Movie stars will put their best face forward as they walk the red carpet at Dubai International Film Festival on December 6. All the excitement around the city’s biggest movie event this year has inspired The Beauty Beat to think up a full-on glamour look that’s perfect for the red carpet or any big event where you’re the centre of attention.
FLAWLESS SKIN
On the red carpet — on in any situation with lots of flashing cameras — getting a flawless base down is half the battle. Go for a semi-matte finish to be on the safe side — dewy foundations might end up looking way too greasy, but a fully matte base might look too flat and dry. The Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation (Dh260) is a make-up artist favourite that will help you achieve a natural and glowy base that feels and looks like silk. For a lit-from-within glow, use a liquid or cream highlighter. A tiny bit of MAC Strobe Cream (Dh163) can be used on the high points of the face for a highlight that blends right into the foundation. Err on the side of natural for both blush and contour, and blend well. To make sure everything stays put, use a setting spray such as Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray (Dh127).
SIMPLE EYE SHADOW
If you have a talented make-up artist at hand, then getting a smokey eye is a no-brainer. But at home, with little room for mistakes ahead of your big event, it’s better to keep it simple. Use a neutral, shimmer shade all over the lid, with a touch of a darker matte in the crease for dimension. The Zoeva Cocoa Blend palette (Dh110) is a favourite of mine as it contains a mix of 10 shades that are wearable, pigmented and easy to blend. For eyeliner, blend a matte shadow into the lash line instead of a pencil or liquid liner for a softer effect.
LUSCIOUS LASHES
Thick, fluttery lashes is what completes a great red carpet look for me. If you aren’t a fan of fake eyelashes, use two to three coats of a volumising mascara such as Lancome Monsieur Big Mascara (Dh130). Prep the lashes with an eyelash curler; they really make a difference. If falsies are your thing, then stack two strips of lashes together for dramatic effect. Don’t be afraid to trim the lashes if they’re too long or don’t fit properly.
DARING LIPSTICK
The usual suspects for lip colour on the red carpet are reds and nudes, for good reason. Classic shades never go out of style and are hard to get wrong. But sometimes, it’s exciting to go for a bolder choice. Pick an eye-popping pink such as Charlotte Tilbury lipstick in Electric Poppy (Dh145), a searing orange-red such as MAC’s Lady Danger (Dh104), or a daring purple such as Kat Von D Beauty’s L.U.V. Everlasting Liquid Lipstick (Dh100). Use a matching lip liner to make sure your lipstick lasts all night.
