Yahoo Lifestyle Your Spring Racing Beauty Guide
Jennifer Hawkins at Derby Day. Photo: Getty Images
Promote smooth skin
While make-up is an easy way to even and enhance, a complexion that's in tiptop condition is key when it comes to creating a flawless finish for a big event. Put your best face forward come race day by applying a radiance-boosting mask the night before. It's a great way to add extra moisture before facing the dehydrating conditions of the day ahead, as well as plumping up your skin for a smoother look. To refresh tired-looking or sallow skin, smooth on Sisley Black Rose Cream Mask, $160, or, for noticeably clearer, brighter results, pop on an SK-II Facial Treatment Mask, $140 for a box of six. The next morning, before applying make-up, enlist a glow-boosting primer, such as Dr. LeWinn's Instant Beauty Radiance Booster, $54.95, to provide a smooth canvas for colour while lending a lit-from-within look.
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Glow gently
Race-day etiquette suggests a classic dress, statement headwear and polished accessories – it doesn't condone an orange tan. While it's tempting to coat post-winter limbs with an extra dollop of fake tanner, a more natural result is best. Use body moisturiser with built-in bronzing ingredients, such as Naked Tan Goddess Glaze Gradual Tan, $26.95, for a few days leading up to the Cup for a believable glow. Alternatively, control your colour with a temporary, rinse-off version, such as Le Tan Body Bronzer Wash Off, $12.99 – an easy option for when you want to skip the stockings but still sport an even skin tone. Be sure your face and body are the same shade, too, by blending a little bronzer – we like Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector SPF 25+ in Topaz, $66 – into your foundation so you won't look washed out.
Your raceday skincare toolkit.
Schedule a pedicure
If you're opting for peep-toe or strappy sandals as the finishing touch to your outfit, polished toenails are essential. Book in for a professional paint job a day or two beforehand to ensure a high-shine result. Alternatively, do it yourself, but be sure to leave enough time for the lacquer to dry – this will take at least one to two hours. When it comes to selecting a shade, try a chic, cherry red, such as Zoya Professional Lacquer in Burke, $17, for classic glamour, or add a fun and quirky touch with an unexpected splash of colour – purples and sea tones are big this season. We like Kit Nail Polish in Piñata Purple, $15.95. While you're painting, don't forget your fingers – consider slicking on a low-maintenance nude tone, such as Bourjois Ultra Shine So Laque! Nail Enamel in Rose Lounge, $12. That way, any chips that may occur throughout the day won't be too obvious.
Pick a pony
And we don't mean in the office sweep. If you're in doubt when it comes to your hairstyle, a simple, chic ponytail is the perfect option if you’re not covering up with a hat. It's also a great way to control unruly strands. Lightly backcomb the section of hair from your forehead to your crown, then, without flattening the volume you’ve created, use a paddle brush, such as The Body Shop Hairbrush with Bamboo Pins, $23.95, to smooth back the sides, securing with a snag-free band – try Scünci No Damage Blonde Hair Elastics, $7.95 for a pack of 18. Wrap a small section of hair from the ponytail around your elastic and fasten with a bobby pin underneath. Spray to secure. Seal the deal with L'Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Very Volume Supreme Hold Hair Spray, $9.95, then slip on an embellished headband.
Spring Racing Make-up Dos and Dont's
Jessica Gomes at Derby Day. Photo: Getty Images
Protect yourself
On the big day, sunscreen should be at the top of your list. Not only is sunburn an unsightly addition to post-race drinks, but it's also dangerous for your skin. Apply a high-level SPF, such as Clinique SPF 30+ Body Cream, $39, before dressing. To ensure your face stays safe, use a light lotion, such as True Solutions All Day Moisture SPF 30+ Tinted Moisturiser, $60, before your foundation. Then, follow up with a base that features built-in sunscreen. Try Revlon Age Defying with DNA Advantage Cream Makeup SPF 20 in Soft Beige, $39.95. And, where possible, stay out of the sun in the middle of the day.
