Cocktail Party Makeup

How to perfect your cocktail party makeup

What makes great party makeup? Each woman has her own definition of evening glamour, but the consensus says there's something alluring about glossy lips, smoky eyes (the little black dress of makeup) and softly dewy skin. Cocktail parties are a chance for you to experiment with colorful evening makeup looks that brings out your best side. Herein, a few cocktail party makeup ideas to get you started. You can try on cocktail party makeup in our virtual makeup studio.

"Cocktail party makeup neccessitates cocktail party hair. Try an elegant ponytail to turn heads."

Come sunset, it's impossible to go wrong with liquid shimmer. Mix a dab with your foundation for radiant, party-perfect skin. Create a base for the eyes by applying concealer with a slim concealer brush, which is a must for getting into the corners of the eye to camouflage dark circles. Dab the color where your skin is most discolored, then use a finger to pat it in lightly. In lieu of an eyeshadow base, you can use the same concealer brush to pat powder onto the eyelids to give your shadow staying power.

For dramatic cocktail party eye makeup, create smokiness by smudging pewter or gunmetal eyeshadow all the in your crease. This look is less harsh than black but equally dramatic, and the color is one shade fits all (it's especially flattering on blue eyes). If you have green or brown eyes, consider swapping pewter for a plum-based shadow as shown here.

To score lush party fringe, apply your mascara with a fan brush, which works especially well on hard-to-catch lower lashes. Swipe your mascara wand with the fan brush to transfer the color and use it to paint your lashes for an extra fluttery effect. Wipe the fan brush clean with a baby wipe or wash it with your regular shampoo to keep it clean. --Stephanie Simons

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