Graduating from messy make up to Nightluxe, the latest going out make up look is here and it’s taking over more than just the dancefloor. With over 131 million TikTok views, this trend fuses the glam and glitz of the roaring twenties with the chaotic cosmetics of Indie Sleaze. Think: shimmery shadows, opulent colour and the social calendar of your favourite celebrity…
Paying homage to the after-hours aesthetics, we caught up with make up artist Kimberley Nguyen to break down how to achieve the ultimate Nightluxe look.BUT FIRST, WHAT IS NIGHTLUXE MAKE UP
In short, Nightluxe make up is beauty’s reaction to rebelling against the rigidity of rules. With many millennials moving back to the city as reported by WGSN, more and more people are embracing late nights, a party lifestyle and in turn ‘messy’ make up – AKA Nightluxe. “I would best describe the look as rebellious yet chic, expressive yet expensive and most importantly fun.” says Kimberley. Featuring everything from dark shimmery eyeshadows for an update on Siren Eyes to moody lipstick shades and setting sprays for looks that last until the early hours of the morning, “Nightluxe beauty channels an underlining Gothcore theme, that doesn’t seem to be dying down any time soon. Taking centre stage in the early 90s – when beauty brand’s such as Urban Decay launched lip products and nail polishes inspired by urban landscapes in shades of black – this iconic era faded in the background in the mid-90s, when bright pops and fluorescents came to light. But now the Nightluxe theme has hit again and it’s here for the long run”. adds Kimberley.
HOW TO ACHIEVE THE NIGHLUXE LOOK
“Nightluxe make up is positioned to be grunge and rebellious and as time goes on the trend has become even more expressive and bold – taking inspiration from graphic eyeliner and molten metallics to make it more wearable for all.” explains Kimberley. When it comes to this beauty phenomenon, there are no rules. Personalise it as you please – whether you’re adopting hints of the look, or you go all out by recreating your complexion’s base, eyes and lips.
A COVETED COMPLEXION
When it comes to your complexion Kimberley suggests to “start with Hourglass’ Veil Hydrating Skin Tint as a light base” for a subtle sheen while your eyes and lips shine in the spotlight. As for your cheeks, “apply a sweep of lightweight blush from VIEVE’s Sunset Blush in shade ‘Rosa’ with a light tap of bronzer . To complete your complexion, seal in your base with Hourglass’ Airbrush Press Powder.” This on-the-go hero delivers a sheer yet undetectable finish and is perfectly proportioned so you can top up no matter where the night takes you.
SIREN EYES
Nightluxe eye make up is dark and sultry – we’re talking deep-cut crease eyeshadow and glossy or shimmery lids. But, before you experiment with your pigment, Kimberley recommends prepping your peepers: “use Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion whenever using eyeshadow, but especially in this case as you’re using metallics and darker shades. This will help the eyeshadow last and prevent fallout.” Then, taking your chosen palette, “use your ring finger to smear the shadow across the eyelids or create a spotlight eyeshadow look by applying a darker shade in the outer and inner corners of the eyes and a lighter metallic shade in the middle”.
LUXE LIPS
Nothing pulls together a party look like a luxe lip. “A metallic or heavy eye as above, is best paired with a with matte lip. But when it comes to colour, that’s down to preference. For a pop of pigment, I would use Hourglass’ Unlocked Soft Matte Lipstick in shade Red , or for a muted tone opt for Pat McGrath Labs MatteTrance Lipstick in shade Divine Rose.” advises Kimberley. Oh, and don’t forget to throw in a gloss or lip balm in your clutch to ensure your pout stays supple and moisturised for the party, after party and after, after party…
A MOODY MANICURE
Nails are a non-negotiable when it comes to your Nightluxe look. Stealing the show when raising your (read: martini) glass, these manicures are all about the deepest and darkest shades of mulberry, maroon and, of course, black. For those who prefer a maximalist mani Kimberley proposes to “experiment with ombre nail art as it looks impressive but is easy to achieve from home”. Simply, “paint on your base coat, then add a layer of your nail colour along the edge of the sponge and dab it gently onto your nails. By adding more polish as you get closer to the tip, you create the ombré finish.”
Et voila, with no curfew and no rules, it’s time to experiment with your own very Nightluxe look… Don’t worry we won’t wait up…
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