Christmas Beauty

Posted on 30 November 2009

by Rachel Muckley

It’s the season to be jolly… and gorgeous! If you’re feeling adventurous and need to break free from your usual colours and techniques, these looks are guaranteed to turn heads.

Old Hollywood Glamour

Eyes

• A slick of black liquid liner along upper lashes is all that’s needed. At the outer edges, flick it ever so slightly upwards towards the brow end. False lashes or mascara using heated eyelash curlers really make the eyes pop.
• A clean, arched, slightly tapered brow is key to the look. After a professional shape you can use an eyebrow pencil, powder or gel to enhance and define.

Lips

• Go fifties screen siren! Think anywhere along the wide spectrum of reds, from cherry to berry, crimson to wine. A blue-toned red will make teeth appear whiter.
• Lips must be in tip top condition to carry this off so use a gentle exfoliant on them. Vaseline with an old toothbrush used on the lips in small, circular movements does the trick, so no excuses!  Use a balm to keep soft and moisturised.

Base

• A porcelain, luminous complexion is most true to the original look. For those with darker skin tones keep your base translucent and even.
• For a more contemporary touch, add a little highlighter on shoulders, collarbone, cheekbones and brow bone. You can use anything from a powder shimmer to a liquid illuminator once it has a pearl or shimmer effect as opposed to a glittery one. You’re aiming for subtle, light-reflecting enhancement – a classy, grown-up look.

Celebrity inspiration: Audrey Hepburn, Gwen Stefani, Dita Von Teese.

Retro, Bright Lips

Eyes

• As the lips are the focus keep eyes simple with a gunmetal, charcoal or  soft black liner with eye colours in natural shades of bone,  nougat, mushroom and taupe to define and contour.
• A strong, full brow and lashings of mascara to finish.

Lips

• A bold lip is not only striking, it’s en vogue. Vibrant lips were all over the catwalks this season and “high-street” beauty is following that lead. Although it may seem intimidating, find the right shade for you and you’ll never look back! Popular colours include fuchsia, bright raspberry, amethyst, candyfloss pink and coral.
• A matte look is most fashion-forward but if you haven’t a particularly full mouth, try layering a clear gloss on top. Highlighting the cupids bow is another effective trick to faking a pout Angelina would be proud of!

Base

• This needs a clean, flawless base to work. Ensure foundation matches your skin tone perfectly.
• The skin should be in it’s best possible condition (get started on that now ladies!). Use concealers to cover blemishes, under- eye circles and high colouring. Highlight and contour where needed.
• Don’t over-do it on the false tan, keep it light and sun-kissed.

Celebrity inspiration: Rihanna, Kelly Osbourne, Kate Bosworth.

Metallic Smoke

Eyes

• We’ve all tried and tested the fail-safe smoky eye. This is just as sultry but will set you apart from the typical kohl-eyed party crowd! Instead of the typical greys, slates and charcoals try plum, chocolate, deep green, midnight blue or burnished gold (my personal favourite).
• There are just two rules when it comes to choosing your new smouldering palette:

1. Pick shades to compliment, not match, your eye colour and skin tone.
2. Whatever you choose, go with a metallic finish! Metallic is the LBD of make-up and is universally flattering. It is also the best way to update and brighten the smoky eye, adding a party feel to the look.

Lips

• Keep them nude or at least pale. Lipstick, gloss or stain are all fine once you stay within a couple of shades of your natural lip colour. Let your peepers do the talking.

Base

• Keep it warm and pay attention to cheekbones. Create depth by using a matte, natural bronzer in the hollow of the cheek, running along under the cheekbone and a subtle highlighter on the top swirled gently up onto the brow bone.

Celebrity inspiration: