The Ultimate Guide to Getting Ready for a Big Night Out: Here’s How to Nail Your Makeup, Hair and Outfit
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There’s something lovely about having a big night out in the diary. Maybe you’re heading to a birthday celebration, attending a formal event, or finally getting together with friends after weeks of trying to coordinate everyone’s schedules. Whatever the occasion, getting ready should be part of the fun, rather than a race against the clock.
Of course, things don’t always go quite to plan. Your makeup takes longer than expected, your hair decides not to cooperate, or you suddenly become convinced you have absolutely nothing to wear.
The good news? A little preparation can make the whole process considerably easier. From planning your outfit to getting your makeup just right, here’s how to get ready for a memorable night without all the unnecessary stress.
Start prepping before the big day
First things first, check the venue, dress code and weather forecast. An upmarket cocktail bar might call for something quite different from a relaxed birthday dinner, while an outdoor celebration means thinking about practical footwear and an extra layer.
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Once you’ve got an idea of what to expect, it’s worth making a quick checklist:
- Confirm your plans, reservations and transport.
- Choose an outfit and try everything on together.
- Check that your shoes are actually comfortable enough for the evening.
- Make sure you’re not running low on any of your favourite beauty products.
- Give your makeup brushes a wash if they’re overdue for a clean.
It’s also worth allowing yourself plenty of time to get ready without rushing. An extra half hour can be a lifesaver when something unexpected crops up, particularly if several people are competing for the same bathroom or mirror.
Give your skin some love
Great makeup starts with skin that feels comfortable and properly moisturised. Begin with a gentle cleanser to remove excess oil, sweat and any leftover products, then follow with a moisturiser that suits your skin type.
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If your skin tends to get oily, look for a lightweight formula that sinks in easily. Drier skin, meanwhile, might appreciate something a little richer, particularly around those areas where foundation has a habit of looking patchy.
Now is probably not the time to experiment with strong exfoliants or unfamiliar skincare products, either. The last thing you want before a big event is unexpected irritation, dryness or a breakout making everything more complicated.
And if you’re getting ready during the day, don’t forget your sunscreen if you’ll be spending time outdoors.
Finally, give your skincare a few minutes to settle before moving on to makeup. This can help stop products from sliding around or forming those annoying little flakes when you start layering everything on top.
Choose an outfit that makes you feel amazing
Your outfit will probably set the tone for the rest of your beauty look, so choosing it early makes decisions about your hair, makeup and accessories that much easier.
Start by thinking about the occasion itself. A dinner date might call for something sleek and understated, while a formal celebration could be the perfect excuse to go a little more glamorous. The trick is finding something that looks great but still feels comfortable to wear.
For dressier events, occasionwear specialists such as Ellaé Lisqué can be a useful place to start when you’re deciding what to wear.
When browsing options from Ellaé Lisqué, think about how the colour, neckline and overall style of your outfit will work with the beauty look you have in mind.
And before you make your final decision, try sitting down, walking around and checking how everything looks in different lighting. It might seem a little excessive, but these small checks can save you from some rather uncomfortable surprises later.
Create a makeup look that stays the course
The secret to long-lasting makeup is being thoughtful about how you apply it, rather than simply piling on more product.
Focus on your base
Start by applying your foundation in thin layers, building up coverage only where you actually need it. Too much product can settle into fine lines or start looking uneven as the evening goes on.
If you’re using concealer, concentrate on areas like under-eye shadows and blemishes rather than feeling you need to cover your entire face.
A light dusting of setting powder around your forehead, nose and chin can also help keep shine at bay, particularly if your skin is on the oily side.
Decide where to add drama
For an evening makeup look, it can be fun to make either your eyes or lips the star of the show.
A smoky eye with a neutral lip always looks elegant, while a bold red lipstick works beautifully with simple eyeliner and mascara.
Of course, there’s absolutely no rule saying you can’t go bold with both, but choosing one focal point can help make the finished look feel a little more considered.
Pack a few touch-up products
There’s no need to take your entire makeup bag out with you, but a few essentials are worth having to hand:
- Lipstick or lip gloss for topping up throughout the evening.
- Blotting papers to deal with excess oil.
- A compact mirror.
- A few cotton buds for tidying up any smudges.
Style your hair without the last-minute panic
Your hairstyle should work with your outfit, of course, but ideally it also needs to survive whatever the evening has in store.
If you’re planning on dancing or spending time outdoors, a secure bun, ponytail or half-up style might be a more practical choice than loose curls that need constant attention.
It’s worth thinking about your hair’s natural texture, too. Working with what you’ve got often gives much better results than attempting a complete transformation five minutes before you’re supposed to leave.
If you’re reaching for heated styling tools, make sure you use a suitable heat protectant and follow the tool’s temperature instructions. Let curls cool before brushing them out, and go easy on the hairspray unless you’re particularly keen on that slightly crunchy finish.
For a little extra peace of mind, pop a few bobby pins and a spare hair tie in your bag. You’d be surprised how useful they can be when your hairstyle needs a quick rescue.
Finish with the little details
Once your outfit, hair and makeup are sorted, it’s time to think about those final little touches.
Choose accessories that work with the occasion without becoming uncomfortable halfway through the night. Heavy earrings might look gorgeous, but something lighter could be a much better choice if you’re going to be wearing them for hours.
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When it comes to fragrance, a little restraint goes a long way. A couple of spritzes on your pulse points should be plenty, particularly if you’re going to be spending time in enclosed spaces.
Before you head out, have one last look in a full-length mirror. Check for makeup marks on your clothes, visible labels and anything else that might need a quick adjustment.
And, perhaps most importantly, make sure you’ve actually packed your phone, keys, payment method and anything you need to get into the venue.
The takeaway
Getting ready for a big night out really doesn’t need to mean hours of stress or an overflowing collection of beauty products. A little planning, an outfit you feel good in and some attention to the details that actually matter can make all the difference.
Choose your outfit ahead of time, stick with skincare you know your skin likes, and go for makeup and hairstyles that work for the occasion. Give yourself enough time to enjoy getting ready, and pack a few useful essentials for later.
And remember, the idea isn’t to look like a completely different person from your everyday self. It’s to feel confident, comfortable and ready to enjoy yourself.
After all, the best part of a big night out isn’t getting every little detail perfect. It’s everything that happens once you’re finally out the door.
