Strike A Pose
While I would never recommend looking your worst, there 'are' certain times of the year that practically beg for you to look your best. Yes, I am talking about the holidays, oh, wise reader. As we saw last month, the fashion world is ablaze with different trends..there is something for everyone. The same could be said of makeup. Whether your style is more 'au naturale' or 'glam girl', this year's holiday makeup trends are sure to have something to please.
The Natural Look
Winter weather is harsh enough on a girl's skin without adding a bunch of extra chemical-laden products to the mix. Moisturizer is your best friend, and really, a natural glow never goes out of style.
Cat Eye Make Up
Another perennial favorite; nothing makes a statement quite like the exotic look of a well-executed cat's eye drawn in sweeping strokes of eyeliner (black is my personal favorite for a dramatic effect).
Bold Lipstick
Classic red is always trendy, but this season's cold snap is broken by luscious berries and juicy plums in hues ranging from deepest purple to the most subtle mauve. Depending on the occassion and your own taste, add a little shimmer, a lot of sparkle, or opt to go matte; all would be perfectly in tune with the trends of the times.
False Eyelashes
Not all of us are graced with a set of full, thick eyelashes to bat at our favorite wizard (or witch as the case may be), and the popularity of false eyelashes for the mainstream has enjoyed a resurgance of popularity not seen since Donna Summer (The Queen of Disco for those of you young whippersnappers too young to know) first burst on the scene decades ago. Gone are the messy glues of yesteryear, today's lashes go on with an ease and come in a wild array of colors; from metallic to neon blue to..well, you get the point.
Icicle Eyes
Brrr...that made me cold just typing it. Let me grab my cup of warm butterbeer and see if I can do this trend justice. Choose a light shade like icy blue or lavender (or even white if you really want to go bold) and sweep across eyelid. Highlight the brow bone and inside corner of the eye with a glittering white for an extra pop. Yes..seriously cold now!! But it does sound pretty.
Tinsel Tips
Think of it as the French manicure of the 21st century. Apply two coats of dark purple polish to your nail, topped by a strip of silver polish along the tops. Funky and ultra trendy; you will certainly turn heads with this one. A great motivation for us..ahem..nail biters to break that nasty habit once and for all.
Dark Dramatic Brows
Wimpy, skinny, barely-there brows begone!! Dark, dramatic brows are all the rage this winter; so break out the eyebrow pencil and start filling in those lines, ladies. Use quick short strokes; and keep them nice and neat with a clear brow wax or gel. For the holidays, use a pearlescent highlighter just under the brow bone. Tres' chic!
Bronzer
Not just for the summertime anymore; you can have that beach babe look all year around, thanks to the magic of makeup to 'make up' for what Mother Nature forgot to give you. Even her palest of daughters (like myself) can dive right into this hot trend for a healthy glow. Just don't go overboard or you will end up looking more silly than stylish.
Smoky Eyes
Another classic look with a holiday twist. Instead of the usual charcoal grays and blacks, opt for deep emerald greens. Not only does it add a bit of unexpected drama, but it fits in quite well with the season too.
And there you have it folks; so break out those brushes and paints and get cracking. There's parties awaitin', festivities to enjoy, and even if all you are doing is spending quality time with family and friends for a quiet night at home, it never hurts to look your best.
