Make-Up Masterclass: How To Nail An Evening Look

Rule #1: Start With A Multi-Purpose Formula

“Good evening make-up isn’t about putting ten things on your face,” says make-up master and founder of Jones Road, Bobbi Brown. “It’s about finding hybrid products that work hard. I designed my Miracle Balm with this in mind and it’s a great product to kick-start any beauty look. It’s hydrating and brilliant for dry, mature skin types, and comes in several shades to create whatever effect you’re after. For the upcoming party season, I recommend trying the ‘Disco’ shade which will enhance mature skin with warm bronze tones and flecked shimmers of gold. It’s a great priming base for the rest of your make-up, but also looks pretty worn alone on the eyes, cheeks and lips.” 

Rule #2: Keep It Light

“Mature skin doesn’t need heaps of foundation, no matter what evening look you’re trying to achieve,” advises make-up artist and SheerLuxe beauty contributor Zoe Taylor. “Choose a lightweight formula with a dewy finish, like Erborian’s CC Cream. This is ideal for dry, mature skin types as it’s hydrating and gives a lovely luminous finish while evening out your skin tone for a clear, smooth effect. Add a tiny bit of concealer where you feel you need more coverage and leave it at that – I recommend trying one like NARS’ Soft Matte formula. It comes in several great shades, and it will also stay put all day and into the night without creasing or drying into fine lines.” Make-up master Bobbi Brown agrees: “To balance out your complexion, I recommend being strategic with your placement. I use my Jones Road Face Pencils, with the lightest one under my eyes, the medium around my nose and mouth and, lastly, a darker shade on my forehead and cheeks for some warmth – this really is all you need to cover brightness or dark spots, and everything else should be left alone for a more youthful effect.”

Rule #3: Don’t Underestimate Good Light

“An important piece of advice is to apply evening – and any – make-up in very good light,” continues Zoe. “Do it near a window or with a very well-lit mirror, as it’s one of the easiest ways to ensure you’re getting an even blend with no creases into fine lines. Use this light to help you warm up your skin tone with a good bronzer. This is one of the best ways to give yourself a youthful glow – I love the Chanel Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream as it’s easy to blend and glides on seamlessly for a nice hit of warmth. Focus on applying it to where your skin would naturally bronze – think the temples, cheeks and forehead.” 

#4: Balance Things Out

“If you’re wearing a bit more on your eyes, keep your lips more pared back with a neutral gloss,” recommends Bobbi. “Likewise, if you’re opting for a darker, red lip, keep everything else simple with just a slick of mascara and some bronzer or blusher on your cheeks. A smattering of red on the lips is a great way to distract from tired eyes and add a festive hit of colour. If you’re worried about it looking too red, opt for a gloss texture which can be easier to sheer out and build upon.” Zoe adds: “The Max Factor Lipfinity formulas are ideal as the colour stays put for hours without any feathering. You can just add the gloss on top to keep lips looking hydrated and a little plumper. My other tip to keep lips looking youthful is to prep them well. Use a scrub before any colour, like Tinker Taylor’s, to buff away dead skin and keep the skin smooth. You prep your skin, so your lips should be no different. Doing this will help lipstick adhere properly, but also prevent it from settling into creases as the and night wears on.” 

#5: Know How To Anti-Age Your Eyes

“As we age, we lose colour in our face and around our eyes, so it’s important to put it back in, while remaining authentic,” says Zoe. “Don’t be afraid to enhance your eye sockets by using a light beige or taupe tone to start with, then build in some deeper chocolate browns gradually. Avoid anything shimmery or sparkly as this can be quite ageing. Try using a soft brown pencil, smudging it along the lash line and lid for some depth around the lashes. This will help them appear thicker and look quite natural. Likewise, avoid liquid liners – these are very harsh and can shrink the eye, giving an ageing effect. As for lashes, unless you’re very fair, always use black mascara – no matter your age. Brown mascara should be reserved for those who are very fair and want something subtler. You always want a bit of drama, especially for the evening, and nothing can deliver like good old-fashioned black.” 
 

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