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Put This on Your Face: Pride 2022 Edition

Hello, fellow makeup-wearers! Is it Pride season where you are? It is where I am, which means it’s time to start thinking about Pride makeup!

I find that Pride makeup requires a bit more thought than regular makeup, mostly because it needs to stay put through back-to-back activities (brunch, parade, party, etc.) without feeling tremendously heavy and gross after a few hours. I usually want it to be more fun than my regular makeup — which means I’ll try and incorporate extra color, face jewels ($7), and maybe even some false lashes.

Here are some things you could put on your face this Pride!!


Funky Eyeliner

PYT Beauty Wingman Liquid Liner

PYT Beauty Wingman Liquid Liner

A well-placed graphic liner can absolutely function as a statement piece! Like all eyeliners, graphic liners draw attention to the eyes, but have the bonus effect of adding pops of color to your look. If you wanna go extra bold, try playing around with negative space, or using several graphic liners in different colors to create a masterpiece on and around your lids.

If you’re a liquid liner fan, try the PYT Beauty Wingman Liquid Liner ($18; I use the blue shade daily!), the Fenty Flypencil Longwear Pencil Eyeliner ($23), or the Colourpop bff liquid liner ($9). If you’re more of a pencil person, I’ve heard good things about the Sephora Collection Retractable Waterproof Eyeliner ($13)! You could also try the Colourpop crème gel liner ($7), the Make Up For Ever Aqua Resist Color Pencil Eyeliner ($22), or the NYX Retractable Long-Lasting Mechanical Eyeliner Pencil ($6.50).


Smudge-Proof Lipstick

ColourPop Ultra Matte Lip

ColourPop Ultra Matte Lip

If there is one thing you take away from this article, let it be this: if you plan on kissing this Pride, please test out your lipstick to see how transfer-proof it is before you commit to it! If you’re at a crowded bar/party/parade and you realize your lipstick has somehow made its way onto your chin, it might be hard to find a makeup remover and also, you might not want to spend your precious Pride hours hunting one down!

An easy way to test out whether your lipstick is kiss-proof or not is to put the lipstick on, wait for it to dry down, then use your finger to gently wipe across your lips. If nothing comes off, you’re good! You could also just smooch the back of your hand, or find a kissing partner (for science purposes).

I have yet to encounter a lipstick that is 100% transfer-proof, unfortunately! The Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick ($22) is pretty close, as is the ColourPop Ultra Matte Lip ($8). You could also try MAC’s Powder Kiss Liquid Lipcolour ($25) or the NYX Shine Loud Vegan High Shine Long-Lasting Liquid Lipstick ($11.50).


Glitter

NYX's Face and Body Glitter

NYX’s Face and Body Glitter

Glitter is a cornerstone of Pride makeup for many people, myself included! You can put it in your hair, on your face, on your body — just know that it will take 3-4 showers to really wash out, and even after that, you might still find pieces of glitter hanging out in your sheets. Some glitters you might want to check out: the MAC Glitter ($23), NYX’s Face and Body Glitter ($6.50), and the Milk Glitter Stick ($30). If you already have a glitter eyeshadow, that could work as a body glitter in a pinch!


Sunscreen

Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen

Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen

I take it back. Please take away two things from this piece: (1) the lipstick test and (2) sunscreen is a must! If you are outdoors at a picnic, marching in or watching a parade, going to a rooftop party, or just plan to be outside in general, you should absolutely be wearing sunscreen underneath your elaborate Pride makeup look.

If you need a sunscreen rec, I love the Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen ($44) — it acts like a primer and goes on clear. There’s also the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Tinted Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid SPF 50 ($37). Honestly, any sunscreen will work but please wear some! Protect your skin!!

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ashni

Ashni is a writer, comedian, and farmer's market enthusiast. When they're not writing, they can be found soaking up the sun, trying to make a container garden happen, or reading queer YA.

ashni has written 47 articles for us.

3 Comments

  1. Please join my in my cyber bullying campaign to bring back the ColourPop Ultra Matte Lip in Friday (black, it’s the best goddamn black lipstick I’ve ever used). Please, I don’t stop being gay for pride!

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