A special event is a great reason to try a new makeup shade or application technique that’s more daring than your everyday choice. Whether you’re a hostess or guest, it’s fun to feel and look great when sipping cocktails or sharing a meal with your family and friends. These three looks complement a range of skin tones. And they’re so easy to pull together, you’ll be out the door in no time.
Drinks and Dinner: A Hint of Drama
The Look: Light berry shades help brighten the eyes. Hair is soft and natural in a loose version of the swept-up do. This elegant look complements a simple black dress.
Eyes: Apply a shimmering berry powder shadow across the crease with a brush, then blend toward your lash line. Depositing the most color on the crease, rather than on the lash line, lifts eyes and makes them appear larger, says makeup artist BJ Gillian. Next, lightly sweep the same shadow just around the bottom lashes for definition. Line upper and lower lash lines with a plum (if you have dark hair) or chocolate (if you have light hair) eyeliner, and smudge with a cotton swab to add drama. Top this look with black mascara on upper and lower eyelashes.
Cheeks: Lightly blend plum cream blush from the apples of your cheeks to your temples to accent cheekbones.
Lips: Since eyes highlight this look, coat your lips in a pale pink gloss.
Cocktails and Company: A True Classic
The Look: Pair boldly lined eyes with glowing cheeks and red lips. The traditional chignon is updated by shifting its placement from the back to the side of your head. Wear this look with a feminine chiffon dress, which never goes out of style.
Eyes: Start with shimmering cream shadow; lightly blend on your lids from lash line to browbone. Next, use a black eyeliner to accent your upper lash line. To make the line neat, place a finger on your temple and slightly tug your eyelid outward so skin is taut. “Start at the inner corner, and draw all the way to the outer corner, then drag the pencil up to create a small, upswept wing,” Gillian says. “The line should be thinnest at the inside corner of your eye and grow thicker as it reaches the outside corner.” This line is dramatic, so minimize the black mascara by applying one coat to your upper lashes; give the outer quarter section a second coat to complement the upswept line.
Cheeks: Sweep a pink-brown powder blush from the apples of your cheeks to your temples for a subtle glow that complements the bold eyes.
Lips: Apply a sheer, red-tinted gloss that complements your skin tone. Gloss will keep lips shiny and moisturized throughout the cocktail hour.
Natural Beauty: Comfortable and Casual
The Look: Bronze hues top lids, cheeks, and lips to create a monochromatic look. Hair is left loose with bouncy waves. Complete the casual effect with jeans and a blazer.
Eyes: Apply a light caramel powder shadow from lash line to crease, then accent the crease with a hue that’s one to two shades darker to create depth, Gillian recommends. Lightly line your upper lash line with a fudge-colored powder shadow. Top lashes with two coats of black mascara to make them pop against the earth tones on your lids.
Cheeks: Dust your cheeks with honey or apricot powder blush—both colors complement most skin tones. To create a natural glow, apply a light dusting of the blush all over your face, as you would do with a bronzing powder.
Lips: Go for a nude matte lipstick that mimics your natural lip color.
