The holidays are time for fun and color! However, with a calendar packed with holiday shopping, parties and activities, you may be short on time and end up looking ho hum instead of fabulous.
It’s easy to add some pizzazz to the festivities with the help of some tips and tricks from Joanna Schlip, Physicians Formula’s celebrity makeup artist.
BRIGHTEN EYES WITH SHIMMER
This holiday season, shimmery eye shadows are right on trend. If you want to brighten your eyes, a smoky eye look will be your best choice and also the sexiest option for a holiday party! However, if dark shadows overwhelm your eyes, try a modern take on smoke and use a shimmer to create a smudgy effect instead.
TIP: Apply the shadow starting above your eyelashes and take it up just past the crease in your eyelid. Blend lightly so you don’t have a visible line. Shimmery eye shadows are fantastic for this look. Consider plums, coppers and shades of grey for a “smoky” effect that will look great in pictures.
GET THE LOOK: First apply Physicians Formula Circle Rxâ„¢ Circle Control Concealer as a base on lid and under eyes to cover dark under-eye circles. Then to achieve a smoky eye with shimmer, apply Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips Custom Eye Enhancing Shadow & Liner
.
CREATE A DRAMATIC LOOK WITH EYELINER
An eyeliner is a must for well-finished eye makeup and to create an instant new look. Eyeliner can make even the smallest eyes appear larger which is a huge reason so many people use it, but applying it correctly is key. Using a thin pencil will give you a more subtle effect, while using a liquid liner or thicker pencil will create a more dramatic look.
TIP: Draw a line as close to your lashes as you can and follow it up with an eye shadow applied with a narrow brush to soften. This will not only even out the liner and give you a smoky look, but it also seals the line so it won’t budge through the night.
GET THE LOOK: For dramatic, smoky or cat eyes apply Physicians Formula Eye Definer Felt Tip Eye Marker or Physicians Formula Mineral Eyeliner Pencil
or Physicians Formula Organic Wear® Eyeliner Pencil
for soft lining.
FAKE YOUR EYES COME ALIVE WITH MASCARA
Long and thick eyelashes are a simple way to bring your holiday look from drab to fab. Before you apply mascara, curl your lashes to make your eyes seem larger. Use an eyelash curler and curl your lashes very carefully, positioning the curler around your eyelashes with the upper lashes between the edges of the curler. Carefully squeeze the edges of the eyelash curler together and hold for a few seconds.
TIP: Don’t apply more than two coats of mascara – otherwise you can make your lashes appear too done and unnatural. First, apply a thin coat and let it dry. Then build up with a second coat of mascara. When applying mascara to the lower lashes, gently brush the tip of the applicator across them.
GET THE LOOK: Choose black mascara and apply it after you have curled your lashes. Choose Physicians Formula Plump Potion Lash Plumping Mascara for a more dramatic result and Physicians Formula Mineral Wear® Talc-Free Mineral Mascara for sensitive eyes.
FINISH OFF A PARTY LOOK WITH PRETTY LIPS
Lip glosses are the perfect way to finish off your party look – not only are they quick and easy to apply, they always create a glamorous, finished look. Lip glosses also make your lips appear fuller, which adds to the holiday pizzazz. You can either use a colored gloss or a clear one applied over your lipstick.
TIP: Apply a dusting of your face powder or a bit of foundation to your lips to help maximize the staying power of the lipstick or gloss. Depending on your dress color, choose a lipstick that enhances the outfit. Apply the lip gloss over your lipstick to create a playful look and to make your lips appear luminous. Remember the golden rule: if your eyes are bright, choose a more neutral color for your lips and vice versa if your eyes have less color.
GET THE LOOK: If you are feeling frisky and want to make a bold statement with a red lip, choose a shade of cabernet or Bordeaux which are both hot for the holiday season.
If your lips are feeling lifeless, plump them up by adding some lip gloss with a lip plumping ingredient over your lipstick to make them look and feel fuller. Apply Physicians Formula Plump Potion® Needle-Free Lip Plumping Cocktail to add a little shimmer and fun to your look.
USE A BRONZER FOR A NATURAL-LOOKING GLOW
For the finishing touch and a healthy holiday glow, add some color to your face with a bronzer. After applying your foundation and powder, put some bronzing powder onto a brush and then knock the base of the brush against a hard surface. This will disperse the powder from the tip of the brush allowing you to get a very natural looking glow all over the face and neck.
TIP: Take the bronzing powder past your jaw line, down your neck and even down your décolleté if you are wearing a revealing top. Carefully blend in the makeup and you will have a natural “sun-kissed” look. If you’re wearing an off-the-shoulder top or dress rub some body lotion with shimmer on your arms and shoulders. The light will reflect off of the glitter and add a sexy, appealing touch.
GET THE LOOK: Choose Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips® Custom Bronzer, Blush & Eye Shadow for shimmer, Physicians Formula Magic Mosaic® Multi-Colored Custom Pressed Powder
for a soft, bronze glow and Physicians Formula Mineral Wear® Talc-Free Illuminating Bronzing Veil
for an all over sun-kissed effect.
All of the makeup products mentioned above can be purchased at your local drugstore or online at drugstore.com.
