RUBY RECOMMENDS | SIMPLIFYING BLACK TIE BEAUTY

Knowing you have a big event coming up can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't need to be. 

You don’t have to wear ten layers of makeup to look (or feel) beautiful. When getting ready for an event, people tend to steer away from their everyday makeup and opt for thick eyeliner, a bold red lip, glitter.. often all at once! It doesn’t have to be such a dramatic change… it can just be an enhanced version of our everyday routine.

Glowing Skin

Healthy, hydrated skin is always the best base to start with, as less makeup is needed for a polished look. In the lead up to an event, especially in the colder months, prepare your skin by switching to a balm or rich cream, providing extra hydration. Apply to damp skin to seal in moisture, helping to prevent dry, tight skin. 

Light Layers

Thick layers are prone to setting in to fine lines, and can start to look cakey by the end of the night, so always try to work in lighter layers. Strategically camouflage blemishes with concealer, rather than applying one thick layer. Use the Fine Liner and Tapered Brush Heads from my Magnetic Brush Sets to precise apply, before tapping in with my fingers to blend.

Flush of Colour

Finish your base with a hint of blusher to instantly brighten your face and give yourself a natural glow. Start by applying to the apples of the cheeks then work upwards and outwards. This is a great way to add dimension to your face, without needing thick heavy layers of contour. Everyone at the table will be complimenting your glow! 

Softly defined eyes

For instantly thicker fuller looking lashes the technique of tight-lining provides a little illusion. I like to curl my lashes first, then, using a precise pencil, I work the pencil underneath the top lashes to get the perfect line. As we age that bit of definition really makes the eyes pop… for all those afraid to wear liner or struggle to perfect a cat-eye flick, I always recommend this technique.

Shimmer

A big event is the perfect time to experiment with textures you wouldn’t usually wear.. but it doesn’t have to be scary! It’s all about practice.. finding what works for you, and shimmer can be subtle.

Try lining the eyes with a shimmery eyeshadow, for a glitter eyeliner effect. Our Lip Serum Balms in FX and FX Gold are a great way to add a subtle shimmer to your normal lip-look. 

Another way to try out shimmer is to use a highlighter, placing it sparingly (you can build up) in the areas the light naturally catches... the top of your cheek bones, the cupids bow of your lips, your décolletage.

Bold Lip

Some people feel a bold lip can be overpowering, but it could be that you have too much going on. There's nothing worse than having a bright cheek colour, glitter eyeshadow AND red lips all at the same time. If you want bright red lips, opt for nothing other than mascara on the eyes. 

You don’t have to jump straight in to a bold red lip. Our Lip Serum Balms are a great way to start subtle and build up colour. Start with a light swipe, test the colour, see how you feel in it, and if you're a fan... be brave and layer up for a brighter pop of colour.

Last all night!

People seem to fear translucent powder… but it's no longer chalky, cakey or drying. It’s a great tool for setting, blending, and mattifying - it helps create that 'flawless', natural-looking skin. It sets your makeup, blurs imperfections and gives your skin a smooth looking finish. Load some on to a small brush head, and keep in your bag for touch-ups throughout the night!