You’ve got the dress, the shoes, and the date. The only thing left is hair and makeup. Here are simple, fool-proof tips for a fabulous and absolutely classic look. You’ll look glamorous but not overdone (because you don’ t want to look like you’re trying too hard). And this sophisticated look works well for any occasion, whether it’s a dinner party with friends, a formal company event, or a romantic dinner.
The look
We’re gong for matte red lips and a loose and romantic updo. It’s sexy, but classic (think of those sirens in the black-and-white movies). And it works for any age.
Prep work
Exfoliate dry or flaky lips with a damp towel or old toothbrush. (Read our tips on natural remedies for chapped lips.) Then, exfoliate your face with a light scrub. This reveals new skin cells and any traces of flakiness around the nose area, which will clump when you apply concealer or foundation. Take a shower, and while your skin is soft, pluck any stray eyebrows.
Apply lotion or body oil after your shower to lock in moisture. Apply moisturizer and lip balm to your face. Let the skin absorb this while you get dressed.
Makeup
Apply concealer and foundation. Since the focal point of this makeup look is lipstick, erase your lips’ natural color with concealer. This will help your lipstick look really, really red.
Trace the inner edges of your lip line with a red lip liner. Blend the line inward with a lip brush. Blot with tissue. Color your lips once again with the lip liner. Blot again. The lip liner gives the lipstick something to cling to, making it last longer, and prevents it from bleeding onto your teeth and lower chin. And, if you chew off your lipstick, you’ll still have a hint of color.
Apply lipstick to your bottom lip only. Slide It several times then gently press lips together and use your fingertip to distribute the color evenly.
With such bold lips, it’s best to keep the eye makeup simple. Just define the eyes. Brush a neutral colored eye shadow (almost the same shade as your skin, or for more drama, a light gold shimmer) over your lids, then add a streak of liner. Use an eyelash curler and then and several coats of lengthening mascara. Define brows with an eyebrow pencil. Finish with blush.
Hair
Curly or wavy hair? Apply styling cream to your hair, from roots to ends. If you’ve got straight hair, add body with a medium barrel curling iron, focusing on the hair near your face and at the crown. Mist with light hold hair spray. Then, rake your fingers through your hair to add more texture. Then, gather your hair into a low ponytail (don’t pull back too hard—you want it to keep loose) and twist into a bun that rests just above your shoulder. Secure with hair pins.
Photo from kaydarlin.blogspot.com