Enhance your eyes
Let's face it, while bright lipstick looks super-glam, it can also be high mainten-ance. And if you're planning to spend an entire day track side, chances are you won't want to constantly be topping up your lip colour. Instead, play up your eyes for a make-up look that'll last the distance. Remember, though, when choosing hues, those smoky tones that look great at night won't translate here, so choose softer shades that are more appropriate for day. We like M.A.C Me Over! Icelandic Cool Eye Shadow Palette in Lady Grey, $76, and Estée Lauder Pure Color Five Color EyeShadow Palette in Fantasy Garden, $90. Sweep a pale base shade over your whole lid, then use a deeper tone to accentuate your eye socket and lash line, working the shadow outwards for a cat’s-eye effect. Add a pop of colour with a little eyeliner, such as Elizabeth Arden Smoky Eyes Powder Pencil in Black Violet, $36, and anchor your look with mascara – we like the new Lancôme Hypnôse Drama Mascara in Black, $52.
Invest in accessories
If hats aren't for you, consider an elegant accessory for your hairstyle. Exquisitely beaded headbands were big news on international runways, and they make an eye-catching addition to any outfit. Gather your hair in a sleek, high ponytail and slide on an elegant band, such as Chanel Headband, $1870. Or pin your lengths in a low, loose chignon and add an embellished buy, such as George Giavis Sheaf Headband, $79.95. Whatever you choose, just be sure your hair is up. If you leave your lengths loose, you'll look more schoolgirl than stylish.
Lighten your look
Remember that, unlike in the office, or when you're out at night, harsh daylight can be unforgiving when it comes to your make-up. So, rather than relying on a heavy, full-coverage foundation, which can look unnatural when you're outdoors, select a sheer base that blends seamlessly into your skin. Mineral make-up is a great choice, as the weightless formulas protect as they perfect and offer even-looking results – we like Napoleon Perdis Advanced Mineral Makeup SPF 15 in Light, $69. And, instead of applying extra product to see you through the day, tread lightly with your base and use a concealer, such as Australis Paparazzi Perfect High Definition Concealer, $11.95. Apply after your foundation to hide any obvious blemishes or darkness around your eyes. A light dusting of mineral powder will fix your look for hours. Try Priori Finishing Touch Mineral Powder, $70.
Your raceday make-up toolkit.
Lash out
Applied with care, false lashes are an easy way to define eyes and leave you looking glamorous all day. Individual lashes, such as 1000 Hour Individual Lashes, $8.95 each, offer a natural result, but can take a bit of practice to get right. Strip lashes lend a high-impact look, so be sure to select a set that's short and sparse for daytime wear – we like NP Set False Eye Lashes, $12 for a pair. Complete your eye make-up first, then curl your lashes with Sally Hansen Sexy Curls Precision Eyelash Curler, $14.95, before applying mascara to provide a stable base. Next, apply eyelash glue to your chosen falsies (when you buy your lashes, check they come with adhesive, otherwise you may need a separate tube) and leave it to dry for around 30 seconds, until it becomes sticky. Using tweezers, affix them as close to your lash line as possible, trying not to move your eyelids while the glue sets. Too tricky? Try a mascara, like L'Oréal Paris Extra-Volume Collagene Million Lashes Mascara in Extra-Black, $27.95, for added drama.
Downsize your buys
Rather than a bag full of beauty products, come Melbourne Cup day, swap your oversized tote for a chic clutch and simply take the essentials. A powder or foundation compact with built-in mirror, such as Dior Diorskin Forever Compact in Light Beige, $92, is great for touch-ups on the go, while a purse-sized hair lacquer, such as Cedel Extra Firm Hairspray, $5.99, will ensure you'll never have a hair out of place. If you've opted for statement eye make-up, a lip stain or gloss in a neutral tone will keep your pout looking polished without the need for endless upkeep. We like Revlon Just Bitten Lipstain + Balm in Dawn, $17.95, or Clarins Colour Quench Lip Balm in 03, $36, for the job.
