I love a good holiday party. From the Christmas music to the warm cider to the general feeling of cheer, holiday parties are simply the best.
Another aspect of holiday parties I love?
Dressing up in festive sparkles.
I'll write another post specifically on my favorite holiday dresses (and some ideas for men too!), but this post is dedicated to adding a little bit of glam to your make up and hair.
Often times during the holidays, you see family and friends who you really don't see many other times. So, naturally, you'll want to look your best. Other than getting a lot of sleep, drinking plenty of water and eating healthfully, you can follow this skincare guide so you're glowing from head to toe, even before you apply makeup.
In terms of make up, I think there are three looks that look flattering and classy on everyone during the holidays: bold lips, sparkly eyes or glowy skin.
Red Lips
This look is perfect for when you're running a little late to a party or if you're going straight from work or another event as it really only requires a few quick steps.
First, make sure your lips are free of any product and then put a little bit of lip balm on. Let that absorb while you touch up your foundation or apply some mascara. Red lipstick looks best when paired with lots of black eyeliner and mascara and minimal eyeshadow (or else you'll look like a pageant queen).
Next, wipe off any excess lip balm with a tissue and apply red lip liner all over your lips. If you don't have any lip liner or are short on time, apply one coat of red lipstick like Nars' Jungle Red or Chanel's Coromandel. Then blot your lipstick on a tissue. You can apply a little translucent powder like Make Up For Ever's HD Powder here if you want to set the lipstick, but it is not necessary. Then apply a second coat of lipstick and you're set!
A big trend right now is matching your lipstick to your manicure. I think Chanel's Dragon Nail Polish works really well with most red lipsticks. However, if you want a perfect match, Butter London has a line of lip colors that match their nail polishes perfectly. Check them out here.
Gold Eyes
This look is perfect if you have a little more time to get ready and want something that will last all night.
Start out by priming your eyelids with an eye shadow primer such as Urban Decay's Primer Potion. This will ensure that your eye make up stays on all night without creasing or running.
Then apply a bronze or gold eyeshadow- I love MAC's Woodwinked or Stila's Foil Finish Eye Shadow- all over your eyelid and blend.
Next, line your eyes with black eyeliner- preferably a gel or liquid. Make sure the line is dark and clean (this isn't a smudgy, smoky eye). Also line your waterline to make your lashes look fuller.
Add some extra sparkle by applying a little bit of cream eyeshadow to the inner corner/area around the tear duct of your eye. This will make eyes appear whiter and bigger. I suggest Dior's Ivory Glow Luminous Eyeshadow. Then add loose glitter all over the eye. My picks are Make Up For Ever's gold glitter or iridescent white glitter (it basically blends into whatever color you have on and adds sparkle).
Then, add lots of black waterproof mascara, pair with light blush and natural lips. Voila, you're set for the night!
Glowy Skin
This is my personal favorite makeup and the look I most often wear. Having all over radiant skin and eye make up is timeless and always photographs well. This look focuses mainly on flawless, glowy skin.
First, I apply lots of foundation primer and eyeshadow primer. Then apply a light-medium coverage foundation such as Chanel's Vitalumiere Aqua all over your face and conceal imperfections with a heavy concealor (I like Bobbi Brown's corrector).
Apply a champagne colored eyeshadow- for example MAC's All That Glitters- all over your eyes. Line eyes with black eyeliner and add lots of mascara.
Then go back to your skin and set your foundation with a translucent powder like Make Up For Ever's HD Powder. Tap a little bit of illuminator on your cheek bones. My favorite is Benefit's Girl Meets Pearl. Also apply some of this on your brow bone and to the center of your lips.
Apply a shimmery blush like Nars' Orgasm to the apples of your cheeks and blend upwards and outwards.
Lips should be a natural looking color like a soft red or pinkish shade.
Happy holidays!
xoxo