Welcome to Beauty's Night Out, a series dedicated to the need-to-know beauty conversations dominating the nightlife scene. Expect a first look at the latest trends, behind-the-scenes tutorials, and loads of going-out inspiration as you get all dolled up—all you need is your favorite playlist.
It's safe to say makeup is on my mind 24/7. As a beauty editor, I'm always writing about new micro trends, buzzy brand launches, and reviewing viral products. While exciting, it can be easy to forget why we do makeup in the first place: to feel good. "Makeup should enhance who you already are, not hide you," says Laura Lee, a makeup artist and content creator. "Beauty isn't about chasing perfection or every new trend—it's about self-expression and doing what makes you feel your best. At the end of the day, confidence is always the most beautiful thing you can wear."
I think we can all agree that there's no better way to boost your confidence than queuing up your favorite getting-ready playlist and dolling yourself up with your friends for a night out. So, I tapped Lee and her best friend and fellow makeup artist, Manny Gutierrez (AKA Manny MUA), to share the summer beauty looks that instantly dial up their confidence, and the tips that help their makeup last through summer heat and humidity.
They're OG beauty gurus who have every prestige product at their fingertips, but they kept recommending SHEGLAM's affordable makeup. "During the summer, I need makeup that can keep up with warm weather, and SHEGLAM products help my look stay fresh for hours. I also love that they have a wide shade range and trendy colors, so it's easy to create anything from a soft, sun-kissed glam to a bolder evening look." Their tips are too juicy to miss, so keep reading for the full download.
"For a night out, I want makeup that I know I don't have to think about once I leave the house. I want my skin to look healthy and radiant, my makeup to photograph beautifully, and everything to stay fresh from the first selfie to the last call. The look I created is fresh, glowy, and effortless—exactly how I like my makeup to feel in the summer. I focused on radiant, natural-looking skin, soft bronzed tones, subtle definition on the eyes, and a nude lip that ties everything together without feeling too heavy. It's polished enough for a night out, but still light and breathable." — Lee
Here are Lee's top tips to achieve this long-lasting makeup look:
Apply light layers: "I always apply my complexion products in thin layers instead of one heavy layer. I like to press the product into the skin with kabuki brushes for a seamless finish, then lightly set my T-zone and undereye with powder while leaving the rest of my skin glowy. It keeps everything looking fresh and helps prevent creasing."
For crease-proof, highly-pigmented shadow: "For my eyes, I always start with a primer or a long-wearing base so my shadow doesn't crease. I also like to gently press shimmer onto the lid with my fingertip for maximum payoff, and finish with waterproof mascara so it stays put all night."
Lip stain and gloss combo: "For my lips, I define them with a stain peel-off lip liner first and lightly apply gloss. Recently, I've been using the Line To Shine Peel-Off Lip Stain & Gloss Duo ($6). This is exactly how to get long-lasting color without sacrificing comfort. The peel-off stain leaves behind a beautiful, even tint that stays put for hours, so I don't have to worry about touch-ups constantly. It's perfect for busy days or nights out when I want my lip color to last through eating, drinking, and everything in between."
Setting spray is a must: "To finish everything off, I always use the Lock'd In Setting Spray ($7) to melt the makeup together and help it stay in place. It's the final step that keeps my makeup looking fresh from the beginning of the night until I'm ready to take it off."
"For me, if we're going out, we need to be full glam and have a lash on! I did a glittery look inspired by dazzling sunset hues. I feel like people can get into a rut with their makeup, so why not experiment on hot summer nights? Have fun with the lip or eye and see how it makes you feel. I use SHEGLAM because not only are the products high-quality and amazing, they're cost-efficient! As a makeup artist, it's so easy for me to recommend the brand because I truly believe in the products' quality and longevity. It's the only makeup I want to wear this time of year, because I know it will last through a summer night." — Gutierrez
"Usually nights out last a long time, so I depend on powders and setting sprays (I love the Light Me Up Luminous Setting Spray ($6) for that glowy finish) to make sure the makeup really lasts." Here are a few of Gutierrez's tips to keep things locked in and ensure our makeup doesn't move:
Layer cream on top of powder: "Layering your makeup works wonders for longevity. Apply your cream products, then powder on top to make sure it locks in. For example: cream bronzer then powder bronzer on top to ensure nothing moves. You can also use this tip with your eyes and lips."
Prep the eyes: "Prepping your eyes with a longwear eyeshadow primer before your powder shadow can really make sure things are locked in and grease-resistant."
Lip stain: "An underrated tip is using a lip stain in addition to a lipstick or gloss. The Line To Shine Peel-Off Lip Stain & Gloss Duo ($6) is the perfect two-in-one product to achieve a lip that lasts the whole night. I apply the stain under my lipstick and then swipe the gloss on top to finish off the look."
