I’m a Beauty Writer & Here’s How I Get My Glowy ‘Going Out’ Makeup Look

Guys, I think I'm ready to enter my 'makeup era'.

After the last few years of skincare-focussed beauty and doing the bare minimum in the makeup department - slapping an abysmal amount of foundation and concealer on for very special occasions only - it's time to have fun with makeup again.

And what better way to enter my makeup era than with a 'going out' makeup tutorial fit for the party season.

Keep scrolling to see some of the gorgeous products I used to achieve my party season look (hopefully just one of many!).

Plus, I'll share my step-by-step party makeup tutorial in case you want to give it a whirl yourself!

Party Season Makeup Tutorial.

Everyone's party makeup look will be different, but for me, it needed to tick a few boxes.

For a special occasion, I want my makeup to look a bit more elevated than the everyday.

Think: Christmas Day or party season dinners. Festive, if you will.

So, I’m taking a little break from the safe parameters of my typical ‘neutral' and ‘no-makeup makeup’ looks, and moving back into bold lip territory.

I want blush. I want a bold red lip. I want eyeshadow (guys, I never wear eyeshadow) - I want it all!

Let's get into each step, but first, here is a list of all the products I'm using in this makeup tutorial.

Step 1. A Smoothing & Hydrating Moisturiser.

The first step in my makeup routine is always skin prep, which usually involves a hydrating and nourishing moisturiser with a smooth finish.

Then a primer usually goes on top.

Luckily for me and my (anticipated) busy summer schedule, I can cut out my priming step altogether with this moisturiser and primer hybrid. Brilliant!

I knew the Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base was a loved product, but after trying it for myself recently I was blown away.

Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base is truly one of the best moisturisers for under makeup.

By the way, both Joanna (BIQ Podcast Host) and Megan (our Social Media Manager) have told me they both also own and love the Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Eye Base - you can read a review on the eye primer version here.

This priming moisturiser has a whipped, soufflé texture that feels like heaven to apply and it’s not kidding when it says it’s instantly plumping and hydrating.

Enriched with shea butter, hyaluronic acid, squalane and vitamins B, C and E it’s a treat on the skin and under makeup.

A little goes a long way with this product so it’s worth every pretty penny!

I'm adding this to my 'holy grail moisturisers' list and also adding another one to my next staff order.

It’s that good.

Step 2. An Eye Cream for Under-Eye Prep.

Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Concentrate Matrix Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex 15ml first entered my orbit when I trialled it for this story about prepping tired eyes.

It cocooned my under eyes, leaving them feeling smooth and nourished. That’s when I knew it was the perfect wear-under-your-concealer eye cream.

Similarly to the Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base, it leaves a nice cushion for your concealer to lay on top.

The Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Concentrate Matrix's cryo-steel wand also feels so nice and cooling on the skin.

It's like giving yourself a mini under-eye massage every time you use it.

Just make sure you let the product sit a minute or two before popping on your concealer to avoid any smearing or patchiness.

I know it's a spendy, so although you only need a small amount for a generous application, this is more of a nice-to-have step if you have the capacity.

It does also come in a little 5ml size if you want to try it out first!

Shop the Estée Lauder advanced night repair eye concentrate matrix 15ml and 5ml here:

Step 3. A Full Coverage Concealer.

I don’t want anyone mistakenly thinking I’m too tired to dance all night during party season.

A concealer that’s going to keep my under eyes looking bright-eyed and bushy-tailed most of the night is a must.

It’s pretty well documented how much I love the Clinique Even Better All-Over Concealer + Eraser concealer, which does an excellent job at masking and blurring dark circles.

You can watch it in action in my YouTube video below!

This concealer also brightens and energises the under eyes, so it’s perfect for a going out makeup look.

Just note, during summer when humidity is being a little extra, the creamy consistency of this Clinique concealer might settle into creases a little more.

Nothing a touch up when you pop to the bathroom can’t fix.

The little sponge hidden in the cap of the applicator is great for that!

Step 4. A Luminous & Long-Wearing Foundation.

During summer, I like to stow away my heavier foundations and sub in weightless ones for a more skin-like finish.

But a going out look needs to have good staying power. I want a fuller coverage, polished look, without it actually being full coverage.

I know, I’m asking a lot.

Enter, the Estée Lauder Double Wear Sheer Foundation.

Estée Lauder Double Wear Sheer Long-Wear Makeup SPF 20 sits somewhere between matte and dewy, and gives a gorgeous, seamless finish.

Though sheerer than the beloved original Double Wear foundation, the coverage can be built up, and gives that almost airbrushed finish without feeling heavy.

Beauty IQ podcast host Hannah also loves how this Estée Lauder Double Wear Sheer Foundation held up on her oilier skin.

