Here’s the 5-Minute Makeup Look to Rock on Your First Date of the New Year
Meet Nikki Wilson, one of our fave West Coast makeup artists with a sick Instagram game and a love for all things beauty. In our monthly series, Busy Girl Beauty School, Nikki will show you pro makeup tricks + tips for making the most of those extra five minutes in the mornings, one selfie at a time. Follow her at @nikkiartistry for killer beauty inspo.
So you met a cutie and are banking on nabbing a first date with the hunk in question come the new year. That rules. What doesn’t is stressing over how to do your makeup for the special night out. The beginning of any new year can feel a little tricky when it comes to choosing the right look — you just went crazy with all this glitter and you need to tone it down from party mode but still play up the winter drama. I get it — it’s tough to navigate. That’s why in just five minutes flat, this makeup look will have you looking polished, feeling fresh and ready to get your flirt on. Simple as that. Here’s my quick go-to look for your first date night of 2016. I hope it inspires you!
STEP 1: PREP YOUR LIDS
Prime your eyelids with a creamy white pencil like NYX Cosmetics Jumbo Eye Pencil ($5) in Milk. This will allow your eyeshadow to stick and give it an extra bright pop on your lids.
STEP 2: BRIGHTEN ‘EM UP
Apply a light, matte eyeshadow like MAC Orb ($16) over the white pencil and smooth out the edges with a fluffy blending brush. To open up your eyes, swipe the white pencil on the inside of your waterline.
STEP 3: ADD DEPTH TO YOUR EYES + CHEEKS
Sweep a bronzer like NARS Laguna ($39) through the crease of your eye for depth with the same fluffy blending brush — you can also sculpt your cheekbones with it for a natural contour. Then, using a pencil brush, buff a warm, brown eyeshadow underneath your bottom lashes for a little extra drama.
STEP 4: PUMP UP YOUR LASHES
Coat your eyelashes with mascara and stick some false lashes on for extra oomph (I like Red Cherry False Eyelashes #415 — $16 for pack of six). They’re soft and add just the right amount of volume without feeling heavy or looking unnatural. If you have trouble applying lashes, try using tweezers to help set them on your lash line and make sure you only have a very thin coat of adhesive on.
STEP 5: SWIPE ON A PLUM LIP COLOR
Lastly, apply a deep berry hue on your lips for a seasonal twist on the classic red lip. I used Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar($15) in Black Metal Dahlia for a deep metallic finish.
Five minutes later… you’re so ready for date night. Defined eyes (don’t forget to touch up those brows!), glowing skin and just the right amount of shimmer from the metallic lip color. This look makes me feel totally confident — I hope you do too! Now, go get ’em, tiger.
