Beauty 101: Special Occasion Preparation

Up until now, our Beauty 101 series has focused on everyday makeup routines. But what about those times when you want to kick things up a notch?

Most of the time, my makeup routine stays the same: a little tinted moisturizer, lip gloss, and mascara, and I’m good to go. But at my sister’s recent wedding, haunted by pictures of my other sister’s wedding, where I had a severe case of sweaty dance face in all of the reception pics, complete with runny eye makeup, a forehead that, as Miss Hannigan would say, shined like the top of the Chrysler building, I decided to splurge on special occasion makeup specifically designed to stay in place and photograph well. I still had sweaty dance face, mind you, but thanks to some solid foundation, powder, and waterproof liner, it didn’t show up in the pictures.

Whether you’re trying to avoid sweaty dance face or not, there are certain occasions that lend themselves to “special” makeup routines, whether you’re trying to look good in major-event photographs (or just in the dreaded party pics people post on Facebook) or experimenting with different styles/eras (pinup girls, old Hollywood glam, the mod look, flapper style, etc.) With that in mind, consider answering the following questions for your fellow readers:

1. What’s the best way to reduce redness/shininess in photographs? Are there any cosmetic ingredients that don’t photograph well that I should be aware of?

2. How do I apply/remove fake lashes?

3. How can I get my makeup to last throughout a date/party/prom/wedding/etc.? How often should I touch it up?

4. Which YouTube makeup gurus should I check out? Any particular tutorials you’d recommend? Any books? Classes?

Think you can help? Feel free to leave your answer in the comments below. A roundup of tips and tricks will be posted at some point tomorrow.