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8 expert tips for better Mardi Gras makeup

BEAUTYcrew gets the lowdown from Danh Doan

By Briar Clark

BEAUTYcrew Beauty Editor / February 27 2025

It’s the most wonderful time of the year — mark your calendars — because Sydney's Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade (AKA queer Christmas) is taking over Oxford Street, Flinders Street and Anzac Parade on Saturday 1st March.

The Mardi Gras festival theme for 2025 is 'Free To Be', which means this is not the time to play it fashionably 'safe' people. Pull out your most risqué looks, plaster your face in glitter, invest in some colourful eyeliner and eyeshadow palettes, and fly your rainbow flags high, because we’re celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community with pride.

Want to soak up some makeup inspiration before you hit Darlinghurst's rainbow-painted pavement this weekend? Here, BEAUTYcrew enlists the help of makeup artist and influencer, Danh Doan, to break down the NYX Professional Makeup ambassador's expert tips for nailing colourful makeup, and working with glitter and face gems.

1/ Use an eyeshadow base for better colour pay off

"When working with bright colours, start by applying a white or skin-toned eyeshadow base — this makes shades appear more vivid and true to colour," Doan tells BEAUTYcrew. "I used the NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in 'Milk' ($8.49 from Priceline) when creating the signature Pride eye look with NYX as the creamy white base ensures that every colour in your look pops to its full potential."

Image supplied by NYX Professional Makeup

2/ Build intensity gradually

Although your instinct might be to apply a whole lot of colour on your lids prior to the parade, try to hold yourself back.

"To create seamless blends between colours, use a fluffy eyeshadow brush in small circular motions," says Doan. "I suggest layering and building intensity gradually, rather than packing it all on at once."

Image supplied by NYX Professional Makeup

3/ Clean up the edges

Playing with bright eyeshadow colours can be messy business, but it doesn't have to be.

"When creating a seamless gradient eye look, I use the NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil ($8.49 from Priceline) between layers to clean up the edges and intensify the pigment for maximum vibrancy," Doan explains.

4/ Be gentle when you're applying glitter

Having trouble getting your glitter to lay down properly? No problem, says Doan.

"When working with pressed glitter, just gently tap it onto the lid instead of swiping, as it will help it stick better."

Try: NYX Professional Makeup Ultimate Shadow Palette I Know That's Bright ($20.99 from Priceline)

5/ Map out your gem placement

Bought a handful of gem stones from your local party store and have no idea how to apply them? You'll need lash glue (9.99 from Chemist Warehouse) and your NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in 'Milk' ($8.49 from Priceline).

"When working with gems, it’s always good to plan the placement before sticking them down — I tend to use a white eyeliner pencil to map out where they’ll go," says Doan. "To ensure your gems last on your face all-night, make sure you apply them with lash glue rather than relying on the built-in adhesive."

For a lifting, eye-catching effect, make sure you stick gems to the high points of the face (read: cheekbones, brow bone, temples), he explains.

6/ How you prep your makeup is important

"To lock in a look for all-night, start with a hydrating primer to create a smooth base, then use a long-wear foundation and setting powder for extra durability," advises Doan.

Try: NYX Professional Makeup Plump Right Back Face Primer + Serum ($14.97 from Priceline)

7/ Use a setting spray to set and refresh your look

"Set everything in place with a strong-hold setting spray — my go-to is the NYX Matte Finish ($8.99 from Priceline) or Dewy Finish Setting Spray ($8.99 from Priceline), depending on the look I’m going for," says Doan.

Don't leave your setting spray at home either — it's a great way to refresh your makeup look throughout the night without much effort.

8/ Try a liquid lipstick that will last all night

Who wants to have to worry about reapplying their lippy in the middle of a dance floor (or on a parade float, for that matter)?

Forget the stress of satin-finish formulas and lip gloss for the evening and try something matte instead, says Doan.

"For smudge-proof lips, opt for a matte liquid lipstick and blot between layers for ultimate staying power," he tells us.

Try: M.A.C Cosmetics Powder Kiss Liquid Lip Colour ($49 from M.A.C Cosmetics)

There's no better time to embrace your Chappell Roan obsession, by copying one of her signature bold makeup looks like this iconic look from the VMAs.

Main image credit: @chappellroan

Briar Clark

Briar Clark got her start in the media industry in 2017, as an intern for Marie Claire and InStyle. Since then, her keen interest in fashion and beauty has landed her gigs as a Digital Content Producer and Beauty Editor with titles like Girlfriend, Refinery29, BEAUTYcrew and beautyheaven. She loves the way seemingly innocuous topics like skin care and style have the ability to put a smile on people’s faces or make them think about themselves a little differently. A big believer in self love and experimentation, Briar has made a point of becoming the Australian beauty industry’s unofficial guinea pig for unusual treatments and daring hair trends. When she’s not testing out the latest beauty launches, Briar is big on broadening her horizons, mostly in the form of food but she’s also partial to travelling to new destinations both near and far (and of course, allocating an extra bag to bring their best beauty offerings home with her).