Makeup should be kept simple. Foundation, a bit of blush and black eyeliner should suffice. Avoid bright lipstick, if any at all. As with clothing, you're makeup should not make you stand out.
Select Neutral Eye Makeup for a Funeral
Choose a neutral matte color you can blend easily, such as a light brown. Some eyeshadows also have a faint touch of color in them that can give you just the right tint. Use neutral or light brown over the eyeshadow to further lighten it.
False Eyelashes are perfect to use for events with emotion involved: Attending an emotional event, a wedding, a funeral or even just to watch a sad movie. False eyelashes are a game changer as they are essentially tear proof makeup.
If you wear makeup, you'll want to keep things minimal for a funeral. Stick to light, natural colors and a nude lipstick. Avoid anything featuring bright colors, glitter, or unnatural hues.
Hair should be simple. Those with shorter hair should go for a clean look. Those with longer hair can try out a modest updo or a half-up, half-down hairstyle. Like with all aspects of your outfit, your hair should be respectful and not distracting from the memorial event.
Most common funeral etiquette practices for women to wear include a dark or black skirt suit or pantsuit; a skirt of appropriate length or pants and a top with sleeves, a blouse, or a sweater; flats or pumps. In some cultures, and religions women wear hats to funerals.
Avoid dressing in casual clothing, such as athletic wear, tank tops, or shorts. Skip the flip-flops, tennis shoes, sneakers, or boat shoes. Remove the neon necktie, purse, or accessory. Shy away from wearing jeans, even black ones, because they are considered too casual for a funeral.
Wearing dark grey or deep blue is just as appropriate as black, while brown and lighter greys are suitable for the vast majority of funeral services. However, unless specifically requested by the deceased or their family, you should avoid any bright colors such as yellows, oranges, pinks, and reds.
While short heels are appropriate for a funeral, you shouldn't choose shoes with a heel that's too high. Stick to heels at or below an inch tall or choose a pair of dark-colored flats.
Can You Wear Jewelry to a Funeral? Yes, you can choose to wear jewelry for a funeral, but in most cases, restraint is the key to accessorizing for a funeral or celebration of life. Wearing funeral jewelry that is subtle and modest shows respect not only to the deceased but to their family.
Clinique High Impact Waterproof Mascara, Fabled
Clinique is renowned for excellent mascaras (bottom lash, anyone?) and their waterproof one also has a brilliant reputation; it's the go-to in my family for funerals, which says it all really.
Funeral services are formal sad occasions, and the last thing the people gathered there want to see are bare shoulders. It's taboo, but it is one we shouldn't ignore. It doesn't matter if you're a man or a woman. Visitors should avoid wearing sleeveless tops during a funeral or any other event requiring a dress code.
Although perfumes and colognes are not technically clothing, people often wear them when they dress up. Chemical sensitivities (which can cause coughing, sneezing, and severe headaches) to the ingredients that go into these scents is prevalent, so it's best not to wear perfume or cologne to a funeral service..
Makeup doesn't apply the same to the skin of a deceased person as it does to the living. If the person has been embalmed, their skin is very firm. It's hard to blend the makeup into the skin like you would normally. Instead, most makeup is airbrushed on the face.
Bold patterns are not appropriate for funerals and should be avoided. Keep skirts and dresses to the knee or below and avoid bare legs in general to keep your look formal. Avoid anything sparkly, fringed or sequined – this isn't a party.
Leggings are okay for a wake as long as you pair them with a formal top such as a longer sweater or blouse. Leggings paired with a mid-drift top would not be proper.
A Herringbone style 3-pieces suit is the best suit for funeral because it's flexible, humble, and non-flamboyant.
At the traditional funeral most Australians are familiar with, it is respectful to wear smart, well-pressed clothes in a dark colour. Black has long been typically worn by mourners at a traditional funeral, but dark shades such as navy or grey are also appropriate. A smart work suit or outfit is usually acceptable.
You Don't Have To Wear Black
However, colors like dark grey, dark blue, darker green, white, and beige can be appropriate. If you don't own any black clothing, you may always opt for a subtle hue that is appropriate for formal settings. In addition, stay away from anything with distracting patterns or prints.
What is appropriate clothing for a funeral? Traditionally, funeral etiquette suggests men and women wear black clothing that's conservative and respectful. Black or dark colours are most common, but some cultures expect mourners to wear a less traditional funeral colour.
Just like a suit, not everyone owns a dress shirt and tie, but this shouldn't stop you from attending a funeral. A nice sweater and dress pants can be funeral appropriate, weather permitting. Keep both pieces of clothing dark, and any pattern on your sweater should be very low key.
At some point in history, a solid portion of the population believed: It was bad luck to wear anything new to the funeral, especially shoes. If rain falls during a funeral procession or if there is thunder during a burial, it's a sign the deceased is destined for heaven.
For women, adding color can be done through patterns and floral designs. Much like with men's funeral attire, color should be used to subtly accent your outfit. Try to make sure that your outfit does not have overly bright colors or wild patterns that draw attention.