Candlelit Makeup

There’s just something about candlelight that I can't get enough of lately. It softens everything, making the evening feel slower, warmer, and a little more romantic. It’s also incredibly flattering, which is why I love leaning into that glow whenever I’m getting ready for a candlelit dinner. Whether it’s a dinner party with friends, a cozy night in with someone special, or a solo evening with pasta and a favorite playlist, a little candlelight makes everything feel elevated.

My go to makeup look for candlelit nights is glowy, a little dramatic, and perfectly imperfect. Here’s how I do it:

STEP 1: Prep your Base (skin)

Good makeup starts with happy, hydrated skin and candlelight loves a dewy base.

Mist your face with a hydrating toner or facial spray.
Smooth on a glowy serum or moisturizer and take your time massaging it in.
Finish with a luminous primer to keep everything fresh all night.

Favorites:

Dewy skin mist

Laneige Glowy Makeup Serum

Saie glowy super gel

Step 2: Light, Glowy Coverage

A little warmth, a little color, and just enough shimmer to catch the candlelight.

Use a light-to-medium foundation or skin tint. Just your fingers or a damp sponge are perfect tools.
Add a creamy concealer where you need a little extra coverage (under eyes, around the nose, or on any spots).

Favorites:

Dior Forever Skin Glow

Hourglass Hydrating Skin Tint

NARS radiant creamy concealer

Step 3: Sculpt + Glow

Soft definition and a little shimmer for cheeks that catch the candlelight.

Sweep on cream bronzer or contour along cheekbones and temples.
Add a rosy or berry cream blush high on the cheeks.
Tap highlighter on cheekbones, brow bones, and the bridge of your nose.

Favorites:

Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Contour Wand

Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Blush

Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Highlighter Wand

Step 4: Soft, Smoky Eyes

The eyes are the mood. Think soft, cozy, a little smudgy.

Blend warm taupe, bronze, or plum shadow in the crease and along the lower lash line.
Deepen the outer corners with chocolate or eggplant shades.
Smudge a brown or black liner along lashes. I always prefer when it’s a little messy.
Finish with a few coats of mascara (or wispy lashes if you’re feeling fancy).

Favorites:

MAC Eye Kohl Eyeliner Pencil

Charlotte Tillbury Luxury Eyeshadow Palette

Fenty Beauty Shadowstix

Step 5: Lips Made for Sipping

Your lips should feel effortless like you’ve been sipping wine and talking long into the night.

Line with a shade close to your natural lip or just a bit deeper.
Fill in with a creamy lipstick. The best colors are mauve, berry, or a classic red.
Blot, reapply, and soften the edges with your finger.

Favorites:

Peel off lip liner stayN

Dior lip oil

Refy Longwear Lip Liner

Merit Shade Slick Lip Oil

Step 6: Set the Mood (and the Makeup)

Dust a little translucent powder where you need it.
Finish with a mist of setting spray so everything melts together beautifully.
Light a candle, press play on your favorite playlist, and put on something that makes you feel radiant inside and out.

Favorites:

One Size Setting spray

All Nighter Waterproof setting spray

Hourglass Veil Soft Focus Setting Spray