For those looking to master their festive makeup, three classic looks offer timeless appeal and can be adapted for a polished, grown-up glamour. These iconic styles, favored by makeup artists for A-list clients, focus on achieving a radiant and refined appearance.
Classic Red Lip
This enduring party look emphasizes a bold red lip paired with a pared-back aesthetic. To ensure the red lip feels modern, it's crucial to keep the rest of the face understated. While mascara is acceptable, a smoky eye should be avoided. Experts advise prepping lips with a balm for at least 20 minutes, then blotting it off before application. Concealing any redness around the mouth can further enhance the look. A hydrating satin or matte lipstick texture is considered most flattering.
Using concealer around the mouth can help define the lip line. A creamy lip liner, such as Max Factor Lip Shader Twist-Up Lip Liner, can be applied subtly, followed by a light layer of lipstick. Blotting and reapplying the lipstick creates a lasting finish. For a more contemporary feel, avoid drawing a sharp lip line, opting instead for a softened, blurred effect achieved by gently blending with the fingers.
Smoky Eye with Nude Lip
A sophisticated smoky eye paired with a natural-looking nude lip is a consistently glamorous choice. To update this look for the current season, nude lips should appear natural rather than chalky. The skin should have a healthy sheen, not excessive shine, and eyeshadows with a subtle shimmer are recommended. Eyeshadow sticks are an easy way to achieve this, with a matte shade used to create a V-shape from the outer corner of the eye, extended into the crease. A shimmering shadow in a complementary tone can be applied to the eyelids and smudged along the lower lash line for definition.
Using shades of chocolate brown or minky grey for the smoky eye is often more flattering than harsh black. Black is best reserved for defining the lash line itself. It is advisable to avoid pairing a smoky eye with a bright lipstick, as this can be overpowering.
Golden Glow
A radiant, lit-from-within complexion is also ideal for the party season. For a warm base, prep the skin with a gradual tanning product. Opt for a bronzer in a lighter shade than typically used for summer. For more mature skin, gel and cream bronzers with a sheen, rather than sparkle, are recommended to avoid highlighting fine lines.
Bronzer can effectively be used as eyeshadow, blended across the lids to create an all-over glow. A nude and neutral blush, applied from the tops of the cheekbones across the bridge of the nose, complements this look. It is important to avoid applying bronzer in the hollows of the cheeks, instead dotting it higher, in line with the top of the ear.
