Most of the year my makeup routine follows a natural, barely-there approach with the occasional pop of lip color or cat-eye. So I jump at the chance to step up my game and play with dramatic looks for the holidays. This simple, step-by-step application creates a shimmering glow that’s ready for anything from Hanukkah to New Years.
step 3: Using your ring finger (the weakest, so it won’t damage the delicate skin around your eyes), dap a generous amount of gold shimmer shadow (Toast) on the lower half of your lid. I prefer gel shadow for this step–it lasts longer than powder for a full night wear.
step 4: Line your top and bottom lids with black eyeliner. For a little added drama, draw a thin cat-eye at the edge of your lid. Smudge the top lid for a smokier look.
step 5: Apply one or two coats of volumizing mascara. Create the illusion of even longer, fuller lashes by applying baby powder in between the coats of mascara.
step 6: Swipe bronzer (Bronze Light) along the hollow of your cheek, just below the cheekbone. When choosing a bronzer, pick one that is just a shade or two darker than your natural skin tone.
step 7: Using a pink or rose tinted blush (Pink Grapefruit Glow), apply color in a circular motion to the apples of your cheeks. I love a moisturizing cheek stain that doesn’t dry out my skin in winter.
step 8: Use a luminizer to trace down the bridge of your nose and just below your temples to meet the blush/bronzer. Add a final touch in the crease above your upper lip.
step 9: Apply lip stain as a base coat to your lips; this preps your lips and helps to seal the top color. Follow with a matte red lipstick (Russian Red). Use a tissue to blot the excess color.
step 10: Use a powder brush to dust your whole face with translucent loose powder. Move the brush quickly so it doesn’t get to heavy in one area. This gives the final shimmering touch for an overall holiday glow.
