Graduation Glamour

If you don’t usually wear makeup, don’t be experimental on the big day. I recommend doing a dry run of your look prior to the event; If you didn’t have time to practice, then stick to a simple look. Some people like to pair a simple eye with a bold lip; others like a bold eye with a neutral lip. If you favour a more natural look, you can definitely pair a simple eye with a nude lip.

Make the focus of the look perfected, bronzed, luminous skin.

The following products can be used to achieve a glamorous graduation look: face primer, foundation, concealer, setting powder, bronzer, blush, highlight, eye primer, eyeshadow, eyeliner, mascara, false lashes, lipstick and lip gloss.

Remember, you don’t need all of these items for your look. For example, you can skip foundation if you don’t need it. Omit powder if your skin is very dry. False eyelashes will take some getting used to, so you should probably skip them if you’ve never worn them. Whether your skin is oily, normal or dry, always moisturise. Priming the face can help your makeup to last longer and apply more smoothly. Priming the eyes will help your eyeshadows to adhere and remain vibrant throughout the event.

If your skin tone is uneven, a thin layer of foundation can help to create an even canvas.

Don’t keep layering foundation to hide your blemishes, as this can create a heavy, cakey effect. Instead, apply concealer to your blemishes and pat to blend it in. The concealer that you use under your eyes should be one to two shades lighter than your foundation for a brightening effect. Set your concealer with a powder; you can also apply some powder to any areas of the face that get oily.

The following steps can be used together, or you can pick the ones you are comfortable with:
• You can contour just under your cheekbones with a slightly darker powder to add dimension to your face.

• You can also contour your nose to slenderise it, around the perimeter of your forehead to make it appear smaller, and under your jaw to create a more chiselled profile.

• If you find contouring too daunting, bronzer is a more forgiving way to add shape and warmth to the face. Use a larger, fluffier brush when bronzing. Dust bronzer on the cheekbones, temples, lightly over the nose and on the chin for a sun-kissed look.

• If you like the dewy look, then you can highlight your features: the tops of the cheekbones, the brow bone, down the bridge of the nose, the Cupid’s Bow and on the chin.

If you choose to skip all prior steps, that’s fine; but don’t skip blush. Blush will perk up the complexion and add colour back to your face.

A swipe of rosy blush on the fullest part of your cheek will create a healthy flush.

When it comes to the eyes, there are a few looks that you can accomplish with very little skill.

The easiest look to do is a neutral eye. If your blending isn’t superb, it won’t be too noticeable.

Apply bronzer to the crease of your primed eye using windshield wiper motions. Apply a goldenbronze eyeshadow to the eyelid. Using a smaller brush or a cotton bud, blend bronzer under your eye to create a smoky effect.

Line your eyes however you like. If your hands aren’t steady enough to do a wing, then just dot your pencil eyeliner along the lashes, and blend it out with a cotton bud for soft definition. Line your lower waterline with brown or black pencil.
Curl your eyelashes and apply a generous coat of mascara.