A Gaga Night Out

On Independence Day, I went to see Lady Gaga in concert for her Monster Ball Tour with friends. I had been looking forward to this for months, and as a busy mom to a 22-month-old, this type of night out was a rare opportunity for me. It was a chance to don some super fun make-up (my fave type of über dress-up), sing and dance, and let loose.

Recently, I've noticed my daughter enjoy and practice dressing, be it clumsily. Pulling clothing on and off of herself, she is beginning to enter the world of practical and fantasy fashion. As adults, we have our everyday dress-up, and when we go out for a big night on the town, we pretty ourselves by puckering up with that pouty lipstick or blowing out our hair. This reinforces our inherent beauty and encourages our confidence.

For the special Gaga occasion, I had my good friend, make-up artist Jason Hoffman do an inspired look for me. I gave him free reign to play, and the results involved two sets of false eyelashes on the top and bottom (one set mimicking spider webs), as well as daring eyeliner strokes, and a hot, pink lip. Batting my make-believe lashes with “Just Dance” beating in the background, it was this Mama’s music-meets-maquillage moment.

Make-up by Jason Hoffman. Photo by my good friend B!

Next time you're out to celebrate, try the five-minute version of this look, which Jason and I built around a strong, matte lip.

And, hey, turn the music up while you’re getting ready. 


Five-Minute Glam 1-2-3:

1) Start out with an even complexion; using some sort of foundation/concealer if needed. Make sure your lips are well hydrated with lip balm, as the matte lipsticks you’ll be using require a smooth surface.

2) Jason used Nars Semi-Matte Lipstick in Schiap ($24) on me. You can also try Wet n Wild’s Mega Last Lip Color in Smokin’ Hot Pink ($3). For a fully saturated lip, use either a lip brush, or the stick itself and start applying the color from the middle of your lips, staying within your lip lines. If you’re feeling color-shy, you can always choose to smudge some onto your index finger and start, little by little. Blend, blend, blend, with either or your fingers or tissue paper. Many times gorgeous make-up is about what you end up removing.

3) A beautiful, bold lip is a fantastic statement, in and of itself. And the look can be that simple. However, if you want some eye flair, Jason suggests taking an eyeliner brush (try e.l.f.'s Small Precision Brush, $3), and using it wet, with a highly pigmented black eye shadow, like M.A.C.’s Eye Shadow in Carbon ($15). The trick is to dip the brush in a little bit of water, which makes for a great, liquid eyeliner. I suggest doing a thick line, with an upward slant, right above your lash line.


-N.C.

Disclaimer: Nuy Cho has no affiliation to any of the beauty companies mentioned on www.nuybeauty.com.