By Christina Flach

Mother’s Day is often filled with back-to-back plans — brunches, family gatherings, and dinner out. I love creating makeup looks that feel fresh and glowing for daytime, and easily elevate into something softer and more glam for evening. Here’s how I help clients (and myself) transition seamlessly from brunch to dinner with just a few key product swaps — plus a few affordable favorites I recommend just as often.

Step 1: Hydrated, Radiant Base:

For daytime, I always start with Bobbi Brown’s Vitamin Enriched Face Base to prep and hydrate the skin. Then I apply ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 for breathable, glowing coverage that wears beautifully all day.

Save Options:

• e.l.f. Holy Hydration Face Cream — Lightweight, nourishing, and smooth under makeup
• L’Oréal Skin Paradise Tinted Water-Cream — Delivers dewy, sheer coverage and SPF at a great price

Pro Tips:

Mix a drop of liquid highlighter into your moisturizer for an added glow without extra layers.

Step 2: Fresh Flush of Color:

A cream blush like Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Blush Stick adds instant warmth and dewiness to the complexion.

Save option:

Essence Baby Got Blush Stick — Blendable, hydrating, and under $10

Pro Tips:

Tap extra blush onto lips or eyelids for a soft monochromatic look.

Step 3: Soft, Defined Eyes:

I keep eyes subtle and flattering during the day using the Tartelette In Bloom Palette, then finish with a swipe of Lancôme Lash Idôle Mascara to lift and define lashes.

Save options:

• ColourPop “That’s Taupe” Eyeshadow Palette — Neutral, buttery shades with high color payoff
• Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara — Adds dramatic length and volume without clumps

Pro Tips:

Wiggle your mascara wand at the base of lashes and sweep up to create lift and separation.

Step 4: Glossy, Pink Lips:

A sheer pink gloss like SAIE Glossybounce™ High-Shine Hydrating Lip Gloss Oil is my go- to for a fresh brunch-ready finish.

Save option:

NYX Fat Oil Lip Drip in “Missed Call” — Juicy, hydrating, and a beautiful pink tint for under $10

Pro Tip:

Layer over a nude lip liner for more definition and staying power.

Evening Refresh: A Few Luxe Switches:

To transition into evening, I refresh the complexion with a touch more skin tint and add highlighter. I love Charlotte Tilbury’s Beauty Light Wand on the cheekbones for luminous dimension.

I deepen the eyes with Victoria Beckham Satin Kajal Liner, which adds soft definition without harsh lines. And for lips, I switch to Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil in “Berry” for a deeper tint that still feels easy and hydrating.

Save options:

• Makeup Revolution Bright Light Highlighter — Gives that lit-from-within glow at a fraction of the cost
• Milani Stay Put Eyeliner — Creamy, long-wearing, and available in rich tones
• Tower 28 Beauty ShineOn Lip Jelly Hydrating Non-Sticky— A glossy, plum-toned dupe with a luxe finish

Final Tip from Christina:

“You don’t need a full redo—just a refresh. Tap in blush, swipe on a deeper lip, and add a little highlighter. It’s all about enhancing what’s already there, not starting over.”

She has worked with many major television networks, celebrities, designers, department stores, magazines, and big name brands. She is an expert at creating looks that allow her clients natural beauty to shine through by making every client feel like the best version of themselves on the inside and the outside.

In addition to her career as a makeup artist, Christina is the host of I’M Too Busy TV, philanthropist, beauty expert on NBC’s CALIFORNIA Live, and a guest on a variety of podcasts. Christina is represented by Zenobia & Ford Artists NYC, LA, Chicago & Miami

Disclaimer
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.