There’s a lot to learn about makeup and beauty out there – even we’ll admit that it can be a lil overwhelming at times!

Whether you’re a master with the liquid liner or a beginner that’s still figuring things out, we’ve put together a step-by-step guide on how to power up your party face. Check out our tried and tested makeup tips and tricks below and nail your next night-out look.

Shimmer and shine

Adding some subtle shimmer will truly make you shine, keeping your look natural and highlighting your own beauty. Adding a little shimmer always adds a quick hint of glam
when you need it. Try applying a subtle shimmer stick onto cheekbones as a highlight. This will create a gorgeous pearlescent glow and flawlessly reflecting light from all the right places on your face. Dusting a shimmer powder on your décolletage is also a surefire way to get the party started.

QUICK TIP: Try using a metallic bronze as a soft liner under your lower lash line. You can also lightly sweep a dusting of shimmery shadow on upper lids – but try not to go above the crease line with highly metallic shades.

Be a highlight

One of the best tips to go from average to amazing is the strategic use of a highlighter. Dab small amounts on top of your cheekbone – from the apple of the cheek and up through to the hairline. This adds light, looks fresh, makes skin look hydrated and decreases the look of fine lines. You can even use small amounts on the inner corner of the eye to add freshness and under the brow bone to “lift” the eye.

Softly highlighted cheeks are always a winning look. Dust on a powder bronzer with a fan brush first, then go over it with either a shimmery cream blush or another powder blush in a bright shade. It’s fine to mix textures – creams can work in tandem with powders if the application is light.

Dab a bit of shimmer on the top of your cheeks to instantly brighten and illuminate your face. Be sure to choose just one feature to accentuate so your highlighting stays subtle.

Fine & defined

Use brow powder or pencil to define strong eyebrows and to frame the eye. Use your blush to identify the apples of the cheeks, and then accentuate your cheekbones by applying a bronzer under them, to create a more sculpted look.

QUICK TIP: Dab a band of highlighter under the eyes – starting from the mid face and taking it up towards the temples. The lighter colour will help lift the eyes and make your face pop.

Prime time

Perfect party makeup application requires a smooth canvas. Airbrush fine lines and pores with a quality primer. It leaves skin with a soft, velvety finish, allowing foundation to glide across the skin for an even, radiant finish. In addition to instantly smoothing fine lines, pores and wrinkles, it also increases the longevity of your foundation. Speaking of foundation, opt for long-lasting dewy finishes for a glowing look and ultimate staying power.

Eyes on the prize

An easy way to glam up a bare eye is to intensify your look with eyeliner. If a smouldering look is what you’re after, use an eyeliner pencil around the entire eye and on the inner rim. For a quick smokey look, smudge it off using a crease/smudge brush. For more of a clean, strong line, create a winged liner using a gel or liquid eyeliner. This, combined with generous lashings of mascara, will instantly glam up your look and get you party ready!

QUICK TIP: A really great makeup trick is to use eyeliner to fill in the tiny spaces between upper eyelashes. This helps eyes look fuller and more alive and lends an amazing frame to the eyes.