Date makeup: 12 ways to get a bombshell beauty look for summer

Date June 6, 2013

Let’s be real. Some nights you just need to look like a total babe. While we love to keep our makeup looking fresh and natural during the day, when it comes to a big night out in the summer, we want to have some fun. Whether you’re going to the Power Ball, a night out with the girls or a date with someone special, it never hurts to play up the drama. To help inspire your next date makeup look, we asked the Beauty Panel to share tips and tricks on bombshell beauty.

Challenge 14: Some nights you just need to look like a total babe! How do you do your makeup for a big night out during the summer months? See the answers now! »

For many of the panelists, for date makeup the focus was either on dramatic eyes or statement lips. Both The Bunnie Hole’s Gerry Xun and SFYGF’s JJ Cowan chose intense red lips—the colour really stands out against their fair skin and is one that’s sure to make heads turn. If you’ve shyed away from bright colours because you’ll worry they look too severe, Gerry suggests choosing a soft shine finish to your lipstick. As for the eyes, when it comes to date makeup you’ll want to add some drama to make them centre stage. Glitter Geek’s Arianne de Guzman shares the tricks to her smoky eye look, which is inspired by the Victoria’s Secret Angels and features false lashes and neutral lips. And before you start putting on product, our newest Beauty Panel member, Twenty York Street’s Marilou Moles, suggests starting with perfectly clean and moisturized skin—all the better for adding colourful products on top of. So whether you like to play it up with your eyes, lips or both, read on for all the bombshell beauty tricks you’ll need this summer.

Have a beauty question you want to see the panel answer? Send it our way at [email protected]. Read on for the answers to this week’s challenge and for more goodness, get to know all contributors on our Beauty Panel hub page.

Maria Aguilar
Toronto | BEAUTY AND A BITE

I tend to play up my eyes when I go out and what’s more “bombshell” than the smoky eye and a wicked pair of lashes? Just make sure you do it first (before you put on foundation) to take care of any shadow fall-out.

For a smoky eye, I only need three shadows and a black eye liner. First, I choose a frosty “medium/dark” shade—this is the one that will go on your lid (up to your crease , avoiding the inner corner). I chose “Fiction” by M.A.C. It’s a deep, dark green shade with little specks of gold. Then you need a dark shadow— always use Carbon by M.A.C because it is the most intense and matte black I’ve ever used. I blend this in my crease very well to create dimension on my eye. Then, I need a light, glittery colour. I chose “Forgery” by M.A.C and layered this on the middle and inner corner of my eyes. The trick to making it all work is BLENDING! Blend, blend, blend. It will be worth it!

Add some black liner to your waterline, blend it well and add your lashes. Finish off with a subtle blush and a nude pink lip. Oh, and my hair? Just some hair gloss and it’s good to go!

Products used: Urban Decay Naked Skin Shade in “5.0”, Nars Blush in “Madly,” Nars Bronzer in “Laguna,” Tarte Smooth Operator Finishing Clay Powder, M.A.C Eyeshadow in “Fiction,” “Forgery” and “Carbon,” Avon Eyeliner in “Black,” Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in “Pink In the Afternoon”

Aleeza Agno
Toronto | Stylish & Literate

Whenever I want to get dolled up for a night out, I always go for a bright red lip. It’s a staple and a classic. I prefer a blue-based red with a matte finish because the colour really pops against my skin tone and it lasts all night long. For summer nights, I love a bronze smoky eye with a pop of glitter and a subtle cat eye. Using a bronze cream shadow for a base, I feather out the harsh edges, define the crease with a matte brown eyeshadow and then patting a shimmered bronze eyeshadow on the lid.

Products used: Maybelline Color Tattoo in “Bad to the Bronze,” L’Oréal Hip High Intensity Duo in “Shady,” Urban Decay Naked 1 Palette in “Sidecar,” Maybelline EyeStudio Gel Liner in “Blackest Black,” Lancôme Hypnôse Mascara in “Star,” M.A.C lipstick in “Ruby Woo,” Prestige Lip Liner in “Amore,” Tweezerman Eyelash Curler

Arianne de Guzman
Toronto | Glitter Geek

While a fresh face is what I choose to wear everyday, when it comes to a makeup for a night out, my motto is “more is more.” In true makeup junkie fashion, this look incorporates all of the makeup (!!!) I can find in my drawer. Just kidding. But really, the look is inspired by the ultimate bombshells, the Victoria’s Secret Angels. It consists of a smoky eye with false lashes, a perfectly contoured face, a bit of cheek highlight, bronzer and nude lips.

