As you can see from the title “How to do your makeup for a funeral” this post is quite morbid. My cousin passed away unexpectedly in a vehicle collision and I was trying to process the news. He left behind a fiancé and four young children and I can’t even begin to fathom how hard that will be for his young family. This is the second cousin to pass away in the last two months and I feel so small, so fragile, so… mortal.
I flew out to BC last weekend for the celebration of life. I haven’t been to a funeral since my grandmother passed away about five or six years ago. That was hard, but we all know growing up we will lose our grandparents one day, and our parents after them. It’s the natural cycle of life, but it feels so wrong when someone is taken way too young.
So I retreated to my happy place of makeup because this blog and my YouTube channel are what I throw myself when I need to not think about the real world. I find it peaceful doing my makeup in the morning. It’s a place where I’m not listening to the news and I can forget that the world is sometimes a scary awful place. I hope this post can help someone who is maybe wondering what to wear/how to do their makeup for a funeral. I’ve always heard that you have to wear black to a funeral but I was never sure on if everything has to be black, can you not wear black or is that disrespectful? I spent quite a bit of time wondering if that applied to my makeup, and what to do with it. Finally I decided on a No Makeup Look.
How to do your makeup for a funeral
I do my makeup differently almost every single day. I don’t have a “signature look”, I’m always playing with different colour combinations and application techniques. The thing to remember is that a funeral is not the time to experiment. Ever. You don’t want to be the girl or guy with crazy ass eyeliner and metallic lips. You shouldn’t be trying to make a statement with your makeup amidst the grief.
Tip #1: Waterproof is Key
Even if you don’t think you’ll cry emotions will be running high. It’s better to go with waterproof eyeliner & mascara (if those are products you typically wear) because you don’t want mascara streaking down your face if you do shed a tear.
Tip #2: Bold is not key
Try not to experiment too much. Bold statement lips and double cut creases are probably something you should save for another day. You do not want to be the centre of attention.
Tip #3: Keep it Natural
Honestly this does come to personal preference and how you feel the most comfortable, but I think the best way to do your makeup for a funeral or celebration of life is to keep it as natural and minimal as possible. I focused on a minimal eye look and paired it with a nude lip. I took these photos days before when working out my travel carry-on makeup bag and didn’t wear eyeliner in the photos, but for eyeliner over the weekend I drew a thin line with no wing.
Products Used (affiliate links)
Eyeshadow: Maybelline Master Camo Colour Correcting Palette: I used the highlight shade all over my lid.
Mascara: L’Oreal Waterproof Lash Paradise Mascara
Eyebrows: Essence Make Me Brow Gel
Bronzer: ColourPop Bronzer in Private Party
Lips: I used a different lipstick than pictured above, on my lips is the Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey. It gives a slightly glossy finish while not looking like actual lipstick.
Foundation: Maybelline Fit Me Hydrate + Smooth
I took these makeup photos days before hopping on the plane, hence I’m more smiley.
Normally I have a question for you guys at the end of my blog posts but I’m coming up short today. Thank you for all your kind words and support on instagram, this community is my happy place when I’m feeling down or lost, and I’m so grateful for you guys. I hope you’re all having a lovely weekend. Thanks for reading my rambles <3
I’m sorry for your loss, though I know sometimes that sentence is over used. And I also haven’t really dealt with a death in the family in over 10 years, and now I’m making this awkward but yeah, if you ever need to talk or vent, I’m here you can always send me an email, I’m all ears and eyes 😊
But I think you did great, a no makeup look is perfect 👍🏼
Author
Thanks Rossy, I appreciate the sentiment 🙂
It may be a common thing people say in this situation but it still means something regardless, so thank you.
I’m doing a lot better now that I’m back home, I was really sad when I first found out but I know that being sad forever wouldn’t change anything.
You’re welcome 🙂
Yeah you’re right 🙂 well I’m glad you’re doing okay 🙂
I’m so sorry to hear that you lost your cousin and my heart goes out to his family that he left behind <3 awful news, but I hope you’re all healing.
