I’ve crafted the ultimate guide to nighttime makeup. Whether it’s a formal event or a chic night out, this makeup is perfect for any occasion.
I’ll guide you step by step in creating the perfect look and provide tips on what to watch out for. Plus, I offer 15 evening makeup ideas for inspiration to personalize your look.
✅ Stays without smudging
✅ Gives a sharp look
✅ Very long-lasting
❌ May be a little bit more expensive than other products
Table of Contents
Evening Makeup Looks
If you just want a brief overview, I have summarized the most important things for you here:
- Flawless Base: Start with a flawless base by using a primer, foundation, and concealer to even out skin tone and cover imperfections. Set with translucent powder for a long-lasting finish.
- Defined Eyes: Define your eyes with eyeshadow, eyeliner, and mascara. Opt for smoky eyes for a dramatic look or shimmering shades for a glamorous touch.
- Bold Lips: Make a statement with bold lips by choosing rich, vibrant colors like red, berry, or plum. Ensure precise application with a lip liner and finish with a touch of gloss or matte lipstick.
- Contoured Cheeks: Add definition to your face with contouring and highlighting. Use bronzer to sculpt your cheekbones, highlighter to accentuate the high points of your face, and blush to add a healthy flush of color.
- Glowing Finish: Finish off your evening makeup look with a luminous glow. Apply a highlighter to the high points of your face, such as the cheekbones, brow bone, and cupid’s bow, for a radiant finish.
Understanding Evening Makeup
The Purpose of Evening Makeup
Evening makeup serves to highlight our best features and help us stand out in dimly lit settings like parties, dinners, or other nighttime events.
The bold and dramatic tones used in evening makeup look to create a stunning, eye-catching appearance.
Remember: This type of makeup also complements our choice of clothing and accessories for the night, embracing elegance and sophistication.
Differences Between Day and Evening Makeup
The main difference between day and evening makeup is the intensity of the colors and techniques used.
Daytime makeup usually focuses on a natural and subtle look, perfect for work or casual outings. Subdued shades and minimal enhancements are the keys to a successful daytime look.
On the other hand, evening makeup looks embrace bold colors and dramatic effects. This could include shimmer for a touch of glamour, statement lip colors to accentuate our pout, or even dramatic eyes with dark shadows and eyeliner.
Basic Techniques for Evening Makeup
I’ve gathered some basic techniques for you to master that perfect evening makeup. Let’s dive in!
Working with Lighting
For evening events, the lighting is usually dimmer and more focused, which means certain areas of your face will be accentuated. A highlighter can be your best friend here.
By applying it strategically to the high points of your face, such as your cheekbones, brow bone, and the inner corners of your eyes, you can create a stunning, luminous effect.
Color Choices for Nighttime
Picking the right colors for nighttime makeup can make all the difference. Bold and rich shades really stand out during evening events. Opt for darker, smoky eyeshadows like charcoal or deep jewel-toned shades.
This creates a sultry and captivating look. For your lips, bold red, wine, or deep berry shades are perfect for adding drama to your makeup.
Layering and Blending
✅ Very long-lasting
✅ Doesn't get cakey
✅ Great for acne-prone skin
❌ May be a bit difficult to find the right color
Start with your base – which includes primer, foundation, and an appropriate concealer – ensuring every layer is well-blended.
This will ensure your makeup stays put and looks polished all night long.
Next, gently layer your eyeshadow colors, starting with the lightest shade and gradually building up to the darkest. Blending the colors seamlessly will help create depth and a professional finish.
Finally, a quick blend of your contour, blush, and highlighter is essential in achieving a natural, yet glamorous look that’s perfect for any evening event.
Creating a Flawless Base
Choosing the Right Foundation
The perfect base begins with the right foundation. Pick a foundation that matches your skin tone and type, ensuring a seamless blend.
Use a foundation brush or a beauty sponge to apply the product in thin, even layers, building coverage where needed.
Remember: Always consider the lighting of the event – opt for a slightly dewier finish for dimly lit venues and a more matte finish in brightly lit environments.
Concealer Tips for Evening Looks
✅ Hydrating Formula
✅ Never Looks Cakey
✅ Awesome Coverage
❌ Bad Packaging
Concealer works wonders in camouflaging imperfections and brightening your under-eye area. For evening makeup looks, choose a concealer that’s one to two shades lighter than your skin tone to highlight your features.
Apply it in a triangular shape under your eyes, as well as on your forehead, chin, and the bridge of your nose. Blend smoothly with a damp beauty sponge, seamlessly transitioning between the foundation and concealer.
Setting Your Makeup for Longevity
First, lightly dust a translucent setting powder on your T-zone and under your eyes to lock in the concealer.
Then, for an extra touch of glam, sweep a powder or cream-based bronzer, blush, and highlighter to add dimension and warmth to your face.