Here are a few tricks I follow to perfectly balance that smoky eye.

1. Incorporate brown eyeshadow or bronzer just below your brow bone highlight. This helps to blend out the eyeshadow, and give that extra bit of polish to the look.
2. Line your waterlines (both top and bottom) with black eyeliner to up the smoulder factor.
3. The smokey eye can look really heavy and make you look tired. Bring back light into your eyes by adding a highlight on the inner corners of your pretty eyes.
4. Generously apply and blend out eyeshadow on your lower lids in order to frame your eyes.

That’s it! Practise that flirty wink, because girl you are all done! :)

Products used: Shu Uemura Eyeshadows in “Matte Brown,” M.A.C Eyeshadow in “Soft Brown,” Urban Decay 24/7 Glide on Pencil in “Perversion,” Generic Short Black Lash Flares, Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick in “Beige,” Chanel Sculpting Veil in “Notorious”

Alexa Lowe
Montreal | Stealing Beauty

Products used: Dior Addict Lip Glow, Lancôme Baume in “Love 110 Urban Ballet,” M.A.C Paint Pot in “Painterly,”Smashbox Eyeshadow in “Nude,” Elizabeth Arden Eyeshadow Trio in “Violet Bloom,” Lancôme Le Crayon Khol in “Black Coffee,” M.A.C Eyeshadow in “Bisque,” Urban Decay Eyeshadow in “Sin,” Nars Eyeliner in “Rue Bonaparte,” Urban Decay Big Fatty Mascara, Elizabeth Arden Bronzer in “Deep Radiance,” Lancôme Blush Palette in “Plum Elegance,” Hard Candy Blush in “Pin Up”

Gerry Xun
Vancouver | The Bunnie Hole

Think you need dramatic smoky eyes to be a bombshell? The ladies of the ’50s sure didn’t, so and I have a simple “lips and lashes” look that’s sure to get heads turning.

Start with a lightweight but high coverage base and dab your cheeks with a peachy toned blush for subtle colour. Pat on a satin finish medium brown eyeshadow all over the lid and tight-line the upper lash line from inner to outer corner with a black waterproof pencil to create intensity. Apply a pair of gradated lashes (short in the front, long at the back) for maximum flirting powers and rim the bottom lash line with a taupe pencil. Lightly groom the brows for colour and shape but make sure they aren’t overly heavy. For lips that will get you noticed, choose a power red or (my summer favourite) a pretty coral and apply generously onto the lips while blending with a finger to make sure you cover all the small corners and crevices. Just make sure you choose a luscious soft shine finish to your lipstick as to avoid looking too severe because after all, serious girls are no fun at a ball!

Products used: Revlon Colourstay Foundation, Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush in “#20 Peach Satin,” M.A.C Paintpot in “Groundwork,” Dollywink Otona Lashes in “Sweet Cat,” Rimmel Scadaleyes Liner in “Black and Taupe,” Too Faced Eyeshadow in “Sexpresso,” Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in “#620 Coral Queen”

JJ Cowan
Toronto | Secrets From Your Girlfriends

When I think of a “bombshell” beauty look, I automatically think of Brigitte Bardot’s effortless beauty in one of her many French films. So, when this week’s challenged called for a bombshell look fit for a summer night on the town, I naturally channeled my inner Bardot. However, as much as I love this esthetic, it poses some challenges because the “done up” look has never really worked for me in the classic sense, even when it is professionally done. I am certain some reading can relate to this statement and favour a more, low-key, minimal makeup look for a summer night on the town—so, I put together a look that was bombshell-approved without going too big.

Sticking to my classic routine, I shadowed in my brows for a bit more drama and used a BB cream from The Body Shop to even out my skin. But instead of favouring a big curl; which is generally a favourite of the classic “bombshell,” I focused on a straight and smooth look resulting in a more modern edge to my appearance. To finish off the look I used one of my go to Nars Satin Lip Pencils in “Luxembourg.”

