makeupparty21 October 20263 min read

My go-to party glam look

The outfit and glam formula behind my party looks, from "Laal pari" to that black dress: one colour, one statement, and makeup that lasts all night.

By Vanshika Tanwani

Vanshika Tanwani in a black halter cut-out mini dress holding a bouquet at night

My most-liked reel ever is "Laal pari": one maroon off-shoulder dress, one look, no fuss. That reel taught me the rule I now dress by for every party. Pick one strong colour, add one statement, and make the glam last longer than the playlist.

The outfit formula

1. One strong colour

Look at my party posts and you'll see it: maroon for "Laal pari", a red dress with high heels, black for "That black dress", wine for "His red velvet". A single colour from neckline to hem looks expensive, photographs beautifully and makes you look taller.

2. One statement, not five

Pick one thing to talk: a halter or off-shoulder neckline, big earrings, a statement necklace, or great shoes. If the neckline is doing the most, skip the necklace. If the earrings are huge, keep your hair sleek.

3. Heels you can actually stand in

You'll be on your feet for hours. Choose a height you can dance in, and break them in before the night.

4. A small bag

A mini bag or clutch finishes the look and keeps your hands free for photos (and for snacks).

The glam formula

I love working with makeup artists for big nights. Prisha Makeover did my birthday glam, and the look in "Didn't want to get this make up off". Tanuja Luxe Studio did my champagne cocktail glam with a sleek bun and luminous skin. On regular party nights I do my own, and the steps are the same either way.

Base

1Prep is everything. Cleanse, moisturise, and give your skin a few minutes before primer.
2Thin layers. Build coverage only where you need it. Thin layers move with your face and last longer.
3Set the right places. Powder under the eyes, around the nose and on the T-zone. Leave the cheeks glowy.
4Setting spray at the end. It melts everything together so it doesn't look powdery in flash photos.

Eyes

A defined liner or a smoky kajal, whichever suits your eye shape.
Lashes, if you like them; they read beautifully on camera.
Waterproof everything if you're dancing.

Lips

With a bold red or maroon outfit, go for a matching red lip or a soft nude with glossy skin. Don't fight the dress.
With black, anything goes. A deep red is my favourite.
Line your lips first so the colour stays put.

Hair

Dancing all night: a sleek bun or a high pony.
Mostly photos: soft open waves.

Champagne dreams & flawless glam. ✨ — From the archive
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Match the look to the night

Club night: a mini or bodycon in one colour, like "That black dress" or "His red velvet". Sleek hair, slightly smoky glam.
Cocktail party: gown territory. My champagne cocktail look was an embellished gold gown, a sleek bun and luminous skin.
Weddings and festive parties: ethnic glam. In "Party glam, activated" I wore an embroidered outfit from Pooja Sarees with jewellery from Jewels Namokar: big earrings, bold eyes, everything else soft.
Your birthday: whatever makes you feel like the main character. For my 18th it was hot pink, balloons and full glam by Prisha Makeover.

Vanshika Tanwani in party glam with statement earrings, shot in Bhilwara — From the archive
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Briefing your MUA

Show two or three reference photos and your outfit.
Say how long you need the look to last and whether you'll be dancing.
Say what you don't want (too much highlighter, heavy contour) as well as what you do.
Ask for the lip colour to take with you for touch-ups.

Making it last all night

Blot, don't keep adding powder.
Carry your lip colour, blotting papers, a few bobby pins and a mini perfume.
A quick mist of setting spray halfway through the night revives everything.

The 20-minute version

Short on time? Skin prep, a light base, defined liner, a bold lip, a sleek pony, one statement earring. Done. Still the main character.

Party glam is about confidence more than products. Wear the look; don't let it wear you.

#makeup
#party
#glam

Questions, answered

How do you make party makeup last all night?

Prep your skin, use thin layers, powder only the T-zone and under-eyes, finish with setting spray, and blot instead of adding more powder. Use waterproof eye products if you are dancing.

What is a quick party glam look for beginners?

Skin prep, a light base, a defined liner, a bold lip, a sleek ponytail and one statement earring. It takes about 20 minutes.

What should I wear to a party?

Vanshika’s formula: one strong colour from neckline to hem, one statement (a neckline, earrings or shoes), heels you can dance in and a small bag.