Go BIG Or Go Home: Mardi Gras – An Opportunity for Experimental Makeup & Hair

by Kerri Cooke

Mardi Gras is a time when dressing up is expected. You can enhance your personality or choose to be someone else for a night at a costume ball. Either way, dresses and costumes are not complete without accompanying hair and makeup. Kylie Marcantel, owner of Blush, gives tips on what’s hot and what’s not for the 2026 Mardi Gras season. 

Makeup 

While the “clean girl” look is still popular, Mardi Gras gives women an opportunity to be a little bolder with their makeup than they would be on an average day. Marcantel says some girls opt to match their makeup to the colors of their dresses or request a smoky eye. And false lashes are a must. Customers requesting a bright red lip increase as well.  

When it comes to costume balls, Marcantel says it’s the perfect opportunity to turn up the volume on the makeup even more as the look needs to match a specific theme. One time she drew a mask on the face of one client. 

The most important aspect of Mardi Gras makeup is its lasting ability. Full coverage is often requested, but since many are having their appointments on the same day, a girl might have to get her makeup done as early as 9:00 a.m. for an event that night. Marcantel says the optimal appointment time is around 1:00 p.m., and many of her stylists are already booked up for Mardi Gras events as clients book appointments as soon as they know the dates of the festivities.  

Hairstyles 

For the more formal events of Mardi Gras, many girls are opting for hairstyles that leave their hair down—think “Hollywood curls that last all day or lots of volume,” Marcantel says. “There’s an occasional updo, but everything we did in the ‘90s is coming back. Think Farrah Fawcett hair.” 

The same rule applies for hair as makeup when it comes to costume ball. Marcantel notes that one time she did a girl’s hair in the style of Pippi Longstocking. If the theme were to be Versailles, think of powdered curls Marie Antoinette style. 

Marcantel emphasizes, “If you haven’t booked a hair and makeup appointment for Mardi Gras, it’s time to do so.” 

For more information on Blush, call 337-602-6627.