Whether it’s a day at the races, a wedding, a work event or black-tie do, follow our guide to look your Insta-worthy best.
2 weeks prior
Prepping skin professionally is your secret weapon. Head into a beauty clinic for a facial peel like the A-Zyme Peel by Ultraceuticals ($170) – it’s super quick and doesn’t hurt a bit, with a mixture of anti-ageing powerhouses retinol and bromelain applied for 5-10 minutes.
Some light flaking may be experienced in the days following the treatment, but once that’s subsided, skin is gloriously plump and hydrated.
A smooth, glowing and even complexion is the perfect canvas for all kinds of glamorous make-up looks.
2 days prior
It’s time to tan! The most important step in getting a smooth, even, streak-free colour is to ensure your skin is exfoliated properly before you apply any tanning product.
In previous years this meant going to town on limbs with a grunty scrub and exfoliating gloves, but Bondi Sands has come to the rescue with its new tan eraser.
The game-changing foam is simply applied to dry skin the night before tanning, left on for five minutes, then washed off in the shower.
The only way to apply tan at home is with a blending glove – it ensures an even, completely streak-free finish every time, with no tell-tale stained palms.
Spritz or pump your favourite mist or foam onto your glove and buff it in using circular motions.
Try: Bondi Sands Self Tan Eraser ($24.99), Little Honey Flawless Bronzing Mist ($45) or Little Honey Flawless Blending Glove ($19.99).
The day before
Leaving nails to the last minute is the safest way to keep them chip-free before the big day. Always apply a base coat – for both protection and longevity – plus a top coat to seal and add shine.
Try: Revlon ColorStay Gel Envy Longwear Nail Enamel in Lovestruck, $18.50, Revlon Quick Dry Base Coat, $17.50 or Revlon Quick Dry Top Coat, $17.50.
On the day
PRIME:
Applying a primer before foundation is essential. It creates a smooth layer that holds foundation in place and guarantees it’ll still be looking flawless on the dance floor at 1am.
Using one with an SPF is handy for extra protection at outdoor events over summer. Try: Dermalogica Age Smart SkinPerfect Primer SPF30, $98.
If you’re conscious of pores, use a primer that helps diminish their look. We like Revlon PhotoReady Pore Reducing Primer, $32.
ACE YOUR BASE:
Buff on your base using a foundation brush or blender.
Choose a formula designed to go the distance and don’t be afraid to create full coverage – it’s flattering and forgiving in photos. Even out skin tone and disguise dark under-eye circles with a heavy-duty concealer.
Apply across the entire under-eye area up to the lash line in smooth, even strokes, then use your finger to blend into skin.
Try: Elizabeth Arden Flawless Finish Everyday Perfection Bouncy Makeup, $79, Osmosis Performance Wear Satin Foundation, $95, and Bobbi Brown Instant Full Cover Concealer, $69.
SHADE AND SHINE
While you don’t want to look as though you’ve been dipped in liquid gold, a soft highlight adds a gorgeous radiance to skin. For a lit-from-within glow, dust a powder highlighter onto the top of cheekbones, down the centre of the nose to the tip and on the Cupid’s bow.
We like Wet n Wild MegaGlo Highlighting Bar, $14.99.
Add extra dimension to your face and create depth beneath cheekbones by dusting bronzer lightly along the hollows of cheeks and around the perimeter of the hairline.
Try: Maybelline New York Master Bronze Color & Highlighting Kit, $22.99.
EYE FOR DETAIL
Feline-inspired eyeliner and dramatic, voluminous lashes always look glam and elegant. Use a fine brush and gel-based liner to create a flick, starting from the inner corner and working out with small strokes, making sure to take it right into the base of the lash line.
Finish with lashings of waterproof mascara.
Try: TheBalm Scuba Water Resistant Black Mascara, $34.99 or Shiseido Inkstroke Eyeliner Brush, $55.
GET LIPPY
Make it modern by applying a matte, nude-hued lip colour – a long-wear formulation that requires minimal touch ups is the perfect choice.
Try: L’Oréal Paris Infallible Matte Nude Lip Paintin Dead Lips, $23.99
GLOW GIRL
Make sure all your areas of exposed skin match. Create a uniform glow by applying a cream bronzer liberally to limbs.
Try: Benefit Hoola Zero Tanlines, $52
