What girl doesn't enjoy playing in makeup on some level? I definitely do! And, thanks to YouTube gurus, I've gotten pretty good at beating my own face over the years. One thing I know to be challenging for a lot of us is sustaining a look for the duration of a long event, especially when food is involved. And when you're hosting a dinner or party, it's even more stressful because you are serving, introducing, cleaning, etc. all night and hardly have time to step away from your guests. Since it's prime time for events right now I thought it would be helpful to learn about simple ways to combat that this holiday season. Between Christmas, New Year's Eve, and all the other gatherings that may occur, you and I will likely host or attend multiple parties. I'm not a beauty blogger by any means, though, so I tapped someone who IS an expert.
Ashley's 9 to 5 is in accounting and finance but her 5 to 9 is all things beauty--hair, makeup, skincare, you name it! We met in our sorority at Baylor (our hair and makeup skills have come a loooong way since then) and she has become one of my closest friends. After getting her degrees, she underwent formal training to become a makeup pro so this girl can do everything from balance a budget to create the perfect smoky eye. Through her business, Bella by Ashley Monique, she beautifies everyone from brides to girl bosses...and even me. 🙂 I sat down with her to get the best tips and product recommendations we need to look flawless all night long.
Dinner Party Perfect Makeup Tips with Ashley Byrd
Q: What is important to keep in mind when applying makeup or getting it done for an event?
"Knowing your skin type is key! I can typically tell right away if a client has dry skin, but I always ask my clients if they tend to get oily and if so, where? This helps me to correctly prep the skin. Many people (myself included) have combination skin, dry in certain areas and oily in our T-zone. That is critical to note because it dictates which primer to use and where, which foundation brand to use, and it helps the artist select the right concealer."
Q: As a hostess, you never want to leave your guests unattended for too long but makeup meltdowns happen. What’s a good, discreet product for quick touch-ups?
"A flesh-toned pressed powder is a must have. Hosting is a busy task and with all that moving and shaking you're bound to work up a sweat. You'll want to keep a powder on you so you can step away for a second, pat the oily areas, and get right back to your guests."
Q: To me, lipstick is the makeup gateway. It’s the easiest thing to experiment with and can help you look put-together all by itself. It’s also so easy to smudge while eating and drinking! What are your recommendations for lip color to last through dinner and drinks?
"Regardless of which lipstick you choose to apply, it is important to first condition your lips. Some formulas are more drying so moisturizing is critical. Next, take a tissue paper and blot off any excess. The last (and most important) thing for a dinner party is applying a long-lasting lipstick & keeping it in your purse for a touch up when you're done eating. I personally love Milani Amore Matte Lip Crèmes. They are inexpensive and give a bold, long-lasting matte finish!"
Q: What one product do you recommend to keep the face in place all night?"
"Primer! A solid base not only keeps your makeup in place all night, it also helps reduce the appearance of pores giving you a smoother finish. Pro tip: Apply primer to the eye to intensify your eyeshadow colors."
Q: Any pointers on maximizing the staying power of a fragrance?"
"I suggest taking either Vaseline or Aquaphor and rubbing a small amount into your wrists and neck, then spray your perfume atop the areas. Prepare to smell amazing all day long!"
Q: Every oily-skinned girl (including me!) needs to know: what’s the best blotting product?
"Shiseido Sweat & Oil Blotting Paper is my absolute favorite. It's a gentle sheet that removes shine without moving your makeup and at only $12 a pop it's just a few bucks more than Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets, the leading drug store product."
Q: After I throw (or even attend) a party I just want to crash. Taking off my makeup at this point can feel like a chore but I know it isn’t good to sleep in it. What is a good, no-excuses product to use for times like those?
"I recommend Neutrogena Cleansing Towelettes. They work for sensitive skin by breaking down and removing dirt & oil from the skin."
Q: What are your top three products right now and what does each do well?
"(1) I'm obsessed with the Sigma Beauty Flat Kabuki Foundation Brush (F80) it distributes and helps blend my foundation quickly and easily. (2) Inglot Pigments have my heart right now. With all of the holiday parties and events happening, my clients are looking for over-the-top glam and these loose pigments deliver every time! I apply the product directly to the lid and inner corner for a glittery festive look. (3) NARS Taj Mahal blush is another favorite of mine! In the winter, I love to warm up the face and this is my go-to. It is a burnt orange blush with hints of golden shimmer and OMG when applied to brown skin is just orgasmic! It absorbs just enough into the skin to give you a natural, fresh-faced, radiant glow."
Q: What is one product/step/tip you can’t do your makeup without?
"Concealer! Even if you don't contour, under eye concealer will be your best friend when you've had a long week and the lines under your eyes show it! I use MAC Studio Fix Concealer to fill in the lines before I apply my foundation, then go on top of the same area with IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer."
