When it comes to makeup for formal events, outdated trends are out of the question—this is a night to shine!
Formals are the ultimate glam event for Year 12s across Australia.
Think of it as the Aussie version of prom—a night to celebrate the end of high school, a final transformation from school uniform to full-on Cinderella vibes.
And while the “main event” might seem like the outfit or the entrance, let’s be real: the makeup is where the magic happens.
If there’s one thing I know as a professional makeup artist, it’s that trends come and go, but the essence of formal makeup remains timeless.
In this blog post, I will teach you everything you need to know about makeup for formal, including the classic elements and trends that come and go.
THE ESSENCE OF FORMAL MAKEUP: Transformative and Timeless
Unlike daytime looks, formal makeup is usually more intense to make an impression under the evening lights.
Formal makeup is about going from everyday to extraordinary.
Here’s a rundown of the essentials:
#1 FOUNDATION
This is your canvas, and it’s all about the finish.
Matte foundation is often the go-to for those with acne, but based on the current trend, the choice can be dewy or matte for others.
Think medium to heavy coverage for that camera-ready glow.
#2 EYESHADOW
Typically, formal makeup leans towards neutral yet dramatic tones—browns, beige, and black are the stars of what we call the “glamour eyeshadow technique.”
The main elements of this look are a beautiful gradient from light to dark from the inner corners of the eyelids to the outer.
I will even use silver or gold shimmer shadows in the inner corners of the eyes.
It’s all about creating depth and dimension.
GLAMOUR EYESHADOW TECHNIQUE
A technique using 3 eyeshadow colours- light, medium and dark.
Step 1: Apply the lightest colour of eyeshadow (usually the cream, silver or gold) across the whole eyelid.
Step 2: Apply medium eyeshadow (usually taupe or brown) to the outer half of the eyelid.
Step 3: Apply the darkest eyeshadow colour (usually black or dark brown) to the outer quarter of the eyelid.
Step 4: Blend to create a seamless gradient across the eyelid.
#3 FALSE LASHES & EYELINER
False lashes add that extra flair, while eyeliner defines and accentuates, bringing out the drama.
No formal look is complete without them!
On clients who have never worn false lashes, I opt for half lashes or individuals (these are often best applied by someone else onto the wearer).
#4 NUDE LIPSTICK
A nude lip has become a staple, keeping the focus on those glam eyes while giving a polished, sophisticated vibe.
The finishing touch.
Subtle nude shades of lipstick keep the focus on the eyes and are perfect for those who don’t wear makeup all the time as they don’t need to stress about smudging.
WHAT’S TRENDING: The Little Details that Change Every Year
Many formal students opt for the classic looks above, while others like to experiment with more trendy features.
Here are the features which evolve each year with the trends.
#1 BLUSH
The blush colours and finish—peach on the centre of the cheeks versus pink on the outer face—ebbs and flows with each graduating class.
Throughout the years the placement, popular tones and colours and even the finish of blush (cream, powder,..) have changed in popularity.
2024 blush trends are warm pinks all across the nose and cheeks, like a sunburned flush from staying out in the sun a little too long.
If you are attending more than one formal, you can have lots of fun trying out different styles at each one.
#2 BROW SHAPES
Brow shapes have seen everything from thin arches to full, feathery brows over the years.
The 2000s saw the rise of thin brows, followed by thick luscious brows in the 2010s, now we have yoyo’d back to the thin brow trend.
Personally, I believe the rise of the diversity movement has meant embracing your unique features will always be in fashion.
So if you have naturally thick brows, the most recent trend would be the soap brow style to try out.
#3 LIPS SHADES & TEXTURES
Lip trends have ranged from matte to gloss, depending on what’s hot at the moment.
Bubble gum pink frosted lipsticks were the hottest thing in the 2000s, followed by the rise of the matte, brown/nudes in the 2010s.
Now in the 2020’s we are seeing a rise in glossy nude lipsticks and lip oils.
The pinnacle of this is the craze of the clinique black honey lipstick and every other product made to emulate this.
COMMON FORMAL CHALLENGES
WHICH GOES FIRST: HAIRSTYLING OR MAKEUP?
The answer is never so simple, unfortunately.
Most formal clients ask for natural-looking curls.
If this is what you are also planning to do the answer is to curls first, followed by pinning every curl, then makeup, and removing the curls.
WHEN SHOULD I GET MY MAKEUP DONE?
If you are going to be a makeup artist the best time to get your makeup done would be just before the event.
However, most makeup artists will be doing makeup for nighttime formals from 7 am until merely minutes before so it's not always possible.
In this case, make sure to get lots of setting spray (even purchase one for yourself) and some setting powder to touch up.
ACCIDENTALLY GET MAKEUP ON YOUR DRESS?
No stress! Simply find yourself some micellar water or some bi-phase eye makeup remover for tougher stains.
Put this on a cotton round and gently dab until the stain is gone.
I have been able to remove long-wear matte lipsticks from white shirts with this method.
FORMAL MAKEUP FAQs
SHOULD I DO MY FORMAL MAKEUP?
I did my formal makeup and it was the best part of my formal (I had done a makeup course just before it).
If you do decide to do your formal makeup, add an extra 30-45 minutes to your schedule for the day because mistakes happen.
I can vividly remember my lashes breaking and having to use a backup set.
Getting a professional makeup artist is really exciting but unless you secure your booking 6 months in advance, it can be nearly impossible to find an available makeup artist.
It's also common for makeup artists to cancel at the last minute or just not turn up so sometimes being a little prepared to do your own makeup is the best.
SHOULD I GO WITH BOLD OR NEUTRAL EYESHADOW?
It depends on your personal preference and if you wear makeup often.
It's ideal to practise applying makeup before your formal day to work out if you feel comfortable wearing bold makeup looks.
I also recommend starting with a light application of makeup and adding darker/ bolder colours afterwards to work out what makes you comfortable.
If it's too dark simply, use a translucent powder or even a light eyeshadow colour over the top until it's the depth you feel comfortable with.
HOW TO MAKE YOUR MAKEUP LOOK PROFESSIONALLY DONE?
The main issue I see most people do when doing their makeup is not choosing the right colours for the face.
This means, that even if you got the right type of makeup, it might just be the wrong colours.
My general rule of thumb is to use fewer different colours on your face.
At work, I carry several different products that are the same colour, but you don’t need to do this.
Simply, use the same makeup product for different parts of your face.
Like using your lipstick as blush and your eyebrow pomade as eyeliner and even contour.
WRAP UP
Formal makeup is all about capturing that transformative, glamorous vibe while remaining true to one’s unique style.
Whether you're following classic trends or experimenting with modern twists, each choice adds to the experience of this unforgettable night.
The key is preparation—trial runs, a few makeup staples, and understanding what makes you feel confident and comfortable.
With the right look, you’ll feel camera-ready and fully present in every moment of your formal celebration.
So, go ahead, make your look memorable, and let your makeup be as bold, elegant, or timeless as you desire.
After all, this is your night to shine!
Want to learn more or not sure where to start? Send your questions to the chat tab.