Products used: The Body Shop BB Cream, Chi Straightening Iron, Nars Satin Lip Pencils in “Luxembourg”

Aïda Michelle Lopes
Montreal | I Fell For That

I’m a big fan of keeping things simple and classy so my bombshell beauty look follow these standards. I usually go for a smoky eye with a bright lipstick and put my hair in a bun so the focus is on my face. I’ll start by preping my face with a Make Up For Ever HD Primer and follow with a M.A.C. concealer to hide rings and little imperfections. I do my eyebrows with my new favourite Aqua Brow #40.

I powder my face using M.A.C. Studio Fix #NW50 and then give it a little more shape with a bronzer that I apply in a C motion (cheekbones and jawline). For my smoky eye, I love to apply a black eyeliner all around my eye and then black eyeshadow on my lid. I highlight it using a bronzer under my eyebrows. I finish up with the eyes with a mascara. The last touch is the lipstick, this time I decided to go with my favourite shade, a deep reddish plum by Sephora.

Products used: M.A.C Pro Longwear Concealer in “#NW50,” M.A.C Studio Fix “#NW50,” M.A.C Matte Carbon Eye Shadow, Make Up For Ever HD Primer in “#0,” Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes in “#0L,” Make Up For Ever Smoky Lash, Make Up For Ever Aqua Brow in “#40,” Make Up For Ever Mat Bronze in “#40,”Sephora Rouge Cream Lipstick in “Crush”

Michelle Mullins
Toronto | LipstickRules

As a mama, the word ‘bombshell’ isn’t the first word that comes to mind when I’m putting on my makeup for a night out. Nevertheless, to give myself that extra somethin’ somethin’, I focus on adding a pop of colour, either on my lips or on my eyes—never both. Lips usually wins out, of course. Since I often don’t have a lot of time to get ready, the hybrid lip pencils do the trick. These pencils have the creamy texture and pigmentation of lipstick, and a glossy sheen. Since they are in pencil format, application is easy and precise. Simply use the pencil to draw the shape of your lips, fill in the colour, and you’re ready to go. With the central focus on the lips, I keep the rest of my look very simple: a neutral eyeshadow, a little bit of black eyeliner used close to the lashline, loads of mascara and a hint of blush. To finish the look, I always curl my hair with a big curling iron to get soft waves. That’s it. It may not scream bombshell but hopefully still very alluring.

Product used: Nars Satin Lip Pencil in “Yu”

Fiona Man
Toronto | Product Wars

Whenever I go out with my friends for a night out, I love to focus on my eyes and give it a little edge by winging out the eyeshadow.

For this look I used the New York Color Individual Eye Custom Compact palette in “Smokey Greens.” This palette contains purple shadows to bring out green eyes, but works well for brown eyes.

1. Apply the “Primer” shade all over the lid.
2. Apply the “All Over Lid” colour to the entire eyelid.
3. Apply the “Crease” colour to the outer third of the eye
4. Blend the “Crease” into the “All Over Lid” colour and wing it out.
5. Apply the darker “Crease” colour to the outer corner of the eye and blend
6. To add more dimension to the eye, apply the “Illuminator” then the “All Over Lid” colour to the centre of the eyelid.
7. Apply the “Illuminator” then “Highlighter” underneath the brown bone.
8. Using the Avon liner, rim the upper and lower lash line.
9. Using the two darkest shades from the palette, smudge out the liner.
10. Apply the matte brown shade to the crease as the transition colour. I love using this shade as a transition colour.
11. Apply L’Oréal Hourglass Beige to the inner tear ducts. This is my staple as an inner corner highlight. It adheres well into the skin and provides a beautiful glow.
12. Curl lashes and aply mascara. L’Oréal Voluminous Power Volume 24H Waterproof Mascara is great for creating volume while lasting all night long.

Products used: New York Color IndividualEye Custom Compact in “Smokey Greens,” NYC Sun ‘N’ Bronze Bronzing Powder in “Coney Island Glow,” La Couleur Infallible in “Hourglass Beige,” Avon Always On Point Eyeliner in “Deep Plum,” L’Oreal Voluminous Power Volume 24H Waterproof Mascara, MAC Shading Brush in 239,” Bdellium Tools in “#776M,” Royal Langnickel Silk Greenline Liner

Jennifer Francis
Durham | Spiced Beauty

I am always looking for an effortless look in the summer. The nights are hot and the last thing you want is your makeup slipping off!

