How to Do the Fool-Proof Glam Makeup Look I Keep Getting Asked About on Instagram

Throughout lockdowns, I became rather single-minded about learning how to do my own glam makeup.

Fake eyelashes and all. 

I had a lot of time on my hands, and figured it was the perfect time to practise.

Before I started working at Adore, I was terrible at doing my own makeup - I had absolutely no idea how to do anything. 

I didn’t know how to prep my oily skin, or how to contour, or how to blend out eyeshadow. I slapped on foundation sans primer and hoped for the best.

Now, I reckon I’ve become pretty good at doing my makeup. 

I mean, not to brag, but I often get questions on Instagram about how I do my dewy foundation look and sexy eyes makeup looks.

Glam Makeup Look Tutorial.

Recently, I did this glam makeup look for our Beauty IQ Uncensored podcast live event!

For me, this is my ultimate event makeup - when the event isn’t so special that it requires a makeup artist.

Since the event a couple weeks back, I’ve lost count of how many people have asked me for a glam makeup tutorial.

I live to serve, so I decided to break it all down for you.

So, grab your products and watch my Beauty IQ livestream video below as a visual guide.

Or keep scrolling for step-by-step instructions on how to recreate my glam makeup look.

Step 1. Prep your skin using a dewy moisturiser like KORA Organics Turmeric Glow Moisturizer Jar and a primer for your skin type.

MAKE UP FOR EVER Step 1 Shine Control Primer works for me applied just where I'm oily on my t-zone.

Step 2. I also prime under my eyes and on my eyelids, which is absolutely necessary for oily skin.

Estée Lauder Double Wear Instant Fix Concealer 24H Concealer + Hydra Prep is my eye primer and concealer, which I'll come back to later.

Step 3. Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay In Place Makeup is my go-to foundation for event makeup because of its staying power.

*You can read my full Double Wear foundation review here.

But you can use your favourite foundation, applied whichever way works best for you - I use a buffing foundation brush.

Step 4. After base, I get started on my eyes so I can fix up any shadow fallout before applying concealer.

M.A.C Cosmetics Pro Longwear Paint Pot in Groundwork goes over the lid to prime and give eyeshadows something to grip to. 

In terms of eyeshadow brushes, I recommend Spectrum Pink 8 Piece Set because it has everything you need for eyes.

Step 5. Grab an eyeshadow palette with a mix of matte and shimmer shades in different colours.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Norvina Eyeshadow Palette has so many great shades you can use to create multiple different looks!

Applying eyeshadow can feel intimidating, but I start by packing on the shade Volatile (a dark brown) onto my eyelid with the Spectrum A07 brush.

Then, I blend it out with the fluffier Spectrum B06 brush. You can also apply the same shade the lower lash line using the Spectrum A12 brush.

Step 6. With your ring finger, apply the shade Summer (a golden shimmer) to the middle of your lid and blend out with your fingers.

Be really careful not to apply too much shimmer! 

Step 7. Now for the hard part… fake eyelashes.

You just have to commit, and if you stuff up... just keep trying. Practice makes perfect!

Ardell Extension FX D Curl applied with DUO Adhesive Clear really makes this glam makeup look.

I trim about half a centimetre off the lashes to fit them to my eye and apply glue and wait until it's gone a bit tacky before carefully placing on the lash line.

Carefully apply your mascara - Anastasia Beverly Hills Lash Brag Mascara is currently my favourite.

Want a beginner’s guide to applying fake eyelashes? Watch this YouTube video below.

Step 8. My brows are quite naturally thick, so a brush and a bit of filling in is all I need.

Benefit Precisely, My Brow Pencil is great to fill in any sparse areas, then use a tiny amount of Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze to brush them up with a spoolie.

Step 9. Finally, we go back to the face with concealer (the same one I used as a primer) and contouring.

MAKE UP FOR EVER Ultra HD Stick Foundation in the shade Y505 is a great product to contour with for my skin tone.

I apply this under the cheekbones and along the hairline, and blend out using a foundation brush.

Step 10. Add your bronzer and blush.

For bronzer, I use Benefit Hoola Bronzing Powder applied with a bronzer brush to cheekbones, hairline, jawline and neck.

Napoleon Perdis Cheek Switch Crème Blush Stick in Pink Lady is a great blush shade. I apply straight from the stick on the apples of my cheek and nose, and blend with my fingers.

Step 11. I only use highlighter if I’m doing a glam look.

M.A.C COSMETICS Hyper Real Glow Palette - Get It Glowin' applied to the cheekbones and cupid’s bow is a bit spesh.

Step 12. Now for setting powder and setting spray to help the makeup last, whether it's on a sweaty dancefloor or a 12-hour event.

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Loose Powder - Translucent is my go-to powder, but you can also finish your makeup off with IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better Setting Spray 100ml - a product that manages to be hydrating, glowy and mattifying, all in one.

Step 15. For lips, I use M.A.C Cosmetics Lip Pencil in Spice and then M.A.C Cosmetics Amplified Lipstick in the shade Half n Half.

My biggest piece of advice to makeup newbies is don’t be afraid of glam makeup looks. 

If you’re new to this style of makeup, it’ll take you a few weeks to nail it, but once you do, you can get it done in around 30 mins! 

And if I can do it, you can too.

For more glam makeup tips, watch me get ready with beauty editor Joanna in the GRWM YouTube video below!


For makeup tips and product recommendations, check out the articles here:

• I’m a Makeup Artist & Here’s How I Do My Everyday Makeup Look In Less Than 5 Minutes

• After 2 Years of Dating, I've Mastered This Fast, Glowy First Date Makeup Routine

• The Exact Dewy Makeup Routine I Use to Combat Dry Winter Skin

• The Essential Guide to Beginner Friendly Makeup Brushes