Whether it’s someone close to you or a celebrity (such as Michael Jackson) close to your heart, funeral makeup is always the same. This is a matte, neutral look with as little color as possible. The reason most women wear makeup, beyond covering their endless flaws, is to look more awake, healthy, and glowing. None of these are appropriate for a funeral/memorial service. On the other hand, you don’t want to disrespect  the deceased by showing up all crazy cat-lady looking. Follow these guidelines: 

-It’s ok to use foundation or spot cover, but try to go easy on it. Bags under the eyes, for example, should retain some of their integrity. Pimples and the like can be covered, unless you’d like to attribute them to stress.

-Go easy on the blush too. If you have a more neutral, tawny color that will give your face definition without a healthy glow, use that instead. A little shading under the cheekbone to look extra gaunt it excellent if you can pull it off subtly. 

-Just a touch of lip balm as needed. If the family is Greek, Italian, or celebrity, everyone will be wearing lipstick so it’s ok to choose a medium-toned matte color. 

-Mascara is completely appropriate, but just make sure it’s waterproof (unless of course you posses that extra flair for drama). Even if you don’t think you’re going to cry, you never know what can spark you off at these kinds of things. Maybe something will remind you of that paper-mache farm you stayed up all night making in the fifth grade only to drop it to a million pieces on the way to school. See, I’m tearing up a little here already. 

R.I.P. Michael