How to light up your style at night

The whitened flash was unmistakable as it sauntered by. On close examination under the cover of darkness, with accompanying low shades of light here and there, she was dressed in a figure-hugging black dress, and was attempting, albeit poorly, to adjust the outfit as it kept riding up with every step she took.

But the dress was not the major issue. How she was able to achieve such whitened complexion, yet retain her original dark complexion on other parts of the body, all in the name of attending a night event, was the sad disappointment.

Fashion shows, beauty pageants, milestone birthday celebrations, award programmes, office parties, and even weddings, held at night nearly always bring out the ‘beast’ in the makeup side of the beauty of many ladies.

It is not unusual to find ladies looking ghastly pasty, whitened to scary perfection, all working under the assumption that because it is a night event, the event will hold under the cover of darkness. Sadly, this shouldn’t be so. That is simply the consequences of hiring a non-professional makeup artiste, or the fallout of ignorance of the rules for night makeup. Makeover examines four things about night makeup women should note:

It must not be whitened!

For some reason, there is the assumption by many women that night makeup should be whitened on the face, regardless of complexion. Except the event has something to do with costumes, clowns or ghosts, even for fair-skinned people, there is such a thing as too much, when it comes to makeup. Even if the concealer is a shade lighter than your complexion – as some makeup artistes advise – the foundation must match your skin tone to near-perfection.

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It must not be red!

For those who assume that the lips must scream fiery red at night, there is no rule saying that is the compulsion. Other colours, and even nude will work just fine, depending on the event, and what you’re comfortable with. If you feel nude is a tad too down-toned, yet you want your lips o look just as beautiful, chocolate, plum or berry are other lovely shades to work with.

Your outfit must not scream over-do!

Whether ball, mini, statement, sleeveless or bedazzled, there is definitely such a thing as over-do in the fashion dictionary. Sometimes, cost doesn’t necessarily match quality or fashionable. Sometimes, there is also the misconception that exposing privates is a sensible way to get attention for formal events held at night. This is a no-no, unless you’re headed for a club. It’s simple, common sense. Leave the nightfall sexual parade for the ‘right’ environment.

It must not dazzle into blindness!

For eye makeup, silver or glitter eyeshadow, coupled with heavy false lashes, seems to always fall the poor victims of shallow night makeup done inappropriately. Instead of rolling smoky, winged, shimmer, glitter and dust all into the only beautiful pair of eyes you’ve been blessed with (sadly, no one is born with spare eyes), opt for the winged eyelining, throw on a modest shimmer of glitter, and that is enough for one outing.

There are many options to choose from when it comes to dressing up for a night event. The trick to work with is simple versus loud. For instance, if you plan to dazzle with your outfit, tone down the makeup a little, and vice versa. When in doubt, invest in the services of an expert. Your future outings will thank you!