Masquerade Makeup Tutorial: Ideas for Your Perfect Look

You’ve got the gown, the mask, the clutch, the heels, and the determination to make it a great night. Now, all that’s lacking is the perfect makeup to bring it all together and have you looking fresh no matter the photo angle!

In this article, we cover the basics of masquerade makeup, how you can choose the colors for your outfit of choice, and a few common mistakes to stay clear of.

What is Masquerade Makeup?

Masquerade makeup can be many things. From simple and elegant looks to full-on fantasy style, it all depends on the theme of the night and the persona you plan to embody.

You may be wondering why you would need makeup when the main point of a masquerade ball is to hide behind a mask. While the question is valid (and common), it’s important to understand that a masquerade mask is not only meant to hide one’s identity but instead, to guide the audience to where you want them to look: Your eyes and lips.

Basics of Masquerade Makeup

The three basics of masquerade makeup are:

#1 Long-wearing foundation, to ensure your skin is ready with or without a mask.

#2 Bold lips, for a sensual focal point that will last all night,

#3 Dramatic eyes, to hold your audience’s gaze.

Key Elements of a Masquerade Ball Look

You want sensuality, elegance, and mystery all wrapped into one. When it comes to makeup, this means playing with a smoky look on your eyes and eye-catching lips to pair. Your mask, of course, acts as a window to your inner persona. Ensuring it is aptly decorated to match the rest of your look can guarantee a flawless masquerade ensemble.

How to Create Stunning Masquerade Makeup Looks?

Like with many fashion guidelines, it’s important to find a balance between the elements you plan to combine. Masquerades are the perfect place to let your creativity flag fly, play with colors, and experiment with daring elements. Despite this freedom, ensuring elegance and sophistication are still in the mix is crucial.

Step-by-Step Guide to a Beautiful Masquerade Makeup Tutorial

Step 1: Primer

Start by cleansing your face, moisturizing, and then applying primer. This step not only helps keep makeup on your face but also ensures smooth application and a radiant finish.

Step 2: Foundation

For a flawless complexion, apply foundation on your face and neck. This base layer will also help keep your colors looking bold and bright throughout the night.

Step 3: Concealer

While your foundation helps even out your tone, the concealer further lightens any sign of pigmentation such as circles under your eyes, scars, and other blemishes. 

Step 4: Contour

You want your cheekbones and jawline to look like they can cut the party cake. Define these features by sculpting them out with a concealer that is a shade darker than your skin tone.

Step 5: Blush

Now it’s time to add a splash of color and get those cheeks looking fresh and plump. 

Step 6: Highlight

We’ve added shadows and colors, now it’s time to add a touch of radiance. Add highlighter to the upper side of your cheekbones, to the bridge of your nose, and to your cupid’s brow. You will be GLOWING tonight!

Step 7: The Main Event: Your Eyes

Start by defining your brow arch and tail, brush them out with a spoolie, and fill in any gaps. The next step is to start with an eyeshadow to intensify your look - whether that means a smoky eye or a colorful alternative.

Step 8: The Final Piece

Once your eye makeup is set, it’s time to finish off with the perfect pout. Experiment with different hues to see which colors go perfectly with your mask, dress, and eyes! If all else fails, a bold red or a sultry mauve always delivers.

Essential Products for Your Masquerade Makeup Kit

If you are not into makeup on a regular basis, perhaps investing in a full bundle of tools isn’t the best way to jump in. Opting for a talented makeup artist in the form of a professional or your best friend is a more practical alternative. Nevertheless, you want someone who knows how to handle lipstick, eyeshadow, brow pencils or powder, eyeliner, contour, highlighter, and foundation.

Tips for Applying Eyeshadow for a Masquerade Look

Tip 1: Use the crease of your eyelid to guide you in filling out the product.

Tip 2: Use a palette in order to find colors that already complement one another.

Tip 3: Apply highlighter to the brow bone to help sculpt the look.

Tip 4: Use a domed brush for easier application, but don’t press down too hard to avoid making the product look patchy.

Top 5: Apply a touch of glow using your finger instead of a brush to prevent over-application.

