There are endless ways to wear makeup, and that is all part of the joy of both applying it and wearing it. We've always got our eyes peeled on the trending makeup looks that crop up on TikTok, as well as the defining makeup trends of the year. Experimentation is half the fun, and trying a new makeup look can bring you out of a beauty rut and reinvigorate your makeup bag once more.
However, as trends come and go, there are some classy makeup looks that stand the test of time. Think of the kind of beauty moments that you see time and again on the red carpet. A red lipstick, for example, transcends every decade without looking dated, and there is hue and texture to suit just about everyone. Not only is this look a great option for the evening, but it also works just as well for a statement daytime accent—it's the ultimate French-girl makeup signature, after all.
When it comes to classy makeup looks, they usually all have one thing in common. They all all bring the drama to just one feature. A red lip, for example, is worn with barely any other makeup, while a smokey eye looks best paired with a neutral lipstick to balance its intensity. There are also plenty of simple makeup looks that suit for daytime, too, whether it be for work or your weekend.
Ahead, you'll find some of the classiest makeup looks to try, as well as the best products to achieve each.
Classy Makeup Looks
1. Classic Red Lip
From deep berry through to flame red, a bold red lipstick is one of the most timeless of beauty looks, especially if you're looking for a bit of drama for the evening—it's the perfect party makeup look. Red lipsticks usually fall into warm (think orangey reds) or cool undertones (think deeper blue tones). You can find out which one might suit you best by looking at your skin tone; if you have a warmer skin tone, then warm reds will flatter you best. If you have a cool skin tone, then you'll find that those cool-toned reds look great on you. Whether you prefer glossy, satin or matte lipsticks, there's a red lipstick shade for everyone.
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This is one of Charlotte Tilbury's most iconic lipstick shades, which is aptly called Red Carpet Red.
TikTok has been ablaze with these glossy lipsticks from Hourglass, which glide on with a polished and hydrating sheen.
This cool-toned red is so chic.
2. Bold Brows
It's true that brows frame our faces, and a pair of well-groomed and defined eyebrows instantly make you look classy and pulled together. Brushing brows upward and outward creates a lifting effect that opens up your eyes and allows you to see where you may need to fill in any sparse areas. Look for micro-fine brow pencils that deliver featherlike strokes to mimic real brow hairs to make them look naturally full.
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The precision nib on Beauty Pie's brow pencil allows you to create feathery strokes to add fullness and definition, while the spoolie brush on the other end allows you to soft-diffuse any harshness.
If you want to boost your natural brows, then this serum is a must-try. It helps to boost brow hair growth for fuller and healthier brows in a few weeks.
So many eyebrow gels either make your eyebrows feel crunchy, or they won't hold hairs into place. This one, however, avoids both of those issues. It coats hair with a silky formula and dries down into a soft finish.
3. Winged Eyeliner
Known as the siren eye, fox eye or cat eye, this classic makeup look is constantly reinvented. However, the winged eyeliner look remains a beauty classic. It adds definition to the eyes without being as intense as a smokey eye and pairs well with a neutral lip hue or even flatters red lipstick. But it also looks great worn alone as statement, whether you choose a small kitten flick or wing it out. A liquid liner will give a crisp defined line, whereas running kohl or eye shadow along your lash line will provide a softer effect. Choose longer formulas for the best results.
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This is one of the best liquid eyeliners that I have tried recently. The nib provides a consistent flow of pigment to draw on a perfectly precise wing. It also doesn't budge or smudge throughout the day.
If you find black liquid eyeliner too harsh, one option is to opt for brown kohl liner instead, which is softer and more forgiving if you're not blessed with steady hands. The brush on this Chanel eyeliner helps achieve a soft-diffused wing.
No eyeliner? No problem! A dark eye shadow works in the same way when applied with an angled eye shadow brush.
4. Brown Eye Shadow
A brown eye shadow quad should be in everyone's makeup bag. Neutral tones suit everyone, helping to give natural definition to your eye shape and suiting all eye colours too. Matte brown eye shadow works perfectly for your everyday makeup looks but can be dialled up for evening by upping the intensity of your shades and experimenting with shimmering tones. This makeup forms the basis of almost every classy makeup look.
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Everyone raves about Charlotte Tilbury's eye shadow quads, and this might be the the perfect matte brown eye shadow palette.
Tom Ford's eye shadow palettes are a thing of beauty, and the brown-pink colourway of this eye shadow quad allows you to create looks for daytime and evening with the inclusion of shimmer.
Like your eye shadow to have warmer tones? Ilia's has a mix of warm browns and burnt umber shades to add warmth to your eye look.
5. French Lipstick
French women have a particular way of wearing their red lipstick—wearing it completely on its own. Okay, you might want to apply a touch of concealer or a slick of mascara, but this looks best when the rest of your makeup is scaled back. It's no wonder that the French consider this a classy makeup look, as it's both effortless yet stylish. In terms of lipstick textures, look for lip stains or liquid lipsticks for a budge-proof finish.
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I've now spotted this lipstick on so many influencers and beauty lovers, and it's easy to see why everyone adores it. This suits-all red flatters everyone, and the matte formula leaves lips with a petal-soft finish.
When it comes to French lipsticks, La Bouche Rouge is one of my favourites. Pop Art Red is a vibrant orange-red with a flawless matte finish. Trés chic.
All of La Bouche Rouge's lipsticks are designed to fit in these incredibly stylish lipstick cases, which will last you for a lifetime.
6. Smokey Eye
The smokey eye is a timeless beauty look that we see on celebrities time and again, adding a classy yet dramatic effect for evening soirées. I'll admit that a smokey eye can be a scary look to execute, but you only need a couple of tools for a subtle smoke. A creamy gel eyeliner buffed with a smudging brush is enough to add a smoulder to your eyes, while a few coats of mascara tie it all together.
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I've recently become obsessed with this volumising mascara, which doesn't smudge but magically disappears when removed with warm water—a nod to its namesake. It gives lashes a boost of volume without clumping.
I'm yet to find an eyeliner longer-lasting than KVD Beauty's, and it really lives up to its tattoo name. The creamy pencil glides on but takes few moments to set, so you can buff it into the lash line for beautiful definition without harsh lines.
This eye shadow brush is ideal for smokey eyes, as it is the perfect shape for buffing and soft-diffusing your eye makeup.
7. Dewy Skin
Healthy, glowing skin is always in. A glowing base provides the ideal canvas for any makeup look but looks great worn alone for days when you don't want to wear too much makeup. Skin prep is a must, so look for skin-quenching moisturisers that leave a dewy finish and light-reflecting bases and highlighters that give all of the glow with none of the glitz.
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So many makeup artists adore this moisturiser, which creates the perfect dewy base for foundation or makeup-free days.
Want a bit of coverage without the heaviness? Rose Inc's Tinted Serum gives skin a moisture boost, while encapsulated tinted pigments disperse on the skin to a lightweight coverage.
If you only buy one highlighter for your makeup bag, make it this one. Chanel has created the perfect transparent highlighter, which has zero glitter but imparts a glossy sheen to cheekbones. You won't regret buying it.
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