By now you’ve probably learned that the best part of a big night out is the anticipation: “What will I wear?!” “How should I do my hair?” The process of getting ready is usually more fun than the actual celebration itself (especially if you have roommates!), and the holidays are no exception. Tis the season to go bold, try new trends, and get yourself red carpet worthy.
Here are 7 party looks to help you get the all-eyes-on-me moment you’ve been waiting for:
Look 1: Shimmering Lids
I’ve recently incorporated a new staple to my holiday makeup bag: Maybelline’s Copper Craze Eye Shadow ($4.99). I’m completely obsessed. I either where it alone with a black eye liner, or mix it with a deep brown eye shadow to create a warm, sparkly smoky eye. As you can see, this look is particularly flattering on blue-eyed beauties like Amanda Peet. I also love Amanda’s sophisticated, yet effortless updo. And nothing says festive like a pretty hair accessory. Jennifer Behr does the best hair accessories for special occasions.
Look 2: Sleek Locks
In my opinion, Camilla Belle is one of the most beautiful celebs out there, and her make up and hair are always flawless. I love that even though her hair is down, it still looks special. To achieve this style, apply a dime- size amount of hair gel (Redken does great gels) to the front of your head only. Next, comb hair from your hairline to the crown, while your hair is still wet. Leave the rest of your hair to dry straight down your back. I also love the gold shadow rim underneath Camilla’s eyes. My recent makeup obsession is Benefit’s Hard Angle Definer Brush ($20); it’s a foolproof way to line your eyes with shadow.
Look 3: Bold Eye and Nude Lip
When does Heidi Klum ever look bad? The answer, of course, is never, but she looks especially stunning here. I love her glam hairstyle– one side swept back with a little gel and a bobby pin. (These mini bobby pins are some of my faves!. They are great for fine hair or small pieces of hair that you want secured discreetly.) When sporting a dramatic eye like Heidi’s, it’s best to have a natural lip. To create a similar, understated mouth, first apply a little Chap Stick or exfoliant. Then, line and fill your lips with a nude pencil. I like MAC’s Lip Pencil in Boldly Bare ($15). Next, go over with Too Faced’s Lipstick in Nude Beach ($15) and dot just the center of your lips with Stila’s Lip Glaze in Kaleidoscope to create a very natural, pretty pout.
Look 4: A Sensuous Lip
Wine hues are huge right now, and Kat Dennings pulls the look off amazingly. I love the contrast of the dark lip with her fair skin– tres chic! A beauty editor friend gave me her faves for creating this stunning lip color: Becca Cosmetics Ultimate Color Gloss in Berry Twist ($24) and Stila Long Wear Lip Color in Darling($20). The whole look is very romantic. Another great hair accessory idea – especially if you want to keep costs low — is to go to a ribbon or material store and buy a festive strand to weave into your hair. (Secure with the mini bobby pins I mentioned above.)
Look 5: Pretty in Pink
What struck me most about this look is the pink…. it’s just so darn pretty. Kate’s skin is glowing and I love that the lips match her cheeks creating a very natural, youthful, flirty look. I found a pink lipstick that’s identical to this by MAC; it’s called Scanty and I get compliments every time I wear it. Unfortunately it’s been discontinued, but MAC’s Viva Glam Nikki Lipstick ($15) is very similar. A great pink blush to try is Gaiety Blush by NARS ($28). I also like that Kate’s asymmetrical ‘do is edgy yet pretty, and not too complicated.
Look 6: Classy and Classic
Rihanna’s sporting the perfect matte red lipstick. If I had to guess, it’s Ruby Woo by MAC ($15). This poppy red color is being worn by the biggest celebs, socialites and tastemakers. Like fashion, makeup is all about balance. When you have a bold lip, you want to counterbalance it with a more natural eye. In order to achieve a clean and glowing eye like Rihanna’s, try a cream eye shadow — Shiseido Cream Eye Color ($25) is my go-to . Then line your top lash line with a liquid liner. I use Lancome’s Artliner in Noir ($29.50), which is pretty much liquid liner for dummies because it’s in a pen form, which makes the application very easy. If you’re brave enough to apply false lashes, go for it. If not, I suggest a lash curler and my tried and true Great Lash Mascara by Maybelline ($5.99).
Look 7: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley
I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Rosie Huntington0-Whitley and I have to say, she’s just as stunning in person as she is in photos. Those lips, that body…it’s kinda ridic, and well, totally unfair. Topknots are very on trend, and Rosie’s is a little more refined, making it perfect for evening. There are plenty of “how-to” tutorials online. Just Google: “create an evening top knot”. It’s fairly easy. If you want a shiny, sleek look like Rosie’s, smooth a dime size (or less) amount of Redken’s Glass Smoothing Serum ($25) on your hair. Then Finish with a few spritzes of L’Oreal Elnett Satin Hairspray ($14.99). Add some statement earrings to amp up the glamour–J. Crew has some amazing ones, and they should be on sale right now!
Well, here’s to looking amazing on your special night out! And bonus: These party beauty trends will make those five post-holiday pounds unrecognizable. ;)
Tell me: Which celeb look is your favorite? Do you have a go-to party style?
– LIZA COLLIS
Liza Collis is a fashion magazine editor in Manhattan and a beauty guru to her friends. She believes that the best thing about being a woman is the opportunity to experiment with beauty every single day.
Written by Sabrina Alexis
