Celebrating Diversity and Makeup Tips for Pride Events

Photo by Alexander Grey

Hey everyone! It’s the first week of June, and you know what that means – Pride Month is in full swing! This is always an exciting time of year for me. As someone who identifies as demi-pansexual (or demi-bisexual, depending on the definition), Pride Month holds a special place in my heart. It’s a time to celebrate who we are, embrace our true selves, and support each other in our diverse community.

One of the things I absolutely love about Pride events is the vibrant, expressive makeup looks. Makeup is such a powerful tool for self-expression, and during Pride, it becomes even more magical. Whether you’re attending a parade, a party, or just hanging out with friends, there’s a makeup look for every occasion. Today, I want to share some personal anecdotes, makeup tips, and advice on how to stay fabulous and comfortable during Pride events.

Embracing Your Comfort Zone

First things first – comfort is key. Pride events can be long, energetic, and often hot, so it’s important to wear makeup that makes you feel good. Personally, I adjust my makeup depending on the weather and the type of event. If it’s a super hot day and I know I’ll be sweating a lot, I tend to keep my makeup minimal. I’ll focus on my eyes and maybe add some face paint for a fun touch. Other times, if I’m out with friends and feeling creative, I’ll go all out with a colorful, glam look.

For example, I’ve recently been inspired by makeup tutorials featuring clouds and rainbows over the bridge of the nose, blending into vibrant eyeliner. It’s a whimsical look that’s perfect for Pride, and I might just try it out this year. But remember, the most important thing is that you feel comfortable and confident in whatever makeup you choose.

Celebrating Our Diverse Identities

Pride Month is a celebration of our diverse identities within the LGBTQIA+ community. Whether you’re gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, non-binary, queer, intersex, asexual, or identify in any other way, Pride is a time to honor and celebrate who you are. Makeup can be a wonderful way to express your unique identity. For instance, I love incorporating the colors of the pansexual flag into my looks – pink, yellow, and blue. It's a small way to feel connected to my community and express my pride.

One of my friends, who identifies as non-binary, loves using makeup to play with gender expression. Sometimes they’ll go for a bold, dramatic look, while other times they prefer something more subtle. Makeup gives us the freedom to explore and express our identities in ways that feel right for us.

Practical Makeup Tips for Pride

Here are some practical tips to help your makeup stay fresh and fabulous throughout the day, even if you’re dancing under the sun:

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!

Heat exhaustion is no joke, and staying hydrated is crucial. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. I know it's kind of a joke on TikTok not to drink your water but it is so important. Especially on hot days when you are going to be expending a lot of energy. Your body (and your skin) will thank you by the end of the day. Trust me!

Prime Time

Always start with a good primer. A smooth foundation can help your makeup last longer and prevent it from looking cakey. A mattifying primer can also help control shine if you have oily skin. For me, I have combination skin so having a good moisturizer and primer is key to my makeup staying fresh throughout the day.

Compact Essentials

If you have a small compact that fits in your bag, bring along some essentials like blush and setting powder. These can help touch up any greasy spots and keep your makeup looking fresh. I'm the friend with a bunch of samples and travel size makeup, but if you have a favorite palette at home and it's too big to take with you, I'd suggest keeping an eye out for shades that you love in travel sizes. They are so handy, and you don't have to try and DIY a new "Frankenstein" palette, though those are fun to do on craft days and when you know you'll be away from home for a bit...

Moisturize Under Face Paint

If you’re going all out with face paint, don’t forget to moisturize your face beforehand. This helps create a smooth canvas and can prevent the paint from cracking.

End-of-Day Routine

At the end of the day, no matter how tired you are, always take off your makeup. I know it’s tempting to crash into bed after a fun day, but removing your makeup is so important. Clogged pores, painful zits, and skin irritation are no fun, and a good cleanse will let your skin breathe. If you’re too exhausted for a full routine, makeup wipes are a quick solution, but soap and water followed by toner and moisturizer are the best.

Personal Stories and Experiences

I want to share a few personal stories that highlight why these tips are so important. A few years ago, I attended a Pride parade on an exceptionally hot day. I was so excited and went all out with my makeup – rainbow eyeshadow and a full face in glam. By midday, the heat was unbearable, and I realized I had forgotten my setting powder. My makeup started melting, and I felt so uncomfortable. Thankfully there were some really fun events and a ton of water being handed around. My makeup had faded by the end of the day and I had a lot of fun. But that awkward moment in the middle of the day stuck with me and that experience taught me to always be prepared and prioritize my comfort.

On another occasion, I decided to go for a more subtle look because I had a doctor’s appointment before the Pride event. I did my regular contour and added some color-themed eyeshadow. It was simple, yet it still felt festive and in the spirit of Pride. This taught me that you don’t always have to go over the top to feel connected to the celebration.

Makeup for Every Personality

Makeup is incredibly personal, and what works for one person might not work for another. Some of my friends don’t wear much makeup at all. Instead, they express their Pride through colorful clothing, accessories, and pride flags. It’s all about what makes you feel confident and happy.

If you’re new to makeup or looking for inspiration, Pride is the perfect time to experiment. Check out tutorials on YouTube or Instagram, and don’t be afraid to try something bold and new. One look that’s been trending is the rainbow cloud design I mentioned earlier. It’s playful and perfect for the festive atmosphere of Pride.

Skincare is Key

Good skincare is the foundation of great makeup. Before applying your makeup, ensure your skin is clean and well-moisturized. This helps your makeup go on smoothly and last longer. Throughout the day, if you feel your skin getting oily or sweaty, blotting papers can be a lifesaver. They absorb excess oil without smudging your makeup.

Community Engagement

Lastly, I want to encourage you to share your Pride makeup looks with our community. Use the hashtag #MarcevoPride on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook to share your photos and connect with others. It’s a fantastic way to celebrate diversity and see the creative ways everyone expresses their pride.

I’m might also be planning to make a video later this week with more makeup tips and tutorials for Pride, so stay tuned for that. Celebrating Pride is all about being true to yourself and supporting each other in our journeys. Whether you’re rocking a full face of makeup or just a splash of color, what matters most is that you feel proud and confident.

Celebrating Pride is a joyous and empowering experience. It’s a time to honor our identities, support our community, and express ourselves freely. Makeup is just one of the many ways we can do that. Remember to prioritize your comfort, stay hydrated, and always remove your makeup at the end of the day. By following these tips and embracing your unique style, you’ll be ready to shine at any Pride event.

Thank you for being part of our community and sharing in the celebration of diversity. I can’t wait to see all your amazing looks and hear your stories. Let’s make this Pride Month unforgettable!

Happy Pride, everyone! 🏳️‍🌈