Makeup for a Cocktail Party

Want to sparkle at that upcoming soiree? Have an invite to a Valentine's party for grownups complete with a few cocktails? Get started today thinking about makeup for a cocktail party. Whether you go with a short skirt or a ruffled dress, you want the perfect nighttime look with plenty of shimmer. Give these makeup ideas a try!

It all starts with the base. 

No matter what activities the hostess has in mind, you'll look cool as a cucumber with perfect base. Before you apply any color products, apply face and eye primer. Starting with a smooth foundation delivers better results.

Swirl on smooth foundation. 

For a party, ditch the boring daytime foundation. Go for a softer look with mineral powder makeup. Don't forget to apply makeup to your neck too. Blend in makeup at the décolletage with a sponge.

Eyes, lips or both? 

Unlike daytime makeup, you can highlight one or both without worrying about doing too much. Pair nude lips with a bold smoky eye or dim down the eyes a little and try a bright red lip color.

Reach for the lip stain. 

You want to look great while you sip on those cocktails but do show your hostess some love! Leaving a red ring of lipstick behind on a glass is not kind. (And you never know if you'll get to smooch someone!) Instead of lipstick, dab on a lip stain. This lip product stays in place, even while you sip on a Cosmo.

Wear liquid shimmer that catches the eye. 

Apply liquid eyeshadow with a little bit of shimmer right below your browbone. This touch of sparkle with catch the light--even candlelight! Dab on a bit on the inside corners of eyes too and create the illusion of wider eyes. 

Play with liquid eyeliner.

Think Angelina Jolie or Brigette Bardot. Sport the classic winged eyeliner but don't use a pencil. After a few laughs, pencil eyeliner can slide away. Liquid eyeliner is the best bet for a cocktail party. 

Now slide on that cocktail ring, paint your nails a wild color and slide on your strappy heels. It's time to party like a supermodel!