The Mardi Gras Makeup Essentials to Keep You Dancing All Night
Gerard may still be an Adore Beauty baby, but he’s a beauty veteran! As Adore’s self-appointed Luxury Correspondent, Gerard lives and breathes luxe beauty must haves – from foundation to haircare, he’s got an opinion! When he isn’t playing with product, you’ll find Gerard strolling through shops, complaining about his dating exploits and always with a cappuccino in hand.
Another year rolls around, and another year of Mardi Gras lands.
A time of total self-expression, freedom and collective celebration.
This is the first year that I will not be heading to Mardi Gras since moving to Australia. And I must admit, I’m rather jealous not to be partying with everyone else. Those flights into Sydney are filled with nothing but joy, with the flights home filled with nothing but dark sunglasses and lots of sleep.
While it’s one massive street party, we cannot forget how it all began...
Starting as a protest march in 1978, speaking out against the discrimination of gays and lesbians, Mardi Gras has grown into the biggest celebration of love and equality.
The 78ers, a group of the original protestors from 1978 still march every year sparking a moment of deep respect and reflection. Their sacrifice (many were arrested at the time) paved the way for me and so many others to live in a more fair and diverse world.
So in celebration and gratitude, we come together with those we love and love us to continue pushing the message of equality.
No matter whether you are a seasoned attendee or first-timer, I’m giving you all the advice you need to make your Mardi Gras, the best celebration ever.
The goal? Look and feel our most fabulous self, expressing our true selves. Read on for your ultimate list!
Tip #1: Get Plenty of Sleep in the Lead Up.
While it's not strictly a beauty product, sleep in the lead up to the event is going to ensure you’re radiating from the inside out. Get some early nights and deep sleep in the lead up.
A sleep supplement such as Naked Harvest Hot Choc Moon Mylk 200g will aid in reducing stress and helping you to unwind to get a deep eight hours.
I also like to add a few immunity and vitamin C supplements into the mix in lead up - you’ll be interacting with a lot of people and you won’t want to let a cold ruin the fun!
Tip #2: SPF for All Hours!
Mardi Gras weekend is basically three days and nights of partying. For those long hours out in the sun, it is an absolute must to be wearing SPF and reapplying throughout the day.
I like to go for a sheer liquid that sits easily under makeup and is lightweight. I go from the forehead all the way down my chest for those low cut singlets. No one wants a lobster burn line.
My current go tos are the Alpha-H Dawn To Dusk SPF 50+ Serum with Niacinamide and the Ultra Violette Future Fluid SPF 50+ Superlight Mineral SKINSCREEN. The natural tint of the Ultra Violette is especially nice to wear for your Sydney morning workout as you recover from the night before - remember, a hangover is simply a mindset ;-)
For the body, I reach for the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Wet Skin 60% Less Plastic SPF50+ 200ml . Whether you’re hitting Bondi or just prone to sweat, this is the way to go for long-lasting wear and easy application.
Tip #3 DIY Glam - It’s Easier Than You Think!
If you’re anything like me, you’ll be changing your glam a few times a day!
We cannot have the day look be the same as the night look.
When you’re taking your makeup on and off, I want to strip the makeup, not my skin. A cleansing balm is perfect for this - much softer on the skin than my AM & PM cleanser regimen, providing the perfect prep for the next glam round.
For that reason, I will never be without my AB LAB by Adore Beauty Dewy-C Enzymatic Cleansing Balm 100ml with Vitamin C and Fruit Enzymes.
IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Cream 60ml acts as the perfect 2 in 1 moisturiser and primer - it also comes in a mini, ideal for travel. I find it soothes the skin and hydrates. Again, ideal for when you are taking your glam on and off. Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base 50ml is my all time face when I am opting for something a little bougie. For extra stick, add the MCoBeauty Makeup Grip Primer to keep the glam in place through any dance routine.
All looks require a good base and for foundation I will always reach for M.A.C COSMETICS Studio Radiance Face & Body Radiant Sheer Foundation. This sheer luminous foundation has a fabulous radiance that gives you that inner glow, rather than iridescent. You can build it up I find, adding the M.A.C Cosmetics Studio Radiance 24Hr Luminous Lift Concealer for coverage in those key spots. I do tend to wear a darker shade in this concealer than usual, finding that the luminosity of it gives that brightening effect under the eye.
The MAKE UP FOR EVER HD SKIN ALL-IN-ONE PALETTE - Shade H1 all in one is so handy for when flying into Sydney. Contour, highlighter and blush all in one compact case.
For the more adventurous, Pinterest is your best friend - along with some fun jewels from your local craft store. I am definitely not a makeup artist but it’s not about perfection. The NYX Professional Makeup Ultimate Shadow Palette - I Know That's Bright is a fantastic cheap thrill that can help any look come to life. Rainbows and diamonds are definitely the vibe. A blue mascara like Benefit Cosmetics Badgal Bang Mascara Colours is a quick way to bring colour to the eyes - it’s especially effective on those with blue eyes I find. For your hair, a strong hold gel with an even stronger hold hair spray will keep all those locks frozen in place.
Round it out with bronzer, powder where needed and one hell of an all nighter setting spray. I reach for the L'Oreal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Spray Mist 75ml and douse myself in it - nothing is moving with that.
Tip #4: Don’t Forget These Hand Bag Must Haves.
While these may be the slightly unsexier products, they are the real heroes of a big weekend.
- Skoop Skincare Babe Blotter Extra Drip, Blotting Paper - a discrete little dab of the forehead and around the nose and upper lip not only keeps your makeup from moving, but relieves you of the drips of sweat that are undoubtedly streaming down your face by 3pm.
- Skoop Skincare Skin Shield, Anti-Chafe Balm - for dancing all night long, you’re going to thank me for adding this to cart. That’s all!
- Gem Breath Spray - need I say more! I don’t want to kiss a breath full of garlic.
- Dr. Bronner's Hand Sanitizer - Lavender - keep yourself in tip top health shape with this pocket friendly must.
So there you have it - Mardi Gras weekend sorted.
My ultimate advice though is to be safe, surrounded with people you know, trust and love. Look out for one another and take a moment to think of those who came before and did so much.
Happy Mardi Gras weekend to all!
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