Finally, spritz a setting spray to seal your makeup, ensuring it stays stunning and intact throughout your evening adventures.
Eyes That Pop
Let me share some of my tips and techniques to make your eyes pop at any event.
Smoky Eye Essentials
A smoky eye is a classic and versatile option for evening makeup. To create a smoky eye, start with a mid-toned eyeshadow shade.
Apply this to your lids, then blend a darker shade in the crease and outer corner. Finally, highlight the inner corner and brow bone with a lighter, shimmering shade.
- Base color: Mid-toned eyeshadow
- Crease & outer corner: Darker shade
- Inner corner & brow bone: Light, shimmering shade
Remember: Blending is crucial for a seamless smoky eye. Customize the intensity by layering the eyeshadows and experimenting with different colors to match your outfits or personal style.
False Lashes for Dramatic Effect
Choose a style that complements your eye shape and makeup – opt for a natural-looking length or go bold with dramatic, voluminous lashes.
Applying false lashes does take practice, but once you master the technique, it’s a game-changer.
Don’t forget to apply mascara to seamlessly blend your natural lashes with the falsies.
Eye Liner Techniques for Evening
✅ Stays without smudging
✅ Gives a sharp look
✅ Very long-lasting
❌ May be a little bit more expensive than other products
A well-executed eyeliner can elevate your evening makeup look and draw even more attention to your eyes.
For example, winged eyeliner can help lift downturned eyes, and applying eyeliner to the inner corners can enhance upturned eyes.
Some other eyeliner techniques to try:
- Tightlining: Apply eyeliner to your upper waterline to create the illusion of fuller lashes.
- Double Wing: Draw a second, thinner wing above your regular winged liner for a stylish twist.
Contouring and Highlighting
Defining Your Features
Begin by using a contouring product like a matte bronzer or a cream contour stick. Apply the product in the hollows of your cheeks, along your jawline, on your temples, and on the sides of your nose.
Remember: Blending is key! Use a fluffy brush to blend the product in a circular motion and create a seamless, natural look.
This technique helps enhance the angles of your face, adding dimension and depth. Be guided by tutorials from sources like Allure and Byrdie to polish your contouring skills.
Glowing Skin After Dark
Apply a shimmering highlighter on the high points of your face: the tops of your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, your cupid’s bow, and your brow bone.
You can also apply some on your collarbone and shoulders to enhance your overall glow. Check out tips from Cosmopolitan and Maybelline to get the most out of your highlighter.
Luscious Lips
Selecting the Perfect Lip Color
When it comes to choosing the ideal lip color, consider your skin tone and the occasion. For a bold statement, go with a red or fuschia pink lipstick.
If you’re going for something more subtle, a nude shade that complements your complexion can be a great choice, like the options in the DE’LANCI Matte Lipstick set Nude Waterproof.
Application Tips for Durability
No one wants their lipstick to fade throughout the night. Here are some tips to make your lip color last longer:
- Exfoliate and moisturize: Gently scrub your lips to remove dead skin and apply a hydrating lip balm. This helps create a smooth surface for the lipstick to adhere to.
- Use a lip liner: Outline and fill in your lips with a lip liner that matches your chosen lipstick. This creates a barrier, preventing the color from bleeding outside your lip lines.
- Apply the lipstick: Using a lip brush, carefully apply the lipstick from the center of your lips outward. This ensures precision and an even coat. Opt for a long-lasting liquid-to-matte formula.
- Blot and set: Gently press a tissue paper over your lips to remove excess product, and dust some translucent powder to set it. This step helps in locking the color and avoiding smudging.
Evening Makeup Trends
Current Popular Looks
- Bold lip colors: A statement lip color is one of the most iconic evening makeup looks. Experiment with bold shades to accentuate your lips for a high-impact, head-turning effect.
- Dramatic eyes: Smokey eyes, cat eyes, and dark, shimmering eyeshadows are all evening makeup staples. These styles not only make your eyes pop but also add a touch of glamour to your overall look.
- Peachy cheeks: As seen on the runways, peachy cheeks have made a comeback. This hue can add warmth and a healthy glow to your complexion.
Incorporating Trendy Elements
So, how can you incorporate these elements into your evening makeup looks? Here are some suggestions:
- Bold Lip Colors: Opt for a matte or semi-matte finish lipstick in a deep, rich shade like burgundy, plum, or red to create a stunning statement lip. Make sure to use a lip liner to prevent feathering and create crisp edges.
- Dramatic Eyes: For a glamorous smokey eye, start by applying a neutral base color on the lids. Then, follow with darker shades in the crease and outer corners, blending well. Complete the look with winged eyeliner and volumizing mascara.
- Peachy Cheeks: To achieve the perfect peachy look, apply blush to the apples of your cheeks and blend in an upward motion. This adds a soft, youthful flush to your face.
