Bank Holiday weekend is so close we can taste it, which means so is Carnival. And whether you’re celebrating at Leeds West Indian Festival or London’s iconic Notting Hill weekend, it’s a time for colour, creation, and celebrating culture in all its forms. For those of us donning Carnival makeup looks to match our outfits, we’re forgoing simple Carnival makeup in favour of the ones which express our most joyful selves. So, we’re playing with colour, shape and texture - making sure it’s all locked in for days (and nights) of celebrating.
Inspiring us in our pre-planning is Assistant Merchandiser for Sephora UK, Amari, who’s looking to the night sky for this unique eye look. We sat down with her to talk about all things Carnival, and to get the rundown on this twist on a smokey cat eye.
What does Carnival mean to YOU?
Carnival for me is all about creative freedom, celebration of culture and unity! I can dance, enjoy the music, share and celebrate my heritage with a huge group of people all doing the same thing.
What is your favourite Carnival memory?
My earliest memory of Carnival is sitting on my cousin’s shoulders as we watched the parade. I ate freshly roasted corn on the cob and I can still remember how it tasted today.
How is Carnival an avenue for expressing yourself?
Carnival encourages people to express themselves creatively – whether this is through the bright and colourful outfits, dancing or artistic makeup looks. It’s an event filled with celebration that allows you to experiment and have fun in an enjoyable atmosphere. It's somewhere I feel at home, and I love it.
And how can makeup make you feel?
I love using makeup to express myself - it’s one small thing I can do everyday that is fun and makes me feel confident. It doesn’t have to be a complicated look I spend hours on; some days I’ll try some tinted moisturiser, a bright blush and some gloss and I’ll feel confident.
What is your go-to Carnival look product?
Sorry, I can’t pick just one! Sephora Collection’s Colorful Luminizer Face Illuminating Powder is great for an all over glow, and I love the Makeup Setting Spray as it keeps me matte but not dull and dry. For all day top-ups, Glossed Lip Gloss in Strut stays in my bag!
Talk us through the Carnival look you created
1. First, I prime with Sephora Collection’s Vitamin C+E Super Glow Serum and their All Day Hydrator, as I love the finish it leaves on my skin. I then spritz with their makeup setting spray. It’s my secret to keeping makeup on all day long!
2. For the base, I apply Sephora Collection’s Best Skin Ever Long Wear Foundation, and then even out skin tone with their Glow Concealer. I’ll also apply this to my eyes for an eyeshadow base.
3. I then contour with my favourite bronzer, before placing a star sticker onto the outer corner of my eye.
4. Taking Sephora Collection’s 12H Contour Pencil in Classic Black, I drew into the crease of my eye and out in a wing, mirroring along my eyeline in a cat eye flick.
5. I then take the matte Khaki shade in Sephora Collection’s Color Shifter Palette, blending into the liner and across the lid.
6. For the star outline, I take the Mono Eyeshadow in Black and dab over it, defining the edges with the Classic Black liner.
7. Then I take the Mono Eyeshadow in Go Green and dab across the lid, topping with Champagne to highlight.
8. With the Topper shade from the Color Shifter Palette, I spotlight the inner corner of my eye.
9. For extra sparkle, I line my waterline with the 12H Contour Pencil in Fresh Mint for definition and finish with a swipe of Size Up Waterproof Mascara.
10. I then highlight my favourite features by sweeping Sephora Collection’s Colorful Luminizer in Glitzy Gold across my cheekbones, brow bone and cupid’s bow.
How do you take it all off at the end of the celebrations?
I like using the Sephora Collection Cleansing and Soothing Micellar Gel followed by their Clean Skin Gel! The Prebiotics are so gentle on my skin and leave it feeling super soft and refreshed.
What is your post-Carnival self-care routine?
1. After removing my makeup with Sephora Collection’s Micellar Gel and their Clean Skin Gel, I LOVE having a hot shower.
2. No matter what shower gel I use, I like to lock in hydration with Sephora Collection’s All Day Body Hydrator.
3. I’ll then unwind with one of their fiber face masks (my favourite is Coconut!) along with their Caffeine Eye Masks, leaving on for 15 minutes then working in the excess to keep my skin super soft.
4. Then, it’s serum time! I like the Sephora Collection Hydrating and Dark Spots Serums, followed by their All Day Hydrator again.
5. To finish, I use their Strawberry Lip Sleeping Mask.
Shop all Sephora Collection here, or discover more inspiration from the Sephora Collection makeup, skincare and haircare ranges.