Whether it’s a holiday party, big date, or a high school reunion, every woman has those evenings where she pulls out all the stops. Here are my 5 best tips for looking red carpet ready.
Take pictures of prospective outfits
When it comes to finding that perfect outfit for an event I like to try things on and take a picture of myself in it. I have to admit that I got that tip from the 90’s cult classic movie Clueless. Yes, mirrors don’t always tell the truth but a camera will. Taking pictures of my outfits has helped me to see if certain colors really do match or if any of my nooks and crannies are bulging out where they shouldn’t be. Once I find the right look it’s as if that photo screams it out to me saying, “Wear me.”
Walk around in shoes a day before
I learned this trick from the shoe-loving women in my family. If I know I have an event coming up, I try to wear the shoes a day before to help stretch them out and get familiar with them. This helps me determine how long I can wear the shoes. Whether it’s 2 or 3 hours before they start to hurt my feet. Also, make sure you have a pair of cute flats that are able to fit in your bag in case your feet hurt.
Get a mani and pedi
Nothing says polished like well-groomed hands and feet. I love getting a manicure and trying out new nail polishes. I like to get my nails done at least 2 days before the event so the polish is still fresh. Most recently, I tried COVERGIRL® Outlast Stay Brilliant Nail Gloss in “Forever Festive.” It is the perfect shade of red for my skin tone and the color screams party time. I guess that’s why it’s called Forever Festive. I am not the one to be doing my own manicures but COVERGIRL’s Outlast Stay Brilliant Nail Gloss is perfect because the color is consistent and not streaky due to its high pigment. The brush is small enough for me to use without getting polish everywhere else except my nail. The polishes have a 3-in-1 formula that is made up of a base coat, high-gloss color, and a chip-resistant topcoat that helped my nails to dry quickly and look super shiny.
Try a bold lip
I don’t know what it is but every time I have a party to go to, or an event, I am always reaching for the brightest lipstick in my collection.
One of my favorite celebrities is Janelle Monae. Whenever she is having a red carpet moment there is one thing you can count on with her. She is always, always rocking her signature bold red lip. As a woman of color I love to play around with lipsticks and see what colors work for my complexion. I love when I wear a bold lip and someone asks me what color lipstick am I wearing. A little joy fills my heart. Currently I am obsessed with bright pink or fuchsia lips.
Look like you’re wearing faux lashes by using mascara that adds volume
Whenever I can’t get my faux lashes put on, I rely on mascara. COVERGIRL® Clump Crusher Mascara has 200% more volume and gives a great illusion of full lashes. No matter how much you put on, it never clumps, even after 30 strokes. It just makes your lashes look full. They say the key to great-looking mascara is the shape of the brush. COVERGIRL’s Clump Crusher Mascara has a curved brush and lots of tiny little bristles that prevent clumping. I am a true mascara girl and CoverGirl’s no-clump mascara will be in heavy rotation.
My bonus tip and absolute favorite thing to do when I want to be red carpet ready is smiling. Let’s face it, when you know you look good, you can’t help but smile from ear to ear. I know I do!
Now, I want to hear from you. What makes YOU feel red carpet ready, and what are your go-to tricks? You could win a $100 Visa Gift card sponsored by COVERGIRL.
Visit COVERGIRL on YouTube for more great ideas on how to get red carpet ready!
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Savannah says
I feel red carpet ready when I do a nice facial and I blow out my hair after showering. I also like to plan all of my outfits and accessories before I go to my event. I love your black and white dress!
Not sure if you need emails, but here is mine: Savannah.Perry.95@gmail.com
xxx
Anonymous says
Hi Alissa..I really like a deep plum lip and nail this time of the year.Anything metallic in clothes and accessories lift my spirits,too
rrhawk@hotmail.com Robin H.
Mami2jcn says
I feel red carpet ready with a nice up-do.
My tip is to blot lipstick.
mami2jcn at gmail dot com
Mami2jcn says
tweet:
https://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/276150595516252160
Elena says
I feel red carpet ready when I wear a nice dress and high heels
elena150980@yahoo.com
Elena says
https://twitter.com/ElenaIstomina/status/276158704599068672
elena150980@yahoo.com
Tammy S says
To feel red carpet ready i like a nice outfit, fresh haircut and my nails done. You have to do both your hands and feet to really pretty!
Tammy S says
Tweet
https://twitter.com/CouponTammy/status/276183456256516097
akronugurl says
i feel glam when my nails are done
freebiel0ve@yahoo.com
akronugurl says
tweet: https://twitter.com/akronugurl/status/276359430168272896 .
freebiel0ve@yahoo.com
Kyra says
Blush makes me feel capet ready. I use that with mascara and high shine lip gloss.
