Melbourne Cup Makeup Tips with Celebrity Makeup Artist Mia Connor

Spring racing season is here, and with it comes the excitement of dressing up, embracing colour, and feeling your most polished from head to toe. Whether you’re heading trackside or celebrating from home, preparation is key to pulling together an effortless look that lasts all day.

To help you perfect your race-day beauty routine, we’ve partnered with makeup artist Mia Connor, who shares her expert advice on timeless makeup, long-wearing products, and prep tips to keep you glowing through the festivities.

And for those moments before and after the main event, our Equestrian Lounge Pyjama Set and Mojo Lounge Pyjama Set bring a touch of refinement and relaxation to your getting-ready ritual. Inspired by equestrian elegance, these pieces offer understated luxury — perfect for sipping your morning coffee while you prep, or unwinding once the heels come off.

Read on for Mia’s expert Spring Racing makeup tips and product recommendations.

1. What are your top 3 go-to makeup tips for a race day like Melbourne Cup?

There is no need to match the colours of your makeup exactly to the colours of your outfit.

I see a lot of clients who say “I’m wearing this colour, my bag, shoes & nails are all matching so should we match the makeup too?” and they suggest featuring their eyeshadow or lip colour to also match the colours in the fit but I find this can be a little overkill.

2. How do you recommend making makeup last all day — especially outdoors in the heat or sun?

Use products that are suitable for your skin type but also the conditions. If you’re going to be outside in the heat and potentially perspiring, using an anti-perspirant for the face before any other products can reduce sweating - I use “Neat 3B Face Saver”, get it from most chemists & lightly apply anywhere you feel you perspire, under your makeup.

Avoid using excessive “glowy” base products & highlighter as chances are you’ll create a natural sheen if it’s a scorcher!

3. What makeup trends or colours are you loving for Spring Racing this year?

It might seem vanilla but you can’t go wrong with neutrals when it comes to makeup. It’s timeless and compliments everyone. My key tip for neutrals is to make sure you understand your skin tone (cool, warm, neutral etc) and stick within that pond. The bronzey look is beautiful but if you’re on the fairer complexion side of things, it’s not going to translate the same, so a light spray tan might be required.

Blush is huge right now, and particularly the placement. Who would have thought you could place your blush in so many different places on the cheeks! I love a high placement blush that wraps around the eye almost into the hairline to sculpt the face but also inject health into the skin. Pro tip: Add a hint to the bridge of your nose to tie it in seamlessly.

Cream blushes are trending, but cream doesn’t have to mean sticky or shiny, particularly if you are prone to shine/oil. Nars have recently dropped their Multi sticks: “The Multiple” and they are a cream to powder finish so perfect for a big day on the track! Get them from Mecca.

4. Do you have any must-have products in your kit for race day glam?

It wouldn’t be a race glam without a wing liner if you’re in my chair. My liquid liner collection over at Mia Connor Cosmetics will have you creating liner looks effortlessly with its brush applicator tip & long wearing, transfer- proof formula. Available in Matte Black & Bruna, the perfect brown liner which couldn’t be more perfect for a day time event.

A good long wearing base is essential and my go to is the Estée Lauder range, particularly Double Wear foundation. Whilst DW has a reputation for being a fuller coverage, it can also be sheered out and will last you all day & into the night! I wear this daily personally.

5. What kind of beauty prep (skincare, etc.) do you recommend the night before or morning of the event?

A light exfoliation of the skin the night before does wonders in creating the perfect makeup base.

Fake tanning should be done 48 hours prior, rather than day before to avoid tan sitting in pores & dehydrating the skin.

6. Any signature Mia Connor techniques that you always use for events like this?

I love a tubing mascara so that you have no panda eyes mid race! I love and personally use the Estée Lauder Sumptuous Rebel Mascara. Be sure to curl your lashes first though and the Shiseido lash curler is unbeatable!

7. Lastly, any “don’ts” for Melbourne Cup makeup you think people should avoid?

Beware using pimple patches too close to the event as sometimes they can leave an imprint on the skin that you can’t cover with makeup.

Derma-planning & facial hair removal in general should be done no closer than one week prior as makeup doesn’t stick to freshly waxed/shaved areas which will result in a patchy foundation and it may also slip straight off as the skin is too slippery.

A lifelong artist at heart, Mia Connor turned her love of creativity into a celebrated career in makeup. Known for her signature looks and global masterclasses, Mia has inspired artists worldwide. Today, she continues to shape the industry through her own line, Mia Connor Cosmetics, designed for makeup that performs at a professional level.

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