Whether you’re the woman of the hour, the party host or just another guest, an upcoming party calls for an unforgettable makeup look.
After all, any event worth going to is sure to be all over social media the following day. And naturally, you’ll want to make sure you look your best in all those Instagram snaps and stories.
But it’s easy to get stuck in a makeup rut and resort to the same look every time.
If you’re in need of some cosmetic inspiration, look no further. Here are some of the best glamorous party makeup looks that are sure to make you stand out for all the right reasons!
1. Matte Red Lips
If you’re not usually one to go for a bold lip color, a party is a great reason to try something new. Plus, matte red lips are classic yet modern, and there’s a perfect shade of red for every skin tone.
But, to get this look right, ask a makeup sales rep for help. They’ll be able to tell you whether your skin has cool, warm or neutral undertones and which shades of red work best with your coloring.
Once you’ve got your perfect red lip color, ensure that your pout is the focus of your party look by opting for a subtle base and minimal eye makeup.
2. Stormy Stare
For a change from basic black, consider eye makeup in a stormy shade of blue for your next party look. Dark blue is especially great with brown eyes as the contrasting tone brings out their natural warmth.
With a soft base and neutral lips, stick to black mascara but opt for a soft navy kohl liner under the eyes. Then add a sharp dark blue line above your lashes. Finish with a touch of dark blue shadow at the corners of your eyes and work the color into your lids.
3. Classic English Rose
If you’re planning a classy party complete with floral arrangements, an ‘English rose’ look is the perfect makeup choice.
But, before you consider which blush will bring out your natural glow, choosing the right primer is vital for an elegant look that lasts all night. Check out these reviews on the best face primer for over 50 year-olds to find your perfect match
Once your primer is on, keep your base light and dewy, then sweep pale pink or peach blusher across your cheeks. Add a wash of rose gold eyeshadow and use dark brown mascara instead of black. Then, finish your fresh-faced look with a natural pink on your lips.
4. Extreme Cat Eye Flicks
A subtle, Alexa Chung-style eyeliner flick is great for your everyday makeup. But a party makeup look that stands out calls for bigger, bolder winged liner.
To make the extreme cat eye flicks the focus of your look, keep the rest of your makeup more low-key. That means a natural lip color and the bare minimum of eyeshadow to set off your mesmerizing cat eyes.
A thin pen-style liner ensures a razor-sharp edge, then you can darken the line with a sharp black kohl pencil to set it in place for the night. Finally, add a few coats of black mascara and you’re done.
5. Magical Metallics
If you want bold party makeup for a magic-themed party, metallics are always a winner.
Start with a shine-minimizing base to stop a shiny forehead from stealing the limelight. Then, depending on your coloring, you can play around with different metallic eye makeup to find your ideal party look.
Silver and gold look great on darker skins, while bronze and metallic shades of blue, green or purple suit most people. For a magical finishing touch, use eyelash glue to stick on glitter stars at the tops of your cheekbones.
6. Cleopatra Liner
Makeup ideas don’t come much more striking that Cleopatra’s winged jade eye makeup.
To set off your eyes, keep your base light and your lips neutral. Go for bold brows and line your entire eye with a black kohl pencil, flicking it out at the ends.
Then, with a deep jade or turquoise eyeshadow, cover your lids and sweep up towards your brow line and out to a winged edge. Apply a darker green in the creases of your lids for added definition and finish with several coats of black mascara.
7. Bronzed Goddess
Makeup look ideas don’t have to focus on your eyes or lips. Instead, you can enhance a natural (or not-so-natural) tan with a bronzed glow that does all the talking.
For your base, edge towards a dewy finish rather than anything too shiny or matte. Add bronzer across your cheeks and down your nose, then apply a hint of bronze eyeshadow and a subtle coat or two of mascara.
Keep lips neutral with a clear gloss, or, go for bright coral lips to really make your tan pop.
8. Deep Burgundy Pout
If you really want your lips to stand out, a deep burgundy pout is a truly show-stopping party makeup look.
To avoid the dark lip color washing you out, start with a warm base and keep your brows, lashes and eyeliner dark but subtle. To finish, apply a touch of warm brown eyeshadow at the corners of your eyes, and then fade the color out as you move across your lids.
9. Ultraviolet Eyes
Although ultraviolet was 2018’s color of the year, we’re still loving this shade of purple for our 2019 makeup party ideas.
Contrast the cool violet tones by starting with a warm base and a slick of bronzer, then use a bright ultraviolet shadow across your lids. Build up the depth of color at the edge of your eyes, then sweep the color towards the ends of your brows to create a winged shape. Balance the look with nude lips and you’re all set.
10. Peachy Glow
For a healthy glow that’s subtle yet fresh, apply varying shades of peach across your face, eyes and lips. As well as being very on-trend, monochrome makeup is a great option if you want to look good without overdoing it.
Keep your base warm and dewy and limit yourself to a coat or two of dark brown or black mascara. Then apply a peachy blush across your cheeks, a slick of peach lip gloss and a hint of peachy eyeshadow.
Stand Out with These Party Makeup Looks
Parties are always a great excuse to experiment, whether that’s with your hair, your clothes or your party makeup looks.
And, as these different ideas show, there are tons of ways to use makeup to create a glamorous look that is sure to impress at your next big party!