This is a good blog post topic. Very elegant look. I don’t think I stopped to think at my grandmas funeral that I probably shouldn’t pile the makeup on! I cried it all off anyway so what a waste. Thanks for this x 🙂
Author
Thanks Laura, I appreciate the support. We’re healing, I’m glad to be back home now and that the funeral is over, now we can try to move on.
Thank you, some of my relatives were telling me they wish they hadn’t bothered with make up for the same reason, most of us had no makeup on by the end anyways.
Cleia, I’m so sorry for your loss. 🙁 A year and a half ago, my grandfather passed away, and it felt like my heart was physically breaking. Thinking of you and your family during this difficult time and sending love. <3
Author
It’s never easy, no matter the circumstances. I’m sorry for the loss of your grandfather 🙁
Thank you so much Nunzia
I’m so sorry to hear that Cleia 🙁 sending love to you and your family <3
Author
Thank you so much, it’s appreciated! xx
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I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your cousin, Cleia. You are right—when it is someone young, it just feels wrong. My thoughts are with you and your family ❤️
Author
Thank you so much, your kind words are appreciated. The week I found out was pretty bad but I’m starting to feel like my normal self again, thank goodness.
I am so glad 💕 They are always there in our hearts
Author
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Sorry to hear about your cousin. Sending love <3
Author
Thank you Chanelle, time will heal I’m sure xx
I’m so incredibly sorry for your loss, I’m sending your family love! ❤️I think your makeup looks stunning.
Author
Thank you Erin, we are healing but it will take some time xx
Definitely, I’m here if you need anything love! xx
I’m so sorry to hear about your cousin. I can’t even begin to imagine the grief that his fiancée, children, and parents are feeling right now, and can only hope they start healing quickly. My husband’s younger cousin passed away last year and it was an awful loss – no one should ever have to die young.
Author
Thank you for your kind words, it’s never easy when you lose someone especially when it’s someone so young. I just feel for his family so much, I can’t even begin to imagine what they’re going through, especially his fiancé.
So truly sorry for your loss. Loss of a loved one young or old is always difficult, but the look you created is simply lovely. ♥
Author
It’s never easy, but it’s worse I think when it’s someone young. We will heal though. Thank you so much
I am very sorry for your loss 😔 . Sending you and your family much love and hugs!! ❤
Thank you so much Erin, I appreciate it <3
Sending you so much love and hugs. I unfortunately can relate to this, both losing a cousin and losing people close to you in a short span of time and it flipping sucks. It does make you question everything. I am here if you need to talk or vent. <3
Author
Thank you so much. It’s comforting to hear that you can relate, it just feels so wrong that he was taken so early in life, he was only 31. I appreciate the shoulder to lean on xx
Looks great! So sorry for the loss of your grandmother. That is so hard to deal with. Prayers and blessings coming your way!
Author
Thanks Mare, I appreciate your thoughts! I’m starting to feel normal again
I’m very sorry for your loss and I hope all is well if you emotionally.
I always look at funerals as a celebration of a life lived rather than a life lost, and I hope there was plenty of love to go around amongst your family members.
Author
Thank you, it’s not easy but I think I’m starting to get back to normal. Everytime I see someone on a motorcycle I want to yell at them now, you can do everything right and the worst can still happen 🙁
It was definitely a celebration, he had a lot of friends and family and there was a huge barbecue to celebrate his memory.
I am so sorry for your loss. I think this course of action with the no make up makeup look. You look beautiful. I’m here if you need a shoulder to lean on xxx
Melina | http://www.melinaelisa.com
Author
Thanks Meilina, It was such an awful weekend, but I think I can start to get back to normal now that everything is over.
I’m so sorry for your loss…. I dont even bother with makeup, Im the worst at funerals. It just ends up a train wreck
Author
Thank you, I thought I would be okay because I didn’t know my cousin especially well, but I didn’t think about how many upset family members that I did know being there. I was glad I used waterproof makeup.