Special occasion makeup that anyone can master

Got a hot date coming up? Heading to a wedding over the weekend? If you need a special occasion makeup look that’s as simple as it is sophisticated, makeup artist Tamryn Jefferies has your back.

No hiding!

To begin, you’re going to want to create a flawless complexion. Once you’ve applied your moisturiser, use a makeup sponge to glide on a pore-minimising primer in the areas you need it. Next, sweep on a foundation that’s medium-weight and contains light-diffusing particles. 

“Many women make the mistake of choosing a very heavy foundation for evening looks, but that can end up looking mask-like,” Tamryn explains. “You'll get a much better result by choosing something that gives you a medium level of coverage and then hiding dark under-eye circles and the odd blemish with a high-coverage concealer.” 

Bring out your bone structure

What colour do your cheeks turn naturally when you’re flushed? According to Tamryn, that’s the shade you’re going to want to use as your blusher. Apply it to the apples of your cheeks, blending upwards and outwards. Next, suck in your cheeks to find their hollow – that’s where you’re going to sweep on a little contouring powder or cream. “Choose a product that’s two shades darker than your skin tone. The key is to look defined, not dirty,” says Tamryn. 

Lastly, dip your fingertip into a liquid or cream highlighter and pat it along the tops of your cheekbones. “If you have cool-toned or fair skin, pick a pink-toned highlighter. Medium and warm-toned people can go for peach and those with darker skin tones look great in silvery shades if they’re cool-toned and golden-bronze if they’re warmer,” Tamryn says.

Bring the drama 

This look puts the focus on your peepers, but you won’t have to fuss over a smoky eye or steady your hand to perfect a winged liner! Simply use your fingers to pat a wash of shimmering taupe eyeshadow across your lid, then use a bullet-shaped brush to apply a matte chocolate shade in the crease using a windscreen wiper motion. “This combination suits all skin tones,” says Tamryn. “You can then bring the drama by applying a pair of curled false.”

To finish up, fill in your brows using a brow powder that’s ever so slightly darker than your eyebrow hair and slick on a satin-finish lipstick that's two shades darker than your lip colour. “Easy glamour, just like that!” Tamryn says.

IMAGE CREDIT: 123rf.com