When you’re going out with someone for the first time, you want to impress them. Check out this guide to doing the perfect first date makeup.

No matter how many “first dates” you’ve been on, they can still make you nervous.

But that’s okay.

The best way to get those nerves in check is to make sure you look and feel good, and makeup plays a big part of that.

While this is true, if you overdo your makeup, it can have a negative effect.

Take a look at this guide to make sure your first date makeup is on point.

Don’t Do Anything You Don’t Normally Do

Yes, you want to impress your date, but trying to apply makeup you aren’t familiar with can be a disaster.

Even if you think the makeup looks pretty good, your date might not agree.

And this goes farther than just makeup. First dates are nerve-wracking, and you want to look good. But don’t try to do too much, especially if you don’t have a lot of time before your date.

We’ll get into what kind of first date makeup you should use, but before we do that, we’re going to go over some other beauty dos and don’ts. After all, good makeup all starts with good skin.

No Face Waxing Before the Date

You’re eyebrows and upper lip may be getting a little unruly, but if your date isn’t at least a week away, leave them be.

Why?

Because waxing too close to the date could leave you with red, blotchy patches on your face. You could even sport an ingrown hair or two.

These are not the most attractive qualities to bring with you on your first date. And don’t think you can just cover these patches up with makeup. You would really have to cake the makeup, and that’s a big turn off for most men.

Be Careful When You’re Shaving

Razors that are too dull will give you an uneven, prickly shave. Razors that are too sharp could dot your legs with cuts.

If your razor blades are dull, switch them out before you do your final pre-date shave. But make sure you don’t press too hard with the new blades. They don’t require as much pressure as dull blades.

Pick Natural Nails

Long, wild nails can make your date think you’re high maintenance, something you don’t want him thinking.

Stick with something natural instead.

If you can, keep all of your accessories simple (that means your phone accessories too. If you aren’t sure what that means, check out Inkdly.com).

Don’t Get a Last Minute Tan

Even if you really think you need it, don’t get it. If you want to be tan for your first date, make sure you do it far enough in advance so there aren’t any issues.

Remember, whether you go to a tanning salon or use tanning lotion, the tan will make you look a little too tan at first. Your skin will look more orange than tan, in many cases. The tan will fade to a natural shade over time, but you don’t want orange skin on your first date.

So skip the tan unless you have ample time.

Avoid Intensive Facial Treatments

You can’t be sure exactly how your skin will react to these treatments. Instead of getting fresh, soft skin, you could get red and bumpy skin.

Never having had any of these types of treatments before is an even bigger reason to stay away from these facial procedures.

Choose an exfoliating scrub you can use by yourself at home instead.

Don’t Oer-Perfume

The perfume you choose smells different in the bottle than it will on your skin. Besides, you probably don’t know the types of smells your date likes. If you lather on perfume he ends up not liking, he may not want to spend a lot of time with you.

Lightly spritz your perfume on your pulse points or spray it in the air and walk through it. That’s all you need.

Okay, Let’s Talk About First Date Makeup

The rule for first date makeup is staying true to yourself.

Remember, your date asked you out, so he wants to spend time with you. If you wear too much makeup, you could look like a completely different person.

So stick with what you’re comfortable using. First date makeup is usually natural, fresh, and bright, but if that’s just not you, add a little more.

Here are a few more makeup tips you should know before your first date.

Location Matters

You wouldn’t wear the same type of makeup to a club that you would wear for a coffee date.

Make sure you know where you’re going so you don’t look over or underdone.

What do you do about those annoying surprise dates?

Carry some extra makeup in your purse so you can reapply if you need too. In the meantime, find a balance between natural makeup and spiced up makeup.

Go Easy on the Lipstick

A light sheen should do the trick. Anything too thick will make your lips look goopy (and nobody wants to kiss that!).

Start Off Right

Your foundation isn’t really your foundation.

You should prime and conceal your skin appropriately so you have a nice canvas for the rest of your makeup. If you have oily skin, use a primer that is oil-free.

When It Comes to Other Makeup…

Go light on the foundation and apply a gentle blush. Don’t use it to turn your cheeks pink, so just it to brighten up your face.

Your eyes should be your focus point. After all, you’ll be making a lot of eye contact with your date.

But that doesn’t mean bright, colored eyeshadow is the way to go. Remember, be natural. Browns are a good place to start. You can add some eyeliner and false lashes too.

However, if you are not used to putting fake eyelashes on, don’t do it! Your whole date will be spent worrying about whether they’ll fall off or not.

Be Yourself

Don’t use your makeup as a way to hide. Use it to enhance your already beautiful features. It should just give you the confidence to be yourself and enjoy your date.

Have Fun on Your First Date

Relax. Enjoy yourself. Have a good time.

Your makeup will help you look and feel good, but it isn’t the most important part of your date, so don’t spend a lot of time worrying about it.

If you need to reapply during the date, that’s okay. Just slip away to a bathroom so you can “powder your nose.”

Need some cheap, second date ideas? Take a look at some of these options!