So, did you watch the Emmys this year?  I always watch at least the pre-show, to see the dresses, hair, and makeup.  This year the red carpet seemed positively filled with red lips and smoky eyes; there was barely a neutral face in the bunch!

Who were the standouts?  I thought America Ferrara from Ugly Betty looked great this year, in a black strapless gown and red lipstick.    Mary-Louise Parker was also rocking the red lips (with a pale blue dress).

I’m so curious about this, actually—do you tailor your makeup to complement your nighttime outfit, or do you just apply the tried and true “make it a little heavier” standard if you’re going out at night?  Since (presumably) we don’t all have makeup artists at our beck and call, this is a topic where I need some guidance.  I travel pretty often and have to attend dinner functions, some of which are dressy.  While I have my evening attire (little black dress / black suit) pretty much figured out, I feel like I flounder on the right “nighttime makeup,” and always end up doing the “more of same.”  For example, I use a little more eyeshadow and make my lips a little darker, but essentially, I look like daytime-self, with a little extra.  Is that wrong?

So—anyone have a special night-time beauty ritual I should know about, or is everyone just doing the “put it on a little bit heavier when the sun goes down” trick?  I mean, do you wear eyeliner on special occasions, or do you have special perfume?  

I’m serious—in this area I am almost totally clueless, so please let me know if you consider glitter eye shadow an evening staple, or if there’s a special store for nighttime makeup.  I’m lost! -- Edited by loriculwell at 11/06/2008 1:22 PM PST