How to Do Your Own Hair and Makeup for ANY Big Event

BeautyRiot Diva

You can call me crazy all you want, but you're not talking me out of it. This weekend, I will be doing my own hair and makeup for my wedding.

Ambitious? Yes. Insane? No. At least, not now that I have these expert tips from celeb hairstylist Sarah Potempa and MAC makeup artist John Stapleton. They told me -- and I'm telling you -- how to get professional-looking hair and makeup that'll last all night and then some right in the comfort of your own bathroom.

So the next time you've got a wedding, prom, or big party, save your cash, skip the salon and follow this advice:

Step 1: Pick your look
Don't just wing it with some vague idea of a "messy updo" and "sexy eyes," do some searching for the exact hair and makeup looks you want to wear. If you need ideas, check out this hairstyle guide and these ridiculously pretty makeup looks.

Step 2: Practice, a lot
Potempa says to start playing with your look a month beforehand if you can. You want to get to the point where you can easily do your hair and makeup -- and, uh, love the end result. Click here to see the other crucial thing you should do ahead of time.

Step 3: Give yourself enough time
Schedule at least an hour and a half for your hair and makeup. You probably won't need it, but when you jab yourself in the eye with your mascara wand and have to start your look over (which totally happened during one of my trial runs, not pretty), you'll be glad you've got the extra time.

Step 4: Have the right set up
Have all your products and tools laid out so you can easily grab them -- there's nothing worse than frantically searching for a bobby pin with one hand while the other holds your updo in place (yep, another lesson learned during my practice sessions). Obviously, you also need the right products for your hairstyle, so click here to get the rundown.

Step 5: Prep your face for stamina
There's no point in spending an hour on your makeup if it's just going to disappear halfway through the party. So use these products to help your makeup last all night.

Step 6: Be prepared for anything
Pack your bag with these essentials to fix any smudges, falling hair or other mishaps that may happen at the party. (Note: this would be good to do even if you are still going with a pro, unless you plan on having them follow you around all night with lipstick and hairspray in their pockets.)

Want more?