Graduation Makeup Look

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I’m Makena, the creator and editor of Makeup By Makena — a beauty blog dedicated to empowering others through the art of makeup.

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Hello, everyone! I am so excited because as of last week, I am officially a high school graduate and will be off to college in the fall! I know most schools graduate later than I did, so I thought it would be fun to share the makeup look that I wore for my own commencement ceremony. It includes a neutral color palette with beautiful warm undertones, and a natural yet full-coverage base for photos. It is also composed of only the most long-lasting products because during graduation or any other special occasion such as a wedding or prom, the last thing you want to worry about is your makeup wearing off! I hope you enjoy the look!

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FACE

For primer, I tried a sample of the Touch in Sol Feel Like Honey Moon Skin Base, and it felt really hydrating and made my base stay on better. Since I took lots ot photos at graduation and wanted a fuller coverage base, I used my recently-purchased It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream. This is also ideal because it has SPF 50, which is essential when you are sitting under the hot summer sun. I used one pump, dabbing it all over my face with my fingers and then blending it out with a damp beauty blender. Before setting my face with my translucent Rimmel Powder, I concealed and highlighted the center areas of my face with my Maybelline Fit Me Concealer, as usual. One thing I have noticed lately is that when I use a more thick foundation like this one and try to apply my concealer after, my beauty sponge will actaully remove the makeup from my skin if it is too damp; if this happens to you, I suggest using a barely-damp sponge for concealer rather than a more wet one like you would use for foundation. And if you are wondering, yes, I totally got foundation all over the inside of my graduation cap!

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CHEEKS

Like always, I bronzed the outer perimeter of my face in a ‘3’ shape and contoured under my cheekbones with the Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzer. When using this product, it is important to use a gentle tapping motion when blending instead of rubbing it out because otherwise it can take off the foundation underneath and look patchy. For my blush, I first patted on some Revlon Cream Blush in “Pinched” underneath my favorite Too Faced Love Flush Blush in “I Will Always Love You,” both of which are glowy peach shades without chunky shimmer. Layering a powder over a cream allows you to create the perfect color and intensity, in addition to increasing the lasting power. I never thought it was possible to have too much highlighter, but when I was done applying my BECCA “Champagne Pop” I realized I was actually way too shimmery and glowy, and had to tone it down a bit with the leftover foundation on my BeautyBlender. Ooops! Before I start my eye makeup, I drenched my face in the Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray so that I would not make my mascara or liner smudge.

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EYES

I knew that I wanted a new natural warm-toned look with a lighter lid shade to make my eyes look bigger in photos, so I reached for my MAC eyeshadow singles, which are now only $6 each! I started by blending “Soft Brown,” the perfect pinky beige transition shade, through my entire crease on a big fluffy brush. To add more definition, I applied “Brown Script” just above my crease because these red-toned browns look beautiful in photos, especially on  hooded eyelids. I wanted something bright and minimal to make my eyes look bigger, so for my lid shade, I patted on “All That Glitters,” a shimmery champagne shade. To make it even more metallic, I sprayed a facial mist on my brush. Next, I blended out a touch of “Sable” in the very outer corner for a more multi-faceted plum-bronze look. I created a thin line with a small wing using my Maybelline Gel Eyeliner, making it thicker in the center in order to open up, rather than elongate, my eyes. For lashes, I borrowed my mom’s L’Oreal Voluminous Million Lashes Waterproof Mascara because I was worried I would cry during the ceremony and ran out of my own waterproof mascaras! For my brows, I used the Anastasia Brow Powder Duo in “Soft Brown” which I love because it lasts forever, is quick and easy to use, and looks natural yet polished.

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LIPS

For the finishing touches, I relied on my all-time favorite lip combination — the Wet n Wild “Bare It All” Lipstick (a warm tan) and the NARS “Supervixen” Lipgloss (a mauve with golden shimmer)! This is my signature pairing and it looks beautiful in photos, feels comfortable, and lasts a good amount of time.

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Thank you all for reading and have a wonderful day! Congratulations to those of you who also graduated! What makeup look would you wear for your graduation?

XOXO,
Makena

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Read the Comments +

  1. Happy Graduation, love! Wishing you much success throughout your college years.

  2. Congrats! College goes by so quickly enjoy every minute! Even the 10 page papers and 75 question exams haha

  3. Congrats girl!! You look lovely!! 🙂

  4. Congratulations! This is a beautiful look 🙂

    Nicole | The Glam Surge

  5. […] BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector Liquid Highlighter in “Opal”: The only time I have ever exchanged my Sephora points for a free sample was for this travel-sized liquid highlighter. Unlike BECCA’s pressed highlighters, this formula has no visible shimmer in it, which is perfect for a more natural daytime look! It works beautifully on bare skin or mixed in with foundation, but I also enjoy popping it all over my cheekbones and even the apples of my cheeks for a healthy glow. It never accentuates any of my blemishes, so I can always count on it for special events like graduation. […]

  6. Makena you look stunning! I love this look and it’s all so flattering on you! Congratulations on your graduation and I wish you success and happiness in college ❤️

    • Aaaw, thank you so much Sofia! You and your sweet comments honestly mean the world to me everyday and you are a constant source of inspiration, not only when it comes to makeup and blogging. I look forward to watching your blog and especially you grow and succeed, because I know your future will be bright! Thanks again!!! xoxo

      • Aww, you’re so sweet Makena I can’t imagine blogging without your constant support. Know that all your comments make my day when I read them and make me so happy. I look forward to watching you and your blog grow and prosper in the future. This is one of the kindest comments I’ve ever read, thank you so much for your kindness and support, it means the world to me. ❤️

  7. My Thoughts says:

    Congratulations sweetie. You looked stunning and the makeup is just perfect. Good job

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Hey, I'm Makena.

I’m Makena, the creator and editor of Makeup By Makena — a beauty blog dedicated to empowering others through the art of makeup.

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