when you don’t overload your skin with different products? We’re going back to basics with ‘Beauty 101’, our new series that’ll be your complete guide to everything beauty. Make sure you don’t miss a single story, there will be a new one every day.

[source=vogue]