15 Evening Makeup Ideas
Here I have put together 15 of the most popular and, in my opinion, most aesthetic evening makeup look ideas:
1. Smokey Eyes: The ever-popular smokey eye is a classic choice for an evening out. You can choose from dark shades like black, brown, or gray to create a sultry, smoldering look. Another great choice would be the sultry eye makeup.
2. Bold Lips: A bold, vibrant lip color can make a statement on its own. Try red, plum, or magenta for an alluring pout.
3. Glowing Skin: Emphasize your natural glow with a shimmering highlighter and a subtle blush. You can even try a light strobing technique.
4. Cat Eye: The cat eye is another classic evening makeup look. Use a liquid eyeliner to create a precise, sharp wing.
5. Metallic Eyeshadow: Experiment with metallic shades of gold, silver, or bronze for a captivating eye look.
6. Intense Lashes: Voluminous, long lashes can elevate any makeup style. Apply several coats of mascara or add false lashes for an extra touch.
7. Drama with Color: Don’t be afraid to play with color in your evening makeup. Bold eyeshadow hues like jewel tones or even neon can be a showstopper.
8. Sparkling Eyeliner: Add some sparkle to your eyes with glittery eyeliner for a fun and unique finish.
9. Contoured Cheeks: Give your face a sculpted appearance with some strategic contouring. Pair this with a subtle highlight for a flawless look.
10. Barely-There Makeup: A minimal, “no-makeup” look can be both elegant and effortless. Focus on perfecting your skin and adding a touch of color to your lips and cheeks.
11. Glossy Eyelids: Reflective, glossy lids can add a touch of glamour to your makeup. Apply a clear gloss or shimmering eyeshadow for this effect.
12. Halo Eyes: A halo eye effect features a lighter shade in the center of your eyelid, surrounded by darker shades. This contrast draws attention to your eyes and creates depth.
13. Monochromatic Look: Choose a single color palette for your eyes, lips, and cheeks to create a harmonious and sophisticated appearance.
14. Graphic Liner: Get adventurous with your eyeliner by drawing intricate designs, or simply emphasize the shape of your eyes with bold, geometric lines.
15. Ombre Lips: Create a stunning two-toned lip look by applying a darker shade on the outer edges of your lips and gradually blending it with a lighter shade in the center.
I hope one of these makeup ideas has inspired you. Just experiment a little to find your style. You can use just one or combine several – it’s up to you
Tips for Long-Lasting Evening Makeup
Touch-up Essentials
- Blotting sheets: These little paper sheets are essential for absorbing any excess oil without removing makeup.
- Pressed powder: A compact pressed powder helps to mattify and set your makeup, preventing any shine.
- Lipstick or lip gloss: Always carry your chosen lip product to reapply throughout the night, keeping your lips looking perfect.
- Cotton swabs: These handy little tools can be used to clean up any makeup smudges or mascara mishaps.
Products for Makeup Endurance
✅ Extremely moisturizing
✅ Effective as a makeup primer
✅ Suitable for all skin types
❌ Rigid tube packaging
- Primer: A good primer is the key to long-lasting makeup. It creates a smooth base for the rest of your products and helps them adhere better to your skin.
- Long-wear foundation: Opt for a foundation specifically formulated for long wear, as these products are designed to last longer on your skin without requiring constant touch-ups.
- Setting powder: After applying your makeup, set everything in place with a translucent setting powder. This will help to lock your makeup in and reduce any shine.
- Setting spray: Finish off your makeup look with a setting spray. This will keep everything in place and help your makeup withstand any humidity or sweat throughout the evening.
By using these touch-up essentials and long-lasting products, you’ll be able to maintain your beautiful evening makeup look all night long.
FAQ
What defines evening makeup?
Evening makeup is characterized by its heightened drama and sophistication, featuring bold colors, defined eyes, and sculpted features. It’s designed to enhance natural beauty and make a statement, perfect for formal events or glamorous nights out.
What is the difference between day and evening makeup?
Daytime makeup tends to be more subtle and natural, focusing on enhancing features for a fresh, effortless look. Evening makeup, on the other hand, is bolder and more dramatic, with intensified colors, defined eyes, and sculpted features suited for formal occasions or nighttime events.
Are you supposed to wear makeup everyday?
Whether to wear makeup every day is a personal choice. Some people enjoy wearing makeup daily for self-expression or to enhance their confidence, while others prefer a more natural look. It’s essential to listen to your skin’s needs and give it breaks from makeup to maintain its health.
What colors to wear in the evening?
In the evening, you can opt for rich, deep colors like burgundy, navy, emerald green, or plum for a sophisticated look. Metallics such as gold, bronze, and silver can also add glamour to your evening attire. Choose shades that complement your skin tone and outfit for a polished appearance.
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