How To Do Your Own Make-Up For An Event Or Photos (+ 36 Best Products)

by | Apr 26, 2024 | Make-up

So it’s time for a big event or an occasion where you know photos will be taken, inevitably ending up immortalised on Instagram. And well, most days your make-up routine consists of you hurriedly applying a few coats of mascara and maybe a swatch of some lip gloss. Worry not! We’re here to show you exactly how to do your own make-up for an event, no matter if that’s a work event, wedding, graduation, fancy dinner or exciting date.

The Do’s & Don’ts Of Event Make-up

Do

  1. Keep it fresh without looking washed out.
  2. Go for a little bit of classic glamour.
  3. Enhance your natural features without completely changing how you look.
  4. Use matte make-up formulas wherever possible. Your skin is less likely to get shiny (not a pretty look in photos!) and the product should last longer on your skin. Plus, matte make-up tends to photograph better.

Don’t

  1. Try not to go over the top – especially if you keep your day-to-day make-up simple.

READ MORE: Festive Make-Up Ideas To Upgrade Your Glam

How To Do Your Own Make-up For A Big Event

Step 1: Apply A Primer

Start with a good-quality primer and apply it all over your face. Not only will it increase the longevity of your foundation, but it’ll prevent it from melting should the temperature get hot, and it’ll ensure a more even foundation finish. Allow your primer a minute or two to settle on your skin before applying foundation.

3 Primers That Will Elevate Your Make-up Look

STILA One Step Correct Skin Tone Correcting & Brightening

How To Do Your Own Makeup For An Event Or Photos With STILA One Step Correct Skin Tone Correcting & Brightening

A product that primes, colour-corrects, brightens and nourishes, this primer is worth the hype and creates a perfect canvas.

wet n wild Prime Focus Impossible Primer

How To Do Your Own Makeup For An Event Or Photos With wet n wild Prime Focus Impossible Primer

This is silicone-free and delivers a hydrating yet mattifying formula that controls shine without having a drying effect on the skin.

Catrice The Perfector Poreless Blur Primer

Catrice The Perfector Poreless Blur Primer

Catrice’s primer has a light mousse texture that minimises pores and creates a soft-focus effect for flattering photos.

READ MORE: Sweat And Humidity Are No Match For These 12 Waterproof Foundations

Step 2: Apply Your Foundation

A matte formula is the best option for events that go on all-day or all-night or any event where there will be stage lights or photographs. There are a few things to keep in mind; apply thin layers, start at the centre, tap on your foundation and blend well. But if you want a step-by-step guide (with how to prep your skin, application tips, the best brushes and more), we’ve made a simple-to-use guide for applying foundation right here.

And if you’re looking for a waterproof foundation, you won’t get better than these 12 sweat-proof and humidity-proof foundations we’ve found here.

3 Amazing, Long-Lasting Foundations

DIOR Backstage Face & Body Foundation

How To Do Your Own Makeup For An Event Or Photos With DIOR Backstage Face & Body Foundation

With 40 shades, it’s been called the supermodel of foundation and is the go-to for Dior runways. This gives long-lasting wear that withstands extreme conditions.

STILA Stay All Day Foundation and Concealer

STILA Stay All Day Foundation and Concealer

This is lightweight, buildable, oil-free and matte is designed to stay all day. Plus it comes with a refillable concealer that neutralises discolouration.

wet n wild Photo Focus Foundation Matte

wet n wild Photo Focus Foundation Matte

This skin-perfecting, buildable foundation was tested under seven different photo lighting conditions to ensure it delivers a flawless, camera-ready finish.

Step 3: Apply Concealer

You might want to start with colour correcting which essentially helps to cancel out dark circles or pigmentation in troublesome areas. Before concealer, apply colour corrector to the area that needs correcting with your fingers or a brush and tap it in. For fair skin, a peach colour corrector will conceal dark circles and for medium to deep skin, you can use a brighter orange. This step isn’t necessary so you can skip it and go straight to concealer if you don’t have dark circles, pigmentation, spots or marks.

Pro tip: pay special attention under the eye area, it’s prone to creasing so use concealer sparingly and only where it’s needed. Start with the inner and outer eye area and build it up as necessary.

3 Concealers That Offer Long-Lasting Coverage

Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear All Over Concealer

How To Do Your Own Makeup For An Event Or Photos With Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear All Over Full Coverage Concealer

This natural-looking and hydrating full-coverage concealer brightens dark under eyes without creasing or caking.

Revlon ColorStay Full Cover Flex Wear Concealer

Revlon ColorStay Full Cover Flex Wear Concealer

This breathable and transfer-resistant concealer wears for up to 24 hours and is amazing for undereye circles and blemishes.

Huda Beauty #FauxFilter Concealer

Huda Beauty #FauxFilter Concealer

Available in 29 shades this has 14-hour crease-proof wear and is infused with conditioning sweet almond oil and vitamin E.

