Charis Michelsen

Get Out and Glam the Night Away: Celebrating the 2023 Studio 54-Inspired Evening Makeup Looks that Bring Good Times

By Charis Michelsen (I [didn’t], write the songs, but this article has a soundtrack you can dance to)

The spirit of Studio 54 with a thumping disco beat is in the air, calling all to get out and celebrate the magic of the night while looking glamorous. The beauty looks of 2023 pull inspiration from Studio 54’s glorious era (1977-1979), when top fashion, high art, celebrity, and fabulous self-expression crossed paths and enjoyed dancing the night away and stayin’ alive together under the same legendary NYC nightclub roof.

When amped up to be visible in low light amongst the flecks of bright light cast by a silver mirrored disco ball, 2023’s beauty looks reflect those of the decorated influencers photographed on Studio 54’s dance floor.

ROCK 2023’S 70S-INSPIRED DRAPED BLUSH FOR EVENING

Take 2023’s 70s-inspired draped blush trend where a bright blush color is applied along your cheekbones and temples. As suggested in the article “How to Wear the Freshest Spring 2023 Beauty Looks to Be Blooming Gorgeous,” bronzer (not to be confused with a contouring product) in your perfect color, is a more wearable choice. To create a draped bronzer look that inspires your closeted disco queen to get out and do the hustle, apply your perfect bronzer color with a heavier hand, so it’s a bit more visible/less natural-looking which will look appropriate for lower lighting, which is the most forgiving of all lighting types. See the article “How to Wear the Freshest Spring 2023 Beauty Looks to Be Blooming Gorgeous,” to discover your perfect bronzer color.

GET TEMPTATION EYES, HOT STUFF

Thanks to Y2k’s influence, eye makeup in metallic and glitter textures are also major trend for 2023, as is bright-colored eye makeup. Metallic and glitter-textured eye makeup was made for the night, so after waking from your disco nap, apply metallic-textured eye makeup in metal colors, such as silver, gold, or copper, metallic-textured eye makeup in bright colors, or eye makeup in glitter-textures to shine like the foxy high-fashion star you are while you shake your groove thing. To max your glow, apply a little highlighter on cheekbones or eyebrows, or apply a high-shine gloss to your lips, which will naturally make them appear fuller. For tips on wearing high shine, see the article “How to Wear the Freshest Spring 2023 Beauty Looks to Be Blooming Gorgeous.”

ADDITIONAL TIPS BEFORE YOU STEP OUT TO BOOGIE OOGIE OGGIE & GET DOWN TONIGHT:

* Apply a little mattifier to your T-zone or onto other areas of the face that become shiny.

* If needed, touch up any skin blemishes using a concealer, and set with a little facial powder.

* Wear a little more foundation and powder than usual.

* Apply an extra layer or two of mascara to enhance lash definition.

* Moisturize all viewable body parts for your skin to look soft and smooth.

TIP FOR THOSE OF MATURITY:

* Before applying your makeup:

STEP 1: Apply a little eye cream along your orbital bones.

STEP 2: Wait a few minutes for the eye cream to absorb.

STEP 3: Blot the under-eye area with a tissue to pick up any excess eye cream.

STEP 4: Proceed with applying any makeup to the area if needed.

NOTE: This tip is great if your lower eye area gets dry.

— Excerpt from the book Hollywood Beauty: The Art of Star Makeup

Classically, it’s ideal to match your makeup-style to your outfit. So, if you’re rocking an outfit that would take center stage on Studio 54’s dance floor, go for makeup that feels glitz-city. If your outfit is more understated, choose makeup that feels less le freak but classically chic.

According to celebrity super stylist Maggie Barry, who styled the photoshoot for this article, and whose styled for major names such as Beyonce, RuPaul, Lizzo, Mariah Carey, David Lee Roth, Katie Perry, and Melisa McCarthy (for the Oscars), to name a few, and top entities like Disney and the MTV Movie Awards, to amp up your 2023 look for an evening in homage to famed nightclub Studio 54, choose looks that exhibit “glamour, shiny, sparkle, and sexy. If it’s bling, it’s the thing.” Couple with “heels or platforms.” Incorporate “flowy clothing that moves.” Ms. Barry was blessed to have been able to experience the wonders of Studio 54 in-person and notes that “Style was being extra, and glitter was the way to go.” If in the Los Angeles area, visit Maggie Barry’s store at 806 South Main Street, Los Angeles, CA 90014 or visit her website at maggiebarry.com.

Pulling inspiration from 2023’s Y2k influence, it’s hot to polish off your superstar look with glitter or holographic nail looks that cause panic at the disco until everyone finds out who created your fab finger pop art. Celebrity nail artist and one of the world’s most sought-after medical aestheticians/cosmetologists, Christine Reed, created the gorgeous jeweled nails for the photo spread for this article, which included using Gelish nail products and applying gemstones one at a time like a master fine jeweler. According to Christine, to light up the night with nails that bring the party, try creating the following:

“Glitter gradient nails: Create a gradient effect using different shades of glitter polish. Start with a clear or nude base coat, apply the lightest glitter shade at the tips of your nails, and gradually work your way to the darkest shade at the base of your nails.

Foil nails: Nail foils add a fun and unique disco-era sparkle to your nails. You can purchase nail foils in a variety of colors and designs or create your own by cutting pieces of foil into small shapes. Apply the foils to your nails using a clear topcoat.

Holographic nails: Holographic nail polish is a great way to create a disco-inspired look that's perfect for 2023. The iridescent finish catches the light and creates a rainbow effect that's sure to turn heads.

Sequin nails: If you really want to make a statement, consider adding sequins to your nails. You can purchase nail sequins in a variety of colors and shapes or create your own by cutting small pieces of foil into tiny shapes. Apply the sequins or foil pieces to your nails using a clear topcoat.

Glitter accent nails: For a subtle take on the disco-era trend, consider painting your nails a neutral shade, then add a glitter accent. The glitter accent could be glitter polish or a glittery nail sticker placed on one or two nails to add a touch of sparkle without looking overstated.”

PACKING YOUR EVENING BAG FOR BOOGIE WONDERLAND:

Besides your keys, phone, credit card, and ID, slip a cosmetic sample container containing your lip product(s) into a small evening bag. Add blotting tissues or a powder compact, and fox, you’re almost ready to run.

BEFORE YOU STEP OUT TO [SHAKE, SHAKE, SHAKE] SHAKE YOUR BOOTIE, BABE:

STEP 1: Step away from the mirror.

STEP 2: Turn your head from side to side so you can see your profiles.

STEP 3: Check that your blush looks even and is well-blended on both sides of your face and that your makeup is symmetrical.

NOTE: If you find you need to apply more blush, do so, as lower lighting can wash you out, or if you find you need to soften the appearance of your blush or change any aspect of your makeup, do so.

— Excerpt from the book Hollywood Beauty: The Art of Star Makeup

CHECK YOUR LOCKS BEFORE YOU HOP THE LOVE TRAIN TO THE DISCO INFERNO

Wait, does your hairstyle include a side part, Lady Marmalade? Yes? Check! You’re on-trend for 2023.

Have a dynamite evening dancing queen, don’t stop ‘til you get enough, and no matter how tired you are when you get home after the last dance and exclaim, “Oh, what a night!” wash your gorgeous face! To remove your makeup quickly and gently, try Double Dare’s OMG! Dissolv’ It Makeup Melt Cleansing Balm (doubledarespa.com, @doubledarespa).