The Formal Face

My previous post detailed some stories from my recent school Formal. This was the first dance of this type that I attended, so I wasn't really sure what to do in terms of hair and makeup. I eventually decided that I would do my own makeup because I really enjoy it and it would be a waste not to use all of these products I own. Upon writing this post I realised that I forgot to include a lot of the products I used in the above image but that's okay because it gives you a real reason to actually read it! Sorry! 

The Base
The aim was to make my makeup stay on as long as possible. I knew I was going to be dancing, sweating, laughing and doing pretty much everything that would make my foundation wear off, so I had to try everything possible. That is why I started by priming with the Benefit Pore-fessional, then I applied three thin layers of the Nars Sheer Glow with a damp beauty sponge. It ended up being about two pumps of foundation to get a relatively full coverage look. I added extra coverage on the redness on my nose, chin and the darkness under my eyes with some Maybelline Fit Me Concealer. To add extra stay time, I powdered with the Rimmel Stay Matte and finished off the whole look with a couple of spritzes of the Urban Decay All Nigher Setting Spray (review HERE). 

The Cheeks 
Contour is not something I often delve into but for this special occasion I gave it a go. I used the middle contour shade in the Australis AC On Tour Contour Palette (review HERE) lightly in the hollows of my cheeks. Then over the top of that, and pretty much everywhere, I buffed The Body Shop Honey Bronzer. Though I was wearing a bright lip, I added a slight bit of the Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Exposed (review HERE). Everything was topped off with my favourite The Balm Mary-lumaniser (review HERE). 

The Brows
I just did my brows the standard way, starting by filling them in (quite heavily) with the Anastasia Brow Wiz. Then I went over the top with my tiny stub of the pencil end of my Pixi Brow Duo to smooth things out. I set it all in place with the L'Oreal Brow Artist Plumper. 

The Eyes
My entire eye look was based around the use of the Australis Metallix Eyeshadow in Pearl Jammin' (review HERE). I applied that all over the lid with my finger and then blended some shadows from the Naked Palette over the top. I packed Half Baked on the entire lid on top of the cream shadow to set it and ensure longevity. Then into the crease I blended the shade Naked super well so that there was no harsh lines. To deepen things up slightly I put a bit of Buck into the outer corner and then blended it up into the outer crease. I lined the outer half of my lid with the L'Oreal Super Liner and then added a mixture of the L'Oreal False Lash Wings Mascara and the Max Factor Masterpiece Transform Mascara. Because I was feeling rather bold, I threw on some Eyelure Lengthening No.80 False Eyelashes. 

The Lips
The lips were simple. I lined them with the Rimmel Exaggerate Lip Liner in Ravish then topped it with my new Too Faced Melted Liquid Lipstick in Melted Ruby. I cleaned up the edges with a precise eyeliner brush to make sure it was super even. 

I can't promise that I will never talk about my formal again, but I can ensure you that I will tone it down from here on out. 

Lots of Love,

Shannon