Race day beauty dos and don’ts

A day at the races is long and sun-filled, so you need to be well prepared. Here’s your guide to trackside beauty dos and don’ts.

Don’t: Be afraid of colour

Whether you wear it on your eyes, lips or nails, it’s a way to stand out trackside. Try: Clinique Skinny Stick in Olive Green; Designer Brands Longwear Lipstick in Shocking Pink; Urban Decay Moondust Eyeshadow in Ether.

Do: Take the time to prep your skin with primer

A smooth, even canvas helps foundation last longer and provides a nice base for the rest of your complexion products, like blush and bronzer. Try: COVERGIRL TRUblend Makeup Primer Combo Skin –its balancing formula helps to minimise shine and keep dry patches hydrated. 

Don’t: Just focus on your face

Use a body highlighter, like JBronze Shimmer Instant Illuminiser, on collarbones, shoulders and down the centre of the legs. 

Do: Think about your entire ensemble when deciding on a hairstyle

An easy blow-dry helps balance printed frocks and bold dresses, while statement hats and earrings require an updo. Don’t forget a spritz of hairspray to set your hairstyle before you walk out the door. We love the moveable texture you get from Matrix Style Link Volume Fixer Volumizing Hairspray.

Don’t: Forget you’ll be outdoors, so SPF is imperative

Before leaving home, apply sunscreen on any skin that will be exposed, and top up throughout the day with Colorescience Sunforgettable Mineral Powder SPF 50, which won’t disturb makeup.

Do: Coat tip and toes in a glossy, chip-resistant gel nail polish

Complement a shade in your frock or stick to classic colours like nudes, pinks and reds. Try: Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish.

Don’t: Go overboard with fragrance

Take your cues from your surroundings and spritz on a fresh floral fragrance, like Bottega Veneta Knot Eau Florale EDP. Save the heavier scents for evening revelry. 

Do: Look for long-wearing cosmetics

The new formulas won’t dry out or cake, and they minimise the need for touch-ups during the day (saving clutch space). Try: Maybelline New York Fit Me! Matte + Poreless Foundation; L'Oreal Paris Superliner Gel Matic Eyeliner; Rimmel London Provocalips 16hr Kiss Proof Lip Colour.

Don’t: Go all-out, all over

If your dress, jewels or hat deliver the wow factor, keep your makeup simple and strive for a golden, bronzy and luminous effect. Try: Napoleon Perdis Reflective Refiner Bright Light Highlighter Powder or Dior Diorskin Nude Tan Light Bronzing & Iridescent Powder.

Do: Load up on dry shampoo

Not only will it give hair cool texture, it also provides grip for braids, updos, bobby pins and hats. Try: TRESemmé Instant Refresh Dry Shampoo - Transluscent.

Now that you know the ins and outs of race day beauty, find your spring racing makeup look.

For more beauty advice from marie claire, visit marieclaire.com.au

Main image credit: Getty