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.
Don't: wear too much 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.
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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.
It is generally considered appropriate to wear minimal or natural-looking makeup to a funeral. Wearing heavy or dramatic makeup to a funeral may be seen as disrespectful or inappropriate, as funerals are typically solemn and respectful occasions.
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.
Stick with waterproof formulas: When it comes to eye makeup, waterproof formulas are your best friend if you tend to cry. Look for waterproof mascara, eyeliner, and eyeshadow that will resist smudging and stay put even through tears.
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.
While you should generally steer clear of bright colours and loud prints (unless otherwise requested), other things to avoid include very revealing or overly casual clothes, like ripped jeans, sheer tops or pieces with inappropriate cut-out details. Accessory-wise, keep things minimal.
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.
This means no jeans, shorts, or tank tops. Instead, opt for dark, conservative clothing. Women should avoid wearing anything too revealing or flashy, and men should make sure their clothing is clean and wrinkle-free.
No Suit, No Problem
Funerals are a stressful life event and not knowing what to wear only adds to this anxiety. Etiquette says that men should wear a black or dark colored suit to a funeral. However, this isn't always possible and that's okay. Not owning traditional funeral attire is no reason to skip a funeral.
Most useful is a low-brow hat that can be tilted over the eye area. But you could try a scarf, sunglasses or a veil as well. If you're lacking clothing to help, shield your eye area with a magazine, book or clutch bag until the crying is over.
"Use a small, dense brush and a darker eyeshadow or soft kohl pencil. Start your application at the outer part of your bottom lash line and gently create a heavier line or drop shadow, and work the remaining shadow along the lash line towards the nose, creating a slight taper as you smudge your line" she begins.
The key to keeping your makeup intact, is to wrap a tissue around your finger, and gently press your tissue-covered finger into the corner of your eye where the tear duct is.
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.
White flowers are the most commonly present at funerals. This traditional color choice represents honor, peace, and innocence. Pink is considered a respectful color choice, used to express gentleness and sympathy. Red flowers symbolize love, as well as beauty and strength.
Pink: admiration, appreciation, elegance, grace, love (often used at the funerals of women or children)