Courtney B says
i like to put on fake lashes and curl my hair
vanitizebaby at yahoo dot com
Courtney B says
tweet
https://twitter.com/MeandBells/status/276364879730995202
vanitizebaby at yahoo dot com
Tj and Amy says
I like to put on some bright lipstick and a cute outfit. amypugmire@live.com
Tj and Amy says
tweet. amypugmire@live.com
https://twitter.com/1amypugmire/status/276543570352156673
Lisa Brown says
I always feel “red carpet ready” when I have a great colored lip product on.
jslbrown_03 at yahoo dot com
Lisa Brown says
https://twitter.com/LuLu_Brown24/status/276759862472495104
jslbrown_03 at yahoo dot com
chambanachik says
Probably just wearing simple and classic things, like heels and a little black dress! 🙂
chambanachik at gmail dot com
tara1965 says
When I put on nice clothes.
Anonymous says
What I do to get red carpet ready is take a nice hot shower or bath. Play some party music, while i get ready and make sure i have my spanx ready.
Anonymous says
To get red carpet ready, I would have my hair in a curly style and of course a super cute outfit. moni262626@msn.com
Anne says
I tweeted: I feel red carpet ready when I take my sweet time getting all dolled up. Stress free primping always improves my mood!
https://twitter.com/pumpkin_sauce/status/276850944816336896
Also, having a matching bra/underwear combo makes me feel really confident. 🙂
Anonymous says
Tweet https://mobile.Twitter.com/moni262626/status/276851537836400641. moni262626@msn.com
kellyr78 says
I always wear mascara and a shimmery lip gloss to make me feel carpet ready. A friend once told me the trick is not to wear a lot of eye makeup and lip makeup at the same time, choose one or the other, so that is my trick.
kellywcuATyahooDOTcom
kellyr78 says
tweet
https://twitter.com/Kellydpa/status/277064396830814208
kellywcuATyahooDOTcom
jenspurg says
A great pair of heels and a little darker makeup make me feel red carpet ready.
huntandride@hotmail.com
jenspurg says
https://twitter.com/jen_r_horn/status/277146655567011840
huntandride@hotmail.com
MCantu1019 says
I get a manicure and wear red lipstick.
MCantu1019 at aol dot com
JC says
A pretty little black dress and heels make me feel red carpet ready. My go-to tricks- shimmer nail polish, lip gloss and a glitter clutch.
JC says
https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/277991290342359041
rachel says
I like to spend more time on my eye makeup — lots of mascara, eyeliner — and red lipstick!
Jessica To says
I am red carpet ready if I shave my legs! My go to trick is to wear shimmery lip gloss.
reklaw422 at hotmail dot com
Judy B. says
Like your tips. I carry a touch up kit for confidence.
Judy B. says
tweeted
https://twitter.com/BBirdie2/status/278385959932948480
cellobetty says
my #1 way to get fancy right now is really big cat-eye liner =^.^=
Tina says
I feel ready when I have my hair done.my go to trick is to wear my favorite red lipstick.
merleandtina@Yahoo.com
Tina says
https://twitter.com/HappyTina0115/status/279041114386874368
merleandtina@Yahoo.com
cw says
I have to agree with the mani/pedi and
I little bronzer to sparkle and lipstick makes me feel ready for the red carpet
Tiffany Winner says
gotta have a great dress and heels plus mascara
thismomwins@gmail.com
Tiffany Winner says
tweeted https://twitter.com/thismomwins2/status/279641624651370496
thismomwins@gmail.com
Gina Wildorchid says
Having my makeup bring out my best features makes me feel red carpet ready! My tip is to bring extra lipstick or liner with me if I go out.
Thanks for the chance to win!
wildorchid985 at gmail dot com
Gina Wildorchid says
tweet–https://twitter.com/WildOrchid985/status/280021123196932097
sy says
I like to straighten my hair and wear brighter lip gloss. If my friends are going to the event too I ask what they’re wearing and wear something appropriate. Thanks for the tips and giveaway. I’ll try on shoes before the event.
songyueyu at gmail
sy says
tweet: https://twitter.com/syytta/status/280524415555485698
songyueyu at gmail
Amy says
a pretty black dress makes me feel red carpet ready. My go-to trick is to have bright color lip stick to go with it. You have some wonderful tips here. 🙂
amy [at] utry [dot] it
Amy says
tweeted:
https://twitter.com/uTry_it/status/280581664776790017
amy [at] utry [dot] it
Madeline Brubaker says
I like to wear a flirty dress with some metallic eyeshadow.
madelinebrubaker {at} gmail (dot) com
Madeline Brubaker says
Tweet link: https://twitter.com/shala_darkstone/status/281381929369088001
greaterexp says
I make sure my hair looks good, but I put my best smile on to really light up my face.