What Are the Best Colors for Masquerade Makeup?

The best colors for masquerade makeup depends on your outfit, mask, and theme of the night. The most popular, however, are the metallics of gold and silver. These make the perfect accentuating colors to add alongside almost any hue.

Choosing the Right Shade for Your Masquerade Mask

There is no one-size-fits-all option when it comes to choosing the right shade. If you are opting for a burst of colors, choose hues that complement your dress and mask. However, if more natural and sensual tones are what you are after, consider your skin tone.

Those with warmer skin tones would look great with golds, oranges, and shades of red while those with cooler skin tones may look better with blues, greens, and purples.

Popular Lipstick Colors for a Masquerade Ball

The most popular lipstick colors for a masquerade ball include bold red, deep maroon, warm pink, or any color that matches your lively dress such as deep blues, greens, or purple. For an added effect, put on a layer of shimmer.

Using Glitter and Darker Shades in Your Makeup

Darker makeup shades help create definition while using glitter adds a touch of glamour. Combining the two can create a harmonious blend that not only highlights all the necessary places but also offers you a complete look for the night.

How to Accessorize Your Masquerade Makeup?

The top accessories one can use at a masquerade party are a mask, jewelry, a clutch, and in some instances, a hat. A mask is a requirement at these balls, while the rest are there to accentuate your outfit. Below are a few guidelines to help you narrow down how to accessorize and which accessories are best suited for you.

Choosing the Perfect Masquerade Mask

In choosing the perfect masquerade mask, first think of the theme. Is the party an ode to fantastical forest creatures, Greek mythology, or perhaps your classic demon?

Without a theme, you can narrow it down by color instead such as gold, red, or black masks.

Incorporating Lace and Other Accessories

Once your theme and colors are narrowed down, amp up your mask with laces, sequins, feathers, and other details.

Further enhance your ensemble with a clutch, a tiara, or a piece of statement jewelry, but ensure you don’t over-accessorize!

Tips for Matching Your Makeup with Your Outfit

The best way to match your makeup with your outfit is by using complementary colors and sticking to a color palette. It is also good to consider your undertone and not have the colors of your make clash with your chosen jewelry.

What Are Some Common Mistakes in Masquerade Makeup?

Applying makeup for a masquerade can be tricky. The balance between extravagance and sophistication can sometimes blur, which leads to a few regrets the night of the event. To guarantee a flawless look and a worry-free evening, here are a few things to keep in mind when applying makeup for a masquerade.

Avoiding Overly Complicated Designs

The simpler the design you want to achieve, the easier it will be to pull it off. Leave the complicated designs to professionals, and if that’s what you’re really after then it’s best to outsource. However, keep in mind that going with simple yet quality looks can help keep attention on other aspects of your outfit such as your mask and gown.

Common Application Errors to Watch Out For

#1 Not prepping your skin.

Without the proper prep before applying the main products, your skin may not look as smooth and seamless as it would have with a dash of primer and a bit of foundation.

#2 Using the wrong shade.

Keep your skin looking healthy with a natural glow by using the shade fit for your natural skin tone.

#3 Over application.

Whether it's blush, foundation, contour, or any other product, applying too much will look unnatural and harsh.

How to Fix Makeup Mistakes on the Go

If you’re already on the way to the venue but spot a few makeup lapses that need rectification, here are a few tips that can help:

Issue: Too much blush or contour

Fix: Soften it out by blending it through 

Issue: Uneven eyeliner

Fix: Use a Q-tip or fold a piece of tissue at an angle. Damp it and gently remove excess product using water or makeup remover.

Issue: Clumping mascara

Fix: Use a clean spoolie and comb through the clumped lash

Issue: Uneven tone with your neck

Fix: Blend some of the foundation down to your neck for a natural finish

You’re All Set!

Applying masquerade makeup can be a fun and exciting experiment! Be sure to practice your look before the night of the event to ensure you’ve got everything ready without running the risk of having to make last-minute outfit decisions. Still looking for the perfect pair for your makeup? Find the best masquerade mask collection at The Masquerade Store.