Putting on Your Face
When I put on makeup, I'm not doing it to pander to antiquated patriarchal ideals of feminine beauty. I'm doing it because it makes me feel good.
Sophia Amoruso
It's about balance
Makeup for formal events is about balance. It should complement the outfit and the occasion without becoming the focal point.
The most successful formal makeup tends to look considered rather than experimental. This does not mean minimal, but it does mean purposeful.
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Choose emphasis, either eyes or lips, not both
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Luminous skin often reads more formal than heavy contour
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Evening events allow for deeper tones, daytime events benefit from restraint
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Longevity matters as much as appearance
Care for your face
How do you take care of your face? There are thousands of products available that are designed to help your skin, but the basics are:
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Keep your skin clean. Wash your face regularly with soap and water.
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Moisturize your skin. This is increasingly important as you get older, since your skin tends to get drier over time.
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Remove makeup completely. It’s not a good idea to sleep in your makeup, and you should make sure you remove it all, and clean and moisturize your face afterwards.
Gala Glam
Just like your shoes and purse, your makeup is an accessory, and it is an important part of your look! But your makeup should fit your look, not dominate it. And it should fit your role at the party. Are you walking a red carpet, making a presentation, or hosting the party? Those roles might call for a more complete and polished look. Do you normally wear little makeup, or do you always go out with a full face? Either way you’re not looking for a radical change, just an enhancement.
Choose a feature
Generally I like to feature eyes or lips, depending on the event and what I am wearing to it. By choosing one feature you reduce the risk of looking over the top. Of course, I never go out without a full face, so emphasizing the eyes, for example, may mean adding lashes, or changing eyeliner color.
Use a light touch
The first time I was airbrushed for a gala was several years ago, and I really liked the coverage without feeling like the makeup was too heavy. I switched to spray foundation for my regular makeup and love it! I'm using Dior Airflash.
Let a pro do it?
I put on my makeup every day, so what’s the big deal about a party, right? Again, it depends on the event, and your role. The bigger the event and the bigger your role, the more important your appearance. I like going to a pro not just because I know she will do a great job on my eyes (I hate putting on lashes) but because I always learn something that I can do for myself in the future.
On the road
There are companies that specialize in coming to your hotel room to get you ready for a gala when you’re traveling. Make sure they are licensed and bonded. I love services like this (they often do hair and nails as well) but they aren’t inexpensive.
Have fun! Celebrate life!
As your Gala health and beauty expert, my recommendation is to get your self ready, take a deep breath and let go, and just have fun!