Rebecca Graham says
Wearing bold colored clothing makes me red carpet ready.
rhoneygtn at yahoo dot com
MANDY83 says
A black dress and a great pair of heels makes me redcarpet ready. Also tons of hairspray!
pokergrl8 at gmail.com
MANDY83 says
https://twitter.com/aes529/status/282604863781736448
pokergrl8 at gmail.com
Kerry says
The perfect jewelry and a great hair day!
nuthouse(at)centurytel(dot)net
Kerry says
tweeted: https://twitter.com/KerryBishop/status/282959776076419072
nuthouse(at)centurytel(dot)net
Norma says
Starting with an outfit I feel attractive in, then taking the time to fix my hair and apply make-up makes me feel red carpet ready!
bingomamanorma at gmail dot com
LAMusing says
Powdered Mineral foundation makes me feel polished and ready to go – it’s smooth but natural looking. My go-to is a fabulous lipstick.
adrianecoros(at)gmail(dot)com
LAMusing says
https://twitter.com/LAMusing/status/283369203543711744
adrianecoros(at)gmail(dot)com
Angel Jacklyn says
Like your “bold lip,” I like a bold eyeliner & shadow. It can really spruce up any outfit & bring out the sparkle in the eyes. I like my hair done, my nails done & my face lookin’ fresh! Thanks for the chance to win!
kytah00@yahoo.com
Angel Jacklyn says
Tweeted too! https://twitter.com/kytah00/status/284110441234452480
kytah00@yahoo.com
Anash says
To feel red carpet ready the dress has to be stunning! also, the shoes can make it or break it!Thanks for a super giveaway!
My email: anashct1 [at] yahoo [dot] com
Anash says
I blogged:
http://mommilitary.blogspot.com/2012/12/alissas-top-5-tips-tricks-to-get-red.html
Thanks for this snazzy giveaway!
email: anashct1 [at] yahoo [dot] com
ms-texas says
i feel red carpet ready when i put on my best outfit and have my hair and makeup fixed very nice.
debbiebellows (at) gmail (dot) com
ms-texas says
I tweeted here:
https://twitter.com/bellows22/status/284482153062998016
debbiebellows (at) gmail (dot) com
Lynn says
My favorite nude pumps make me feel red carpet ready! My go-to “trick” is to wear red lipstick!
rawrms at gmail dot com
nanjhall says
I keep it pretty simple, so my red carpet ready is a great haircut, a little mascara and a beautiful outfit.
nanjhall says
Tweet: https://twitter.com/njhhb/status/285066145856364544
Jammie Morey says
eyeliner all the way! I am an eyeliner girl brings out my eyes. sweepmorey at gmail dot com
Thomas Murphy says
A nice pair of jeans and a great haircut make me feel red carpet ready or a black suit if I’m going somewhere special.
rounder9834 @yahoo.com
Thomas Murphy says
https://twitter.com/thomasmurphy40/status/285193719496458240
rounder9834 @yahoo.com
jakiesmom says
to look red carpet ready i like a nice manicure and my go to trick is to use mayo as conditioner for my hair..rinse well and it no longer is dry
nannypanpan@gmail.com
Deb says
I don’t wear a ton of make-up, but I feel really pretty when my skin looks healthy and great and with a touch of bronzer to give me a wonderful glow.
susitravl says
A new outfit!
Betty C says
A new hairdo and a dress in a great bold color makes me feel ready to take on the town.
willitara [at] gmail [dot] com
Betty C says
Tweet – https://twitter.com/willitara/status/285635687670247425
willitara [at] gmail [dot] com
slehan says
A great smile always makes me feel pretty.
Thanks for the contest.
slehan at juno dot com
slehan says
https://twitter.com/slehan/status/285709918932176896
slehan at juno dot com
Tabathia says
Red lipstick always makes me feel red carpet ready
and my go to is mascara
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
Tabathia says
tweet
https://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/285804430291521536
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
angie lilly says
I put on my silver snowflake dangle earrings, my silver and crystal sparkly necklace, and paint my nails a frosty light blue!
Angie
14earth at gmail dot com
angie lilly says
I tweeted here: https://twitter.com/MsTofuFairy/status/285823946027331585
Angie
14earth at gmail dot com
kimberlykeyosha@yahoo.com says
I feel red carpet ready when I put on a lil eyeshadow. It brightens my whole face. As a dark skinned woman I never thought I would wear eye shadow…until I saw a person do it right and decided to give it a try .
kimberlykeyosha@yahoo.com
Erica Best says
no tricks but i love the post really cute pics
Erica Best says
https://twitter.com/purplelover04/status/285872556022583296