Top beauty tips to get you through the big day

GERRY CUPIDO geraldine.cupido@inl.co.za

THERE’S something very special and exciting about getting ready for a big event.

Once your outfit is sorted then all you have left to focus on is your hair and make-up.

While there are ladies out there who are able to get ready in an hour (this is very rare) many women like to make an occasion out of it. I must confess I’m one of those. Like a “pre-event” kind of vibe. A time that can be so much fun when shared with your besties. The night before the event, a good night’s sleep and a hydrating skincare routine, are vital. No amount of make-up can cover up puffy eyes and make-up always looks better on great skin.

Your first stop on the day of the event is the hair salon. If you choose your salon wisely you can also have your nails done at the same time.

Once hair and nails are done it’s time for your make-up.

Why not spoil yourself with a professional make-up artist for a special event like this?

Make-up artists can magically transform your look with their brushes and a kit filled with all the cosmetic products you can dream of, and technical skills to match, and that no amount of YouTube tutorials can replace.

Go for gold. Picture: Pexels

They can even help you to decide on a look to match your outfit. Unfortunately, not everyone can afford a make-up artist and that’s OK. All you need is the right tools, time and a few basic skills, and you’re good to go.

However, there are a few factors to take into consideration when choosing a look for the day.

Here are a few tips on what looks work, and what don’t, when attending such an event.

A play on the theme

The theme for this year’s Durban July, Show me the Honey, offers a great opportunity to get creative. Bring in some glossy shimmering gold to play on honey or opt for bold colours on the eye or lips to create a vibrant feel of flowers in bloom.

Focus on the eyes

While it’s mainly an outdoor event, there will be times when you’ll find yourself in close proximity to others which means you’ll most likely be wearing a face mask at some point. A bold eye look is great because you won’t need to touch it up and certainly won’t get smeared! Whether it’s a smokey eyes look, dramatic graphic eyeliner or a pop of colour, the possibilities are endless.

Dewy barely-there look

This look is an all round winner. It’s clean and fresh and it shows off your natural beauty without working too hard. The great thing about this look is that you can so easily glam it up with a bold red lip when night falls.