READ MORE: 11 Best Foundations And Brushes For A Flawless Application

Step 4: Choose An Eye Look

Your eye make-up really depends on your personal preference. For a bit of classic glamour, you can apply a light eyeshadow all over your eyelids and add definition by lining your top eyelid with a liquid or felt tip liner. If you like slightly more dramatic eye make-up, you could up your liner game to a full-on winged eyeliner.

There are a few steps you can take to ensure you don’t end up with creased lids. First, start with an eyeshadow primer all over your eyelids as this will ensure your eyeshadow stays in place all day. Then apply your eyeshadow and blend, blend, blend.

3 Eyeshadow Primers That Will Create The Perfect Canvas

NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base

How To Do Your Own Makeup For An Event Or Photos With NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base

Whether you’re using powder or cream eyeshadow this will ensure it stays. Plus the white pigment base will make colours pop!

Essence Prime Like A Boss Eyeshadow Base

Essence Prime Like A boss Eyeshadow Base

A waterproof, long-lasting, non-creasing eyeshadow primer that instantly intensifies colour and prevents fallout.

MAC Prep + Prime 24-Hour Extend Eye

MAC Prep + Prime 24 Hour Extend Eye

If you have teary eyes or find your eyeshadow or liner smudging often, this will be your holy grail! Your eye make-up won’t budge at all.

3 Eyeshadow Palettes You’ll Get Tons Of Use Out Of

HUDA BEAUTY Empowered Eyeshadow Palette

HUDA BEAUTY Empowered Eyeshadow Palette

These creamy, dreamy, buttery shadows will help create any look you could want. Plus they’re easy to apply, build and blend.

Revolution Forever Flawless Eyeshadow Palette

How To Do Your Own Makeup For An Event Or Photos With Revolution Forever Flawless Eyeshadow Palette

Revolution is famous for their highly pigmented shadows. This one is so much fun but there are tons of other options too.

RIMMEL Magnif’Eyes Smoke Edition Palette

RIMMEL Magnif'Eyes Smoke Edition Palette

If you’re going for a dramatic smokey eye or just prefer cooler tones, this smudge-proof 12-shadow kit will give you just that.

Step 5: Use Waterproof Mascara And Eyeliner

It might get hot or even rain (or you may shed a tear!) so it’s best to opt for waterproof eyeliner and mascara formulas. Finish with a few lashings of a volumising mascara and your eyes will be event and camera-ready.

3 Eyeliners That Will Create The Perfect Look

Essence Liquid Ink Eyeliner Waterproof

How To Do Your Own Makeup For An Event Or Photos With Essence Liquid Ink Eyeliner Waterproof

If this eyeliner is good enough for SA popstar Tyla, it’s good enough for us! It’s a gorg brown and the fine-tip makes application so easy.

L’Oreal Paris Infallible 36h Grip Gel Auto Eyeliner

L'Oreal Paris Infallible 36h Grip Gel Auto Eyeliner

Gel liners glide and blend so beautifully. This is great for your waterline or if you’re doing a smokey, sultry look.

FENTY BEAUTY Flyliner Longwear Liquid Eyeliner

FENTY BEAUTY Flyliner Longwear Liquid Eyeliner

The triangle-shaped handle offers great grip and control to create a crisp and defined line; ideal for those liquid eyeliner novices.

3 Mascaras That Won’t Budge

Maybelline Lash Sensational Waterproof Mascara

Maybelline Lash Sensational Waterproof Mascara

Sofia Richie swears by the original version and even wore it on her wedding day! The waterproof version is just as fabulous and won’t give you raccoon eyes.

Benefit BADgal BANG! Waterproof Mascara

How To Do Your Own Makeup For An Event Or Photos With Benefit BADgal BANG! Waterproof Mascara

Everyone’s fave 36-hour volumising mascara now comes in a waterproof version! It’s smudge-proof and gives volume without weighing down your lashes.

Lancôme Lash Idole Waterproof Mascara

If you’re someone with short or straight lashes, run don’t walk to get this – it gives you incredible length and curl! Plus, it’s sweat-, water- and tear-proof.

READ MORE: Top 5 Smudge-Proof Mascaras That’ll Last From AM To PM

Step 6: Add Some Bronzer

Bronzer is amazing at contouring and sculpting the face. Powders typically last longer than their liquid or cream counterparts so they’re better to use if you want a long-lasting look. You’ll want to apply it on your cheekbones, along your jawline, temples, hairline and collarbones.

Benefit Hoola Matte Bronzer Powder

How To Do Your Own Makeup For An Event Or Photos With Benefit Hoola Matte Bronzer

This award-winning, iconic bronzer is silky-soft, super blendable and has a matte finish. Plus, it’s available in four shades (you can’t go wrong with this).

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Bronzer

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Bronzer

If you don’t want a powder or anything too heavy, this high-quality, lightweight cream bronzer will last all day and is super comfortable on the skin!