Senior Editor Amy didn't love it as much on her dry skin - check it out for yourself in their road-test YouTube video below.

As you can see in my selfie above, this foundation gives an even-toned radiance and enhances my complexion.

There were a few shades from this range that worked well on my skin tone.

For this look, I used shade 4W1 'Honey Bronze', which I think worked best on my skin’s warmer and more yellow undertones.

You can read more Estée Lauder Double Wear Sheer and original Double Wear Stay In Place foundation reviews here.

Step 5. A Mascara That Gives Some Drama.

For everyday lashes, I like a mascara that gives me a natural, fanned-out curl. 

But for ‘going out makeup’, I want some drama.

What I don't like is mascaras that give you too much drama (read: clumpy spider lashes).

M.A.C COSMETICS Extended Play Perm Me Up Lash - Perm Black is everything I didn't know I needed in a mascara.

It gives lashes a hint of drama and density, without looking too much.

The thin, long and curved wand catches every lash and makes them look longer, too.

I have super straight lashes, so I still have to enlist the help of the Adore Beauty Tools of the Trade Eyelash Curler but trust me, you will love this MAC curling mascara.

Step 6. A Tonal Eyeshadow That Ties in With Your Look.

When it comes to makeup and clothes, brownish, terracotta and earthy tones are my jam. 

But it's hard to find an eyeshadow that can tie in with a red lippie.

M.A.C COSMETICS Eyeshadow in shade 'Rule' is up for the task.

It’s the perfect orange-y, terracotta shade that won’t overshadow your red lip (because we know she’s the real star of this show).

It’s an all-rounder shade, so it looks good in any season, and is flattering for both day and night wear.

Step 7. A Cream Blush to Add Warmth & Shine.

Bobbi Brown Crushed Creamy Color for Cheeks & Lips in the colour ‘Tulle’ is the perfect shade to bring this party season makeup look together.

At first, it deposits a beige-y, berry hue, but once I diffuse it into my skin with my fingers, it leaves a lovely warmth on the skin.

What makes the Bobbi Brown Crushed Creamy Color for Cheeks & Lips a standout is the dewiness it leaves on the cheeks.

It actually lasts ages and keeps my makeup looking fresher for longer.

Don’t let the tiny tube and price tag put you off.

You only need a tiny amount for just the right amount of colour pay-off. It's super pigmented.

This is a new makeup fave!

Step 8. A Subtle Contour to Add Dimension.

Those videos of people doing their elaborate contour routines look scary and hard to me.

I was never really a contour person, until the Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Contour landed in my hands.

The iconic Clinique Chubby Stick Contour is perfect for people like me who want to add some dimension underneath the cheekbones, without going overboard.

It’s easy to get a little heavy-handed with some contour products, but not this one.

I like to start with a light application first, blending upwards with my fingers.

This contour stick is super buildable, so I can always work in more of the product if I want to amp up the intensity.

Step 9. A Beautiful Bold Lip.

We’re going high-key this party season, friends, so elevate your going out look with a bright lip.

I love a MAC matte lipstick, and I love a red lipstick.

I’ve been on the hunt for a more bricki-sh red lip colour that still looks bold and punchy.

A few people suggested I try M.A.C Cosmetics Matte Lipstick in the shade 'Chilli' for years, and I never got around to it.

Until now.

I love how MAC Lipstick Chilli Matte looks on my complexion.

I'd go as for as to say it's one of the best red lipsticks for brown and olive skin tones.

Step 10. A Setting Spray to Keep Your Look in Place.

Finally, I finish my ‘going out’ look with the MAC Fix Plus Setting Spray to ensure my makeup has the best chance of surviving a night of drinking, eating, dancing, laughing... and probs sweating.

Does MAC Fix Plus set makeup? It sure does. It even helps my concealer stay on longer!

M.A.C COSMETICS Prep + Prime Fix+ leaves skin looking fresh and dewy.

Honestly, the MAC fix plus spray should be a staple in any makeup bag.

Want something with stronger staying power?

M.A.C Cosmetics FIX+ STAY OVER 100ml is a true setting spray with long-wearing hold.

Shop these MAC setting sprays here:

And there you have it, the party season makeup look I'll be wearing this summer.

I know this is a lot of steps compared to a no-makeup makeup look...

But you're worth it, OK?

Keen for some more makeup stories and ideas? Check out these articles below:

• We Rate the DIOR Lip Glow Balm Going Viral on TikTok to See if It’s Worth the Hype

• Can YSL’s New Foundation Really Last for 24 Hours? I Put It to the Ultimate Test...

• How to Create 5 Different Looks Using a Single Palette, According to a Makeup Artist