With the weather getting warmer, there’s no doubt that a slew of spring dances are just around the corner. And to help you on your hunt to find the perf dress, red-carpet look and wow-‘em-over confidence,
GL’s arming you with the tips you need (when do we not?) to steal the night!
The Pre-Party Prep
Dress Rehearsal: Build up your confidence…with a catwalk!
Once you get your totally perfect dress, don’t leave it in the closet until the big day. Whether you’ve got another month until Spring Fling or a few days, try the dress on beforehand and do a spin, strut and twirl in front of the mirror. You’ll up your confidence factor, see what works, what doesn’t and nix any trips, rips or blush much snafus.
Primp Your Palette for Makeup
The trick to nailing your beauty look starts way before the big day. Keeping the skin clean and moisturized primes your face for smooth makeup application. To reduce roughness and minimize blemishes make sure to daily cleanse, tone and moisturize your skin twice a day. Don’t forget to exfoliate your face with a scrub or mask one to two times a week prior to keep the surface of your skin healthy and radiant too.
Practice Makes Perfect
You might feel a bit silly at first, but even celebs before every bash make sure to do a run through before any red-carpet event. So whether you’re using a straightener or curling iron for your hair, applying dark eyeliner, or posing for the camera, PRACTICE. You’ll also avoid any hang-ups, like running late fumbling with your hairdo, or major stress dealing with raccoon eyes. Not to mention, bypass any nightmarish angles during photo ops.
The Big Day
All About Hair
The Braided Bun A quick ‘n’ super easy updo! Add some volumizer to the top of your head and blow dry with a thick rounded brush. Tie hair into a high ponytail and then braid. Secure the braid and then gently start to pull out the braid a bit to make it messy. Wrap the braid into a bun and secure. Softly tug the hair at the top of your head if you want more volume.
Old Hollywood Curls Wanna wear your hair down? Blow dry hair into a dramatic side part and heat up a 1 ½-to 2-inch curling iron. Section off two small sections on the heavier side of your part that frames your face. Starting at the root, curl two ringlets. Then, curl back another two larger sections behind the front ringlets making sure to start the curl only midway this time. Brush out all the curls. Smooth with styling cream to make glam goddess waves.
Tip: On the day of your special night, forgo using conditioner. This will help give you more texture for styling and a lasting hold all night for any curls and updos.
All About Face
Eyes An evening affair is the perfect time to experiment with daring and bold eyes. To get a sultry, dramatic look: Pick up a duo with a neutral and dark shadow within the palette. First, apply neutral shadow all over the lid to the brow bone. Then take the dark shadow and brush it onto the crease of your eyelid. Take a dark brown or black pencil liner and draw a thin line right above your lashes. Grab and Q-tip and smudge. It doesn’t have to be perfect! Curl lashes and add mascara.
Tip: Add a bit of shimmery white shadow to the inner part of your eyelids for a great highlighting effect!
Lips Before applying any gloss to your lips, make sure your pucker is smooth by exfoliating. Psst, you can easily make a home remedy by gently rubbing a bit of sugar and olive oil on your lips. Moisturize with some lip balm and then glide on your fave hue.
Last Minute Confidence Boosters
Before you head out the door, try these few little tricks to feel your absolute best.
Lightly spritz your fave perfume. When you smell good, your other senses instantly relax and feel good too.
Stand up straight with your shoulders back. Believe it or not, but just changing your posture not only makes you look better, but can immediately change the way you feel.
Smile (even if you’re a nervous wreck). Whether it’s forced or for real, showing those pearly whites will lift your spirits and everyone else’s in the room.
By: Jean Lee