We’re not ones to shy away from bold, glittery and iridescent makeup, all year round. But, there’s a different kind of thrill in putting on makeup during the party season. It’s almost as if you’ve been waiting for this time of the year, right? We know you’re super excited to dance the night away with your BFFs while sipping on one cocktail after another. But, for makeup junkies like you and us, the party season is truly a test of our makeup skills. You can never be wearing enough sparkle on your eyelids and highlighter on your cheekbones. Not to mention, it’s always a battle of who’s wearing the most versatile and trendiest makeup look. You best hope that your nose contour is razor-sharp, and your smoky cut crease doesn’t look muddy as heck!
If we’ve got you a little worried, don’t be, because we’re not going to let you fall behind! The red carpet is the best place to find some drop-dead stunning beauty inspo, and we’ve shortlisted the best looks from this year. Palettes at the ready? Get the look!
Best Red Carpet Looks:
1. PRIYANKAS BLINDING GLOW
If there’s any time to match up to Priyanka Chopra Jonas’ Goddess-level looks from Cannes this year, it’s the party season. And believe it or not, that blinding highlight is easy to recreate too. First off, perfect that base like you’d perfect that important presentation. Make sure to cover any dark spots, acne scars and pigmentation on the face. It’s important for your skin to look dewy, so try to powder just the areas where you tend to get oily the most. For that glistening highlight action, your best bet is a hydrating cream highlighter. Apply it on your cheekbones, collarbone and anywhere else that you would want to highlight. Finish off with a very subtle eye and lip look, and lock in that highlight with a spritz of setting spray.
Nykaa Recommends: Faces Canada Ultime Pro HD Runway Ready Foundation, Maybelline New York Fit Me Concealer, Kiko Milano Radiant Touch Creamy Stick Highlighter
2. HALSEY’S WATERCOLOUR EYES
If there’s one person we’d call a makeup chameleon, it’s Halsey. She’s not one to go for the conventional and wears every red carpet makeup look with panache. . This look from the AMAs is a bit out there, but it’s totally wearable without the invisible brows. Just blend in some glittery blue in the crease, add white sparkle to the lids and use pink shimmer to completely fill in the lower lash line. You can even add a hint of pink to the inner corners, just above the blue. Finish up with rhinestones and a nude lip and you’ve nailed the look.
Nykaa Recommends: Makeup Revolution X Soph Extra Spice Eyeshadow, Milani Hypnotic Lights Holographic Eye Topper - Prismatic Light, L'Oreal Paris Rouge Signature Matte Liquid Lipstick - 116 I Explore, NYX Professional Makeup Tinted Brow Mascara - Black
3. ALIA BHATT SANS MAKEUP
Look at Alia, just slaying that ‘woke-up-like-this’ look for the IIFAs! It’s all in the brows, healthy skin and subtle splashes of blush on her cheeks and lids. Go for a very sheer base, preferably one that has been created with a hydrating BB/CC cream. It may look like she’s got a pink flush, but there’s a very soft hint of brown-pink nude on her cheeks, eyes and the contours of her face. You can even see a tinge of gold inner corner highlight that gives her a bright, doe-eyed look. The lips are basic, so stick to a tinted lip balm. If you have sparse brows, fill them in with a brow mascara to give them a fuller effect. Pair this look with a messy braid, and you’re going to look just as effortless as Alia.
Nykaa Recommends: Maybelline New York Clear Glow BB Cream, Maybelline New York Facestudio Master Blush Color & Highlight Kit, Maybelline New York Face Studio Master Chrome Metallic Highlighter - Molten Gold, Maybelline New York Fashion Brow Pomade Crayon
4. GAGA OVER MAXIMALISM
Remember the time Lady Gaga slayed the Met Gala camp fashion theme, this year? It’s all anyone could talk about, and for good reason. We loved the little outfit show she put on, but we’re quite surprised that no one has mentioned those OTT lashes. All you need is a white kohl, black eyeliner, thick and long lashes and some rhinestones. Since you’ll be partying the night away, we’d suggest skipping the gold handmade lashes. Start out by applying black eyeliner, extending it into a V-shape on the outer corner. Apply the lashes first, and then apply the rhinestones above the black liner on your lids. Line your inner lash line with white kohl and finish off with some black liner below your lower lash line.
Nykaa Recommends: Nykaa Black Magic! Gel Eyeliner - Jet Black, Wet n Wild Color Icon Kohl Liner Pencil - You're Always White, PAC Mink Lash - M72
5. SONAM’S BLUSH FLUSH
When in doubt, go for monochrome. We remember bookmarking Sonam Kapoor Ahuja’s red carpet look from this year’s Filmfare Awards mainly because of how simple and chic it was. It’s perfect for parties that might just get a bit too crowded and sweaty - no need to worry about fading makeup, right? Go for a pastel pink eyeshadow and make sure to match it with a subtle pink blush and petal pink lipstick. Once your makeup is in sync, tie a clean little low bun and you're all set to turn heads at that NYE party.
Nykaa Recommends: Biotique Natural Makeup Diva Shimmer Sparkling Eyepowder - Vanity Fair, Ruby's Organics Creme Blush - Orchid, Maybelline New York Color Sensational Creamy Matte Lipstick - 665 Lust For Blush, L'Oreal Paris Eyeshadow Palette - Cherry My Cheri, L'Oreal Paris Lucent Magique Blush Blushing Kiss, L'Oreal Paris Color Riche Moist Matte Lipstick - 232 Beige Couture
6. SMOKE IT LIKE SARA
No, no, we’re not supporting a bad cigarette habit! We’re talking about Sara Ali Khan’s sultry little smoky eye for the Vogue Beauty Awards, with just the right amount of gold in the crease and brow bones. We won’t suggest you go ham on the lids with black eyeshadow. Just line your lash line and then go over it with some glittery black color, smoking it out at the outer corners. Add plenty of mascara coats to up the sexiness.
Nykaa Recommends: Garnier Skin Naturals BB Cream SPF 24/PA+++, Wet n Wild Color Icon Eyeshadow Glitter Single - Karma, Colorbar Just Smoky Eye Kajal - Just Black, Faces Canada Magneteyes Dramatic Volumizing Mascara Black
