{beauty board} date-perfect hair + makeup

You've snagged the date, now score perfect hair and makeup for
the occasion. Whether you're headed to a daytime ballgame, or set to salsa the night away,
these looks have you covered; and will give you more time to focus on other
essentials - like what you'll be wearing.

daytime romance

Daytime dates are my undoing. Though they oftentimes usually lack the high drama and sophistication of evening affairs; they tend always to hold the promise of childlike innocence. Picnics in the park, days at the fair, late-afternoon museum visits…activities which call for low-key hair and makeup that is easy to maintain from sun-up to sundown, and utterly enchanting - in a delicate and dreamy sort of way. Here’s one of my favorites.

first blush There is nothing so disarming and romantic as the Après-ski look – the natural rosy flush created by being out in the cold all day; thus the reason it is one of my go-tos for daytime dates. Simply take a soft pink powder blush {I love Physicians Formula Happy Booster Glow & Mood Boosting Blush}, and swirl it on the apples of your cheeks for a fabulously flushed look {no arctic temperatures required}.

twinkling eyes I am the biggest advocate of smoldering eye makeup; but for daytime dates, a soft shimmer is all you need to truly captivate your date du jour. Maybelline's ExpertWear Luminous Lights Eyeshadow Quad in Opal Lights is a must. The pastel pink, yellow, blue, and brown shades included create a fairytale-like prismatic effect that manages to be glamorous yet extremely natural at the same time.

soft waves Princess hair. That is exactly what smooth, shiny, loose, soft waves are reminiscent of - the hair of Disney princesses. That fact aside, soft waves are incredibly versatile as they look incredible framing your face, or swinging flirtily ponytail style. Sultra's The Bombshell 3/4 Inch is my current beauty tool BFF, as it makes waves in minutes and keeps hair looking shiny. Total win-win in my book.

pink pout When it comes to daytime date lipstick, it's all about staying true to the saying your lips, but better. Go for a color along the pink / nude / rose spectrum {I'm a big fan of BECCA's Ultimate Matte Colour in Eloise} that is, essentially, your natural color magnified. It's noticeable yet unfussy and works so well at brightening up your entire face.

va-va-volume What are soft waves without the bubbly bounce seen in hair commercials? Seriously in-com-plete. After you've curled your hair, spritz Oscar Blandi's Texture & Volume Spray {this stuff is incredible. Trust.} throughout for saucy volume that lasts. all. day.

date night

A kiss of glamour is not an option when date night is involved…it’s an essential. Even if you’re headed somewhere as unfussy as a bowling alley for your Friday night frolic {one of my personal favorite evening date activities}, smolder, gloss, and sass in your hair and makeup will amp up the atmosphere, making you feel as if you’re in attendance at the Met Gala {even if you’re wearing rented shoes}. Here’s one of my {glam} date night go-tos. After all…when the sun sets, high drama rises.

extreme lashes The best way to flirt? With your eyes, of course! Thus, feathery, fluttering, extreme lashes are. a. must. CoverGirl LashBlast Volume Mascara in Very Black is my current can’t-live-without. Use the tip of the mascara wand to paint your lashes, then use the side of the wand to wiggle from the base to the tips of lashes for dramatic definition {two coats}. Hint: Focus attention on the lashes on the outer corner of the eyes {it creates an intense false lash, fanned-out look}.

shine, shine, shine! Super shiny tresses are an ultra-luxe {and incredibly low-key} way to add life to your locks – and give you commercial-worthy hair. I like Fructis Style Brilliantine Shine Glossing Spray from Garnier Fructis because it’s inexpensive; it smells amazing; and it’s completely non-greasy, so you always get high, healthy shine {as opposed to seriously unwanted greasy shine}.

berry lips Berry is your BFF for date nights. It is the perfect balance between red {which can be seen as too strong and powerful}, and pinky / nudes {which are playful and more suited for daytime dates}. Opt for a sheer berry shade with a {subtle} glossy finish {I favor Tarte’s LipSurgence Lip Luster in Pouty}. The color gives you that just-bit-into-a-strawberry pigmentation; while the hint of gloss creates enough shine to attract attention to your pout, without turning off your date {boys are never a fan of kissing that so-called glossy sticky stuff}.

high-drama eyes Your lashes are your primary focus for date night {after all, they do the flirting for you}; nevertheless you want to make the most of your glamorous gaze, so go for sultry with a smoked out jewel-tone {I highly recommend Maybelline EyeStudio Color Tattoo 24HR Eyeshadow in Painted Purple} worn all over the lids {deepen the color at the outer edge of your eyes, and pull it down to the outer corners of your lower lashline to create a feline effect} for the ultimate in high drama.

major volume Sleek shine is unstoppable; but even more so when coupled with volume, volume, and more volume. Before glossing your locks, create big bounce by blow-drying your hair with a round brush {you need Drybar’s Half Pint Small Round Brush in your hair tool arsenal} for major volume that will leave you with tresses that impress.

xoxox

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