Sure, I adore my beloved Chicago, but, several times a year I “cheat” on it with New Orleans. Between the music, the food, the history, and the culture, who wouldn’t sneak away for an indulgent weekend?
The crown jewel is, of course, Mardi Gras, when the city transforms into a sea of purple, green, and gold. These aren’t just random choices; they represent three specific virtues: Purple for Justice, Green for Faith, and Gold for Power. In New Orleans, you can’t strut two feet without seeing these regal hues proudly on display.
A great way to enhance your Mardi Gras look is to extend it to your make-up. To start, you’ll need an eyeshadow palette that packs a punch. Whether your vibe is luxury (Danessa Myricks), Indie (Terra Moons) or high-quality drugstore (Juvia’s Place) there are stunning options for every budget.
Once you’ve picked your palette, it’s time to prep! These big, bold colors can stain the skin, so never skip the primer. My “go-to” is Eyeshadow Base Primer from Sigma. It comes in a few color options and is also sold at Ulta – perfect for “points chasers” like me.
With your canvas ready, the real fun begins. Don’t skimp on the glitter, gems, or fluffy false lashes! Because you’re working with heavy pigments, apply your eye makeup before your foundation. This allows you to wipe away any “fallout” with micellar water without ruining your face makeup.
Pro Tip: To pick up stray glitter, use a piece of cellophane tape. Just tap it against the back of your hand a few times first so it’s tacky enough to grab the glitter but gentle enough not to pull on your skin.
Remember: no look is too outlandish for Mardi Gras! If getting started feels a little daunting, inspiration is easy to find. Type “Mardi Gras makeup” into Pinterest and you’ll find beautiful results like this:
If you prefer a step-by-step guide, YouTube is a goldmine. Here are a few creators to get you started:
When the party finally winds down—no matter how tired you are—do yourself (and your skin) a favor: take it all off! After you’ve snapped your final selfies, a thorough double cleanse followed by your regular skincare routine will save your pores and your pillowcases.
To dive deeper into the history of the celebration, check out Louisiana State Museum’s Mardi Gras page.
Enjoy the parades and Laissez les bons temps rouler!
