Beauty How-To: Ace the Transition from Memorial Day to Memorable Night

With Memorial Day weekend right around the corner, and parties aplenty on the docket, we need to start thinking about our appearances. Sure, there are the outfit changes—from swimsuit to sundress, naturally—but how about the makeup? We asked celebrity makeup artist Robin Black for her take on the day-to-evening memorable Memorial face. Inspiration: Brigitte Bardot.

The Day Look [above]: “Keep it modern and chic for a day at the pool or beach with minimal makeup. Start with a clean face and apply an even coat of Dermalogica Ultra Sensitive Faceblock SPF 25 (it has a sheer tint that evens out skin tone and no harsh chemicals). For just a hint of drama, curl your lashes and sex them up with DiorShow Waterproof Black Mascara. A bit of Dior Addict Lip Glow with SPF 10 (its revolutionary technology enhances your natural color) will give your lips that “just been kissed” look. Finally, tuck a bottle of into your bag and spritz yourself regularly to refresh your complexion!”

The Night Look [above]: “Add dramatic black eyeliner, coral cheeks, and pale lips—it’s the perfect look to play up that gorgeous sun-kissed glow! Start by rinsing off the day’s chlorine or saltwater, then apply Dermalogica Ultra Calming Barrier Repair (it doubles as a makeup primer) and allow it to sink in. Using your fingers and a nickel-sized amount of Laura Mercier’s Tinted Moisturizer, start at the middle of the face and blend outward. Once it has set, use the NARS Multiple Bronzer in Malaysia (a sexy deep bronze shade) to draw a line under each cheekbone, down the sides of the nose, under the jaw and on the temples of your forehead. Blend in the bronze color, emphasizing your face structure with a natural-looking contour. Next, apply a tiny amount (this product is very pigmented, you literally need just a dot) of Make Up Forever’s Microfinish Cream Blush in Coral to the apples of your cheeks and blend for a flirtatious flush. For the eye, you will need a small pointed brush and a business card or simple piece of paper—this is a top-secret makeup artist trick! Dip the brush into a pot of Bobbi Brown Black Gel Liner, then take the business card (or paper) and hold it against your face so that it spans from the outer corner of your nostril to the outer corner of your eye. Stroke the brush across your lid, staying close to the lash line. When you reach the outer corner of your eye, drag the brush right across the business card… when you lift off the card, you will have a “cat eye” shape! Repeat on the other eye and for maximum Brigitte sexiness, increase the width of the line to fill a majority of the lid. Now that you have the perfect black eyeliner, apply at least two (or three!) coats of DiorShow Waterproof Mascara in Black to the upper and lower lashes. Leave the lashes clumpy and extra thick! For the finishing touch, casually sweep a coat of NARS Barbarella (an incredibly flattering pale peach shade) over your lips.”

SARAH HOWARD IS THE EDITOR OF BEAUTY BANTER.