Maybelline City Bronzer & Contour Powder 

How To Do Your Own Makeup For An Event Or Photos With Maybelline City Bronzer & Contour Powder 

Soft, velvety and made with whipped cocoa butter, this bronzer sweeps across skin seamlessly and gives you a buildable glow that you’ll adore.

Step 7: Add Some Colour With Blush

Applying a pop of colour on the apples of your cheeks gives your skin a healthy and youthful appearance.

MAC Mineralize Blush

MAC Mineralize Blush

With a gorgeous iridescent shimmer, this lightweight blush builds, layer after layer, without heavy coverage. 

wet n wild Colour Icon Blush

How To Do Your Own Makeup For An Event Or Photos With wet n wild Colour Icon Blush

This long-wearing formula will stay in place all day long. We love the shade Pearlescent Pink for all skin tones.

DIOR Backstage Blush

How To Do Your Own Makeup For An Event Or Photos With DIOR Backstage Rosy Glow Blush

This TikTok viral blush reacts upon application with the skin’s pH and moisture level for a long-wearing “custom” colour.

READ MORE: Foundation Application Tips For That Perfect Second Skin

Step 8: Fill In Your Brows

Because you’re going with a classic make-up look, we don’t recommend creating statement brows (hello 2016 eyebrows!), however, filling out sparse areas or adding a little definition can make a big difference to your overall look.

Benefit The Great Brow Basics Trio Kit

How To Do Your Own Makeup For An Event Or Photos With Benefit The Great Brow Basics Trio Kit

This has a trio of the bestselling Goof Proof Brow Pencil (a 12-hour waterproof formula), My Brow Pencil (a 12-hour smudge-proof colour) and the Gimme Brow+ microfibre gel brush.

Anastasia Beverly Hills The Original Brow Kit

Anastasia Beverly Hills The Original Brow Kit

The original brow kit that started it all contains the ABH hero products (Brow Powder Duo, Brush 7B, Mini Clear Brow Gel, Precision Tweezers and 5 Stencils) needed to create perfect brows.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze

How To Do Your Own Makeup For An Event Or Photos With Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze

This easy-to-use, mess-free brow styling wax lifts, tames and sculpts every hair in place for long-lasting, feathered-looking and full-bodied brows that last all day. It’s a cult classic for a reason!

Step 9: Apply A Cute Lippie

Last but not least, is the lips. We recommend a matte formula (a glossy finish won’t photograph well) in a colour of your choice.

3 Long-Lasting, Budge-Proof Lipsticks

NARS Powermatte High Intensity Lip Pencil

NARS Powermatte High Intensity Lip Pencil

This matte lip formula has up to 12-hours of transfer-proof staying power. The cream-to-matte texture applies effortlessly and seals in a bold, matte finish.

Maybelline Superstay Vinyl Ink Lipstick 

Maybelline Superstay Vinyl Ink Lipstick

This affordable long-lasting lipstick that looks and feels like a hydrating gloss won’t fade or flake. Plus, it has almost no transfer and is super hydrating.

L’Oreal Colour Riche Intense Volume Matte Lipstick

How To Do Your Own Makeup For An Event Or Photos With L'Oreal Colour Riche Intense Volume Matte Lipstick

You don’t have to break the bank with this creamy and matte super-pigmented lipstick that won’t settle into your lip’s creases so they won’t look dry or cracked.

READ MORE: Exactly How You Should Be Cleaning Your Make-Up Brushes, According To A Make-Up Artist

Step 10: Finish It All With A Setting Spray or Powder

No look is complete without setting or fixing spray. Hold it away from your face and spray a few times while you move your hand around. Remember the aim is to set, not drench your face. If you’re using powder, make sure to add it to the oily areas that need it but don’t overdo it because you don’t want to look cakey.

Pro tip: when you’re buying a setting spray or fixing spray, the ones that contain polymers are the ones that often keep your make-up in place the longest.

3 Setting Sprays And Powders That Ensure Your Make-up Won’t Budge

Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder

Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder

A cult favourite, according to the brand one is sold every 20 seconds. It’s super smooth, goes on evenly, blends effortlessly and sets make-up for 12 hours without adding weight or texture.

Kryolan Professional Make-Up Fixing Spray

How To Do Your Own Makeup For An Event Or Photos With Kryolan Professional Make-Up Fixing Spray

Now this is a heavy-duty spray; perfect for very oily or sweaty people. It’s used in the film industry for locking in body painting and fake tattoos so you know your make-up won’t budge.

Maybelline Lasting Fix Setting Spray

Maybelline Lasting Fix Setting Spray

This setting spray seals powders, creams and more all over your face and will give you up to 16 hours of shine-free wear. Bonus: it dries down pretty quickly and doesn’t feel tacky or sticky.

And that’s how to do your own make-up for an event, photos, wedding or just because you want to! Now, sit back and bask in all your gorgeous glory and make sure to snap a few pics ASAP.

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