Katy Perry Red Carpet Look Tutorial (Featuring Proactiv Products!)

When I think of Katy Perry, I instantly think of old Hollywood--glamorous features complete with liquid eyeliner and bright red lips.  I decided to try giving the look a go myself.  The result? Not bad! I'm no Katy Perry, but the red carpet look might come in handy next time I have a fancy event to attend!

Now when you're trying out a new makeup look (or anytime, really), it's super important to have a clear canvas--and I'm talking about skin.  You can only cover so much up before you look like a crazy prostitute with caked-on foundation! SO, that said, skincare is definitely the most important thing to work on.

I'm hopelessly in love with Proactiv products.  I have ridiculously sensitive skin, and yet the line still works for me!  When I first gave it a try, I figured it would dry out my skin and leave behind a ton of red blotches.  But, no!

The products I used before this particular look were the Refining Mask and the Green Tea Moisturizer.  The mask was great.  I felt a wonderful cooling sensation upon application, and after I let it sit for 10 minutes and washed it off, I was left with nice smooth skin.  The moisturizer was applied next and it worked perfectly after the mask.  I felt like it kept in all the great things the mask did for me, and kept my skin hydrated at the same time.  I like to use a moisturizer before applying makeup anyway, and since this one is oil-free, it just might be my next go-to product!

After my skin was prepped, I moved on to makeup.  Here's how to get the look yourself:

Start by applying concealer to the eyelid as a base.  Then, brush on a light shimmery shadow all over the lid up to the brow.  A silver hue works well.

Next, apply a slightly darker shade only up to the crease.  Matte brown or taupe is good for this.

Here's the tricky part--apply black liquid eyeliner.  Check out my tutorial on how to apply it if you want a more detailed technique.  Tug lightly on the outer corner of the eye, and draw a line from the inner corner out thickening it as you go.  I really like Wet 'n' Wild's H2O Proof Liquid Eyeliner in Ultra Black.  It stays in place all day and doesn't flake off.  Plus it's under $5.

The line should look like this. 

No matter how skilled you are at applying liquid liner, chances are it won't look perfect.  I suggest going over the liner with a high-pigmented pencil liner to make the line look smooth. L'Oreal's HIP Color Rich Cream Crayon Eyeliner in Perfectionist won't simply flake off all your hard work (like lots of other pencils will).  Because it is so soft, it basically just adds a thin layer over the liquid liner.  Make sure it's dry before doing this.

Using the silver eyeshadow again, apply it to the inner corner of the eye and blend in towards the middle.  You can do this on the bottom lashline as well.  Then, brush mascara on (two coats on the upper lashes, one on the lower).  Because the liquid liner on top is so thick and dramatic, wearing anything more than mascara on the lower lashline doesn't look great.  Also, only lining the top makes your eyes look huge!

Don't be alarmed by this picture.  Before applying any dark lipstick, it's a good idea to apply a thin coat of foundation to the lips.  It makes the lipstick look the same as it does in the tube, and is brighter than wearing it over your already-pink lips.  If you want to use a lip stain instead, don't bother with this.  The foundation will only work as a repellent for anything liquid.  Regardless of which method you choose, you should apply foundation to the outside of the lip line.  This prevents bleeding color.

Using a lip brush (it's more accurate than just using the tube), brush on a layer of bright red lipstick.  Apply a small amount of translucent powder to the lips and apply the lipstick again.  This gives the color staying-power.  If you use a stain, simply brush it on your bare lips.  I like Benefit's Benetint or Stila's Pomegranate Crush Lip & Cheek Stain.  Both are deep cherry reds that flatter most skintones.

Apply a layer of gloss to finish the lips and give them a bit of shine.  I like to use a red-tinted gloss to give my lips a multi-color look.

 



This is the final result! I think it def has that old Hollywood/Katy Perry feel to it, don't you? Since both the eyes and the lips are dramatic, keep the blush simple and use a matte peach or pink cream blush.  Normally, bold eyes are bold lips don't work together.  This look works because the eyes actually don't look overdone since we didn't line the lower lashline, or use dark eyeshadow.  The lips more or less take center stage. 





And there you have it! A gorgeous look, with gorgeous skin to boot!

Check out Proactiv.com for more info on their products.

Disclosure: This post contains sample products sent for consideration by a PR firm. My priority is to you, and I honor that commitment by being honest! If you have any questions about this, please email me.