Step 2: Apply a BB Cream

You should opt for a light coverage foundation or a BB cream that matches your skin tone. These products even out your complexion while letting your natural skin show through. Apply it with a base blender for a seamless finish. This base blender offers unmatched quality when compared to its competitors while being within everyone’s budget.

Step 3: Blush

A touch of cream blush on the apples of your cheeks can bring life to your face. Most women prefer soft pink or peach shades for a natural flush and radiance. You can apply your favourite products with an angled highlight brush while also enjoying its multipurpose use (comes in handy for highlighter application as well, and who doesn’t love a multi-purpose brush?!)

Step 4: Eyes

Keep the eyes simple and fresh. Apply a light brown eyeshadow to the crease and blend it out all over your eyelid. After that, curl your lashes and apply a coat of brown or black mascara to open up your eyes. Smoke out your lower lash line with this angled brush, and create a subtle winged liner with it as well. Just make sure you clean your brush between each use. The bristles are soft and handmade, allowing you to create any desired look.

Step 5: Lips

Finish off with a tinted lip balm or a nude lipstick that complements your skin tone. Your lips should be moisturised and nourished, as well as hydrated. A precision square-tip brush will outline your lips marvellously, leaving no streaks or uneven patches.

Step 1: Prep Your Skin

Preparation is key to achieving a long-lasting formal makeup look. Start with a thorough cleansing and exfoliation to remove any dead skin cells. Don't forget to apply a serum so the skin stays fresh and plump (especially applies to women with dry or mature skin types). Use a primer tailored to your client's skin type—mattifying for oily skin or illuminating for dry skin. Paula Callan has been in the makeup industry for years, and she has all the insider info you'll need when creating your next makeup look. You can book online makeup sessions or watch insightful tutorials to master the true power of makeup.

Step 2: High-Coverage Base

For formal events, a full-coverage foundation is often preferred to create a flawless complexion. Choose a high-coverage buildable foundation that matches your client's skin tone perfectly. Use a foundation brush to blend the product seamlessly into the skin. The flawless curve foundation brush is easy to use with any foundation, and it leaves no streaks or uneven finishes. You will achieve your desired coverage level within five minutes, allowing for a precise, fast, and marvelous outcome.

PS: Always apply a small amount of concealer to the high points of the face to create a dimensional look and contour the face.

Step 3: Contour

Does your client have oily, normal, or dry skin? Opt for powder products if they have oily or normal skin, and use liquid bronzer on dry skin types. Use a contour powder or cream two shades darker than their skin tone to sculpt the cheekbones, jawline, and sides of the nose. Blend well to avoid harsh lines. Try the I Heart Contour brush for defining the cheeks and jawline. You will love it’s multipurpose as this is the only brush on the market that can get into all the nooks and crannies.

Step 4: Eye Makeup

The eyes are often the focal point of formal makeup, and they are the first thing people pay close attention to. Start with an eyeshadow primer to prevent creasing and enhance the colour payoff. Begin with a light base colour all over the lid, then build depth with medium and dark shades in the crease and outer corner. Blend it all with a mini crease blender for defined edges, and no rough lines. For a more dramatic effect, use a shimmer or metallic shade on the lid.

Pro tip: Apply false lashes for added volume and drama, followed by a generous coat of mascara to blend the natural and false lashes.

Step 5: Eyebrows

Well-defined brows are crucial for framing the face in formal makeup. Use a brow pencil or pomade to shape and fill in the brows, following their natural arch. Set them in place with a clear or tinted brow gel. You can use a brow extravagance angled brush to define your client's natural brows with your favourite brow pomade or brow powder. Most makeup artists recommend this brush as it doesn’t take away the pigment, and it allows for smooth and even application.

Step 6: Lipstick

Choose a bold lip colour that complements the overall look. Reds, deep berries, and classic nudes are popular choices for formal events. Outline the lips with a lip liner to define the shape. After that, apply the lipstick with a brush for precision, and blot with a tissue before applying a second layer for longevity. The multi-use detailer will define the lips while allowing for a highly pigmented outcome. If you have never used a lip brush before, you’re missing out! Give it a go and you’ll see (and feel) the difference.