How to Do Makeup for a Cocktail Party

Build drama with one focal point — bold eyes or bold lips, never both — while keeping everything else polished and long-wearing.

1. Prime for longevity. Start with primer on lids and face. Cocktail parties involve talking, drinking, and air kisses — your makeup needs to survive all three. Set with powder where you tend to get oily.
2. Perfect your base. Use medium coverage foundation and concealer for a flawless but not cake-like finish. The lighting will be dim and forgiving, but photos will happen. Build in thin layers.
3. Choose your focal point. Pick either eyes or lips as your statement. Smoky eyes with nude lips, or bold red lips with simple liner and mascara. Two focal points compete and look try-hard.
4. Build your eye look. If going bold with eyes, start with neutral transition shades, then deepen the outer V and lower lash line. Metallic or shimmer catches dim lighting beautifully. If keeping simple, just tightline and add two coats of mascara.
5. Define and highlight. Contour lightly — evening lighting is your friend here. Add highlighter to cheekbones, nose bridge, and cupid's bow for that lit-from-within glow. Skip if you chose bold eyes.
6. Finish with lips. For bold lips, line first then fill in completely. Blot, powder, and reapply for staying power. For neutral lips, use a tinted balm or gloss that won't transfer onto glasses.