For my hair, updos are a must! Get that hair off your neck. Tresemmé Keratin Smooth Heat Protection Shine Spray is your best friend for straightening your hair and curling your bangs. Plus it smells amazing.

As for my makeup, I decided to play with some Bobbi Brown products. For lips mattes are always my pick because they last longer than satin or creme finishes. My pick would be Bobbi Brown Creamy Matte Lip Colour in “Red Carpet.” If mattes are not your thing, bring a gloss to refresh the colour throughout the night. On the lid try a cream shadow like Bobbi Brown Longwear Cream Shadow in “Steel.” Dust some transparent powder to set it if you have oily lids. For a summer glow highlight with Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick in Bronze.

Products used: Tresemmé Keratin Smooth Heat Protection Shine Spray, Bobbi Brown Creamy Matte Lip Colour in “Red Carpet,” Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick in “Bronze,” Bobbi Brown Longwear Cream Shadow in “Steel”

Marilou Moles
Ottawa | Twenty York Street

This beauty challenge couldn’t have come at a better time! Sometimes a girl just needs to rock a bombshell beauty look in the summer. Especially when that summer is in Ottawa when the capital is full of galas and soirees and looking your best is definitely a pre-requisite!

Creating a stunning summer bombshell look starts with perfectly clean and moisturized skin. Like a blank canvass, healthy skin provides a great platform to host a number of beautiful colours, pigments and finishes.

THE PREP
I normally start a couple days beforehand by exfoliating my skin (and lips!) with Thann’s Oatmeal Face Scrub, followed by a 15 to 20 minute Detoxifying Clay Mask or Revitalizing Shiso Face Mask, Shiso Face Serum and Anti-aging Face Cream from the same line. It’s so effective yet indulgent that you instantly relax making your skin even more radiant than ever.

THE BASE
Skipping the usual heavy foundation during summer months, I thank the Beauty Gods for BB creams, which I generally apply all over my face, jaw line, neck and décolletage (especially if you are wearing shoulder-baring outfits). I also use a bit of concealer on occasional blemishes and under the eye before I apply a bronzer to contour the face, a bit of rosy blush on the apples of the cheek and illuminating powder all over to set and smooth everything out.

THE COLOURS
As for the eyes, there is no doubt smoky eye is the number one choice for dramatic eye make up however, to make the look more current, use lighter colours than the usual blacks, greys and silvers. Opting for a softer finish, use rose gold on the lid and caramels on the crease and apply light gold under the brows to highlight. While false lashes are fabulous add-ons to smoky eye makeup, a great alternative is using two types of mascaras and apply at least three coats after you’ve lined your eyes with black or dark kohl for that ubiquitous winged cat-eye look!

THE FINISH
Since the eyes are smoky yet soft, you can certainly go bold and brave by painting your lips with this summer’s brilliant lip colours! My current top fave? Maybelline’s Vivid Fuchsia Blast! Line the lip, apply lipstick, dab a hint of mirror shine lip gloss and voila, you’re a total bombshell for the summer!

Products used: THANN Shiso Serum, THANN Shiso Clay Mask, THANN Shiso Revitalizing Mask, THANN Shiso Anti-Aging Face Cream, Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream, L’Oréal True Match Concealer, Maybelline Sun Dream Bronzing Powder, Smashbox Halo Perfecting Powder, The Balm Shady Lady, L’Oréal Infallible in “Tender Caramel and Forever Pink,” L’Oréal Visible Lift Blush in “Peach Gold,” Revlon Lash Potion, Bourjois Volume Clubbing Mascara, Lyx Lip Liner in “Pinky,” Maybelline Vivids in “Fuchsia Blast,” Smashbox Long Wear Lip Gloss in “Infinite”

Janella Panchamsingh
Toronto | Bold n Beautiful Makeup

My signature bombshell look is very simple: it consists of big lashes and a sultry purple eye.

Products used: Tarte Smolder Eyes in “Ash Violet,” M.A.C Eyeshadows in “Parfait Amour, Seedy Pearl, Fig 1 and Nocturnelle,” Guerlain Terracotta Khol Kajal, Sephora Liquid Liner, Revlon Lash Potion By Grow Luscious Mascara, Red Cherry Lashes in “#218,” M.A.C Sheen supreme Lipstick in “Asian Flower,” Nyx Lip Liner in “Purple Rain”