***One thing we did not cover is nail polish so I want to share a few of the items that work well for me. As someone who cooks and works with my hands a lot around the house, it is hard to keep my nails always looking neat and chip-free. [I've never done acrylic and rarely do shellac.] These are some of my favorite at-home gel polishes and they're very affordable!
This post is little different from what I usually share. Let me know below if you want to see more like it. Thanks for reading!
Jasmine S. says
I never knew the little tip about putting vaseline on your wrists before perfume!
smileisit says
Great tips and product finds! Thank you for sharing!
Rachel Lynn says
I've been in need of a setting spray! I've heard they work wonders in helping your makeup stay in place. & I would love to try a powder for my face-- I can seriously work up a sweat ( especially when I start to have a drink or two). that would be SUCH a lifesaver!
Tope Are says
Awesome tips! I can't wait to try some of these products!
K. Elizabeth @ YUMMommy says
I'm definitely going to try the tip about using Vaseline to help perfume last longer. Also going to check out the Milani Amore Mattes.
onceortwiceblog says
I LOVE makeup, always looking for new stuff and the next great thing. This round up is perfect and the hues are bomb for this holiday season! Thanks for sharing!!
http://www.onceortwiceblog.com
theclutterboxblog says
I so need to learn where my oily spots are! Because I know I have a few. I also need to remember to use primer! Love the fum light hearted way this was written!
girlonthemoveblog01 says
Love these tips...so practical and useful! I also love how you explained her non-work interests...from 5-9!
Crystal Gareau says
Such a great post. I love the tips, especially with the Vaseline and perfume.
Mrs. AOK says
Instant pin! I need all the makeup tips I can get!! Your fragrance tip!!!!
Thank you for sharing.
Julie Durfee says
I love these tips! I've been watching tutorials on YouTube for a long time and have never heard some of these. I especially love the one about how to make your fragrance last. Who knew?!
Coralee says
I so loved the Vaseline tip. I will definitely be giving that one a try. I really like the layout of your site. Simple, clean and easy to roam. Thanks for sharing 🙂
lesleycarter says
When I was a kid, my grandmother used Vaseline for her face all the time. I totally get it now and it's a cheap solution.
courteneynoonan says
I may be late to the party but before this post I had no idea that apply Vaseline to your neck etc would make the scent of your perfume last for longer - great post!
http://www.courteneynoonan.com
angie the freckled rose says
These are such great tips! I love using vaseline to make perfume last longer, it really works! Black Opium is one of my favorite perfumes. I also believe in primer on the face and the eyes. I started using it along with setting spray and it made a huge difference. Great post, thank you for sharing 🙂
Cynthia @craftoflaughter says
I am so makeup challenged, These tips are such a great help. Gotta love Vaseline!
lisamc7 says
I too can not live without my primer and concealer. Both work amazingly well, and I never leave home without either of them.
Terri Steffes says
I'm just not a make up girl. Oh, I try but really I'd be happiest if I could get away with mascara and lip gloss!
tiarasandtantrums says
I'm all about concealer too - I have super splotchy skin, so i totally need it! I love the vaseline and perfume tip I will have to try that out
Orana Creative (@OranaCreative) says
I love those blotting papers! I used to use them all the time when I worked as a makeup artist. I agree with your friend about the primer, I don't know women survived without primer before it was invented, it's like magic.
Kami @ FaithfullyMeBlog says
Oh this is perfect. no matter how late I'm running when entertaining or going out I must have my mascara and concealer. I have a back up pair in my purse 🙂 Thanks for sharing.
GlamKaren says
Loving all these makeup tips! I always use a primer, so glad she thinks its important. And totally checking out that Milani lipstick next time I'm out! Good to know!
Ana De-Jesus says
Mac's studio fix concealer sounds brilliant especially since I always have huge bags under my eyes due to lack of sleep so this would really help!
Jean says
Some great tips, thanks for sharing! I'm still learning about make up at the grand old age of 28 so any tips are much appreciated!
My Daily She says
I love this post--hope you do more of them! I hadn't been much of a makeup girl until recently, so I need all the tips I can get. And when they come from a professional and makes it seem so approachable, all the better!
Joanna @ Everyday Made Fresh says
Awesome tips! I happen to use and love the Neutrogena wipes daily. I've never used primer before, but I think I may give it a shot!
Angela says
I am always looking for new ways to do makeup! These are such awesome tips. Thanks!
Style & Life by Susana says
Brilliant tips! I never about putting on vaseline on wrists before you perfume, duly noted. Thanks for sharing
http://www.susanalopessnarey.com/summer-weekend-essentials/
taylorannes95 says
I had no idea about the vaseline tip. That is amazing. I honestly always forget to put perfume on to begin with. My husband loves when I remember! LOL. Thanks for these tips.
Christina Aliperti says
I have been using the vaseline tip for years, and it definitely works. I usually go for a simple look for a dinner party, not the time to get creative lol.
Meghan says
This is such a great post. I do use the Nivea balm and I definitely need to try the Milani lip colors!