5 Maximalist Beauty Looks to See You Through Mardi Gras

Personally, we’re all about a maximalist beauty moment — and there’s no better time to break out the glitter than Mardi Gras. If Mardi Gras weekend crept up on you and you haven’t planned an outfit — or, you’ve realised your perfectly planned look will now be hidden under a wet-weather poncho, never fear. Maximalist beauty is the quickest way to ramp up the glam in a rush. We’ve rounded up the best maximalist beauty looks that will serve you well this weekend, El Nina or none.

Disco glam:

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A post shared by James Molloy Makeup Artist (@jamesmolloymakeupartist)

James Molloy created this exaggerated 70s beauty look using only two shades. While we love the striking blue, you can use any colour here. Prime your lids and then map your shape with the pencil of your choice (short strokes rather than a continuous line will help you maintain control). We suggest a waterproof pencil formula like the Makeup Forever Aqua Resist Colour Pencil Eyeliner in Deep Sea. Then, select a matte shadow in a deeper tone to set your shape – the Anastasia Beverly Hills Norvina Pro Pigment Palette Vol.2 has a sizzling collection of matte primary colours. After you’ve set the pencil, buff with a shader brush like the M.A.C 239 to soften the line. Then, press your finger into your selected glitter (Bodyography‘s duck egg blue “Blue Morpho” is an excellent option) and sweep across the lids! The pressure from your fingertips will compress the shimmer, giving it a light-catching foil finish.

Make an Impression:

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A post shared by aoife cullen (@aoife.cullen)

If you’ve checked out the recent Matisse exhibition you’ll be well briefed to pull off this look. Aoife Cullen applied pastel powder shadows first, before layering cream makeup on top for a 3D beauty look. A palette like Morphe’s limited edition Mickey & Friends collection will give you plenty of options. When working with pastels it’s important to start with a great base, as pastel formulations can lose saturation quickly – Nars Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base will do the trick. Then, grab a cream shadow palette like the M.A.C Pro Palette (the Youtube-famous Makeup Forever Flash Palette is sadly no longer available at Sephora Australia but MAC is a solid dupe) and get mixing. Use a fine liner brush loaded with product and a very light hand to deposit 3D colour on the lids.

Roaring 20s Grunge:

MUA Bea Sweet or @beasweetbeauty is responsible for some of FKA Twigs‘ most iconic beauty looks. For this look, she drew inspiration from the 1920s. During the period stars like Josephine Baker used castor oil to create high shine on hair, lids, lips and cheeks in black and white photography. Bea Sweet opted for Danessa Myrick’s Colorfix cream eyeshadows and clear “Dew Wet Balm” to create the sultry, high-shine look. While you can order Danessa Myricks products here, you can achieve a similar look with MAC Paint Pots in Black Mirror and Born to Beam – once you’ve layered these add a face close like Gucci Eclat de Beaute Effet Lumiere Face Gloss.

Get 3D With Pearlcore:

Barbie Ferreira might be solely responsible for kicking off the Pearlcore trend, but influencers and fashion week MUAs have been adding fuel to the fire. Face gems and pearls dotted the runway at Simone Rochas in Milan and Christian Cowan in New York. Rowi Singh nailed the look using Swarovski crystals and Glisten Cosmetics Wet Liner in Menthe to create a simple, graphic eye. You don’t have to spring for Swarovski – the In Your Dreams pearls and gems are quick and easy. Alternately, if you can’t wait for shipping some pearls and crystals from Spotlight, Duo Lash Adhesive will do you fine (even better is Spirit Gum from a professional makeup supply store like Scotty’s)

MUA Robin Black of @beautyisboring creates some of the most powerful, maximalist beauty imagery on the gram. This foil-effect shadow look is a one-and-done showstopper. Black used Makeup by Mario’s Master Metallics Eyeshadow Palette. If you want to shop your staff you can also find similar shades in the Pat McGrath Subversive Palette has an identical shade or the Natasha Denona Gold Eyeshadow Mini Palette. To get a true foil effect, sweep on with a wet brush, then smooth the product with your fingers. Then load up your lashes with liner (we love Kester Black’s Blackout Pencil) and don’t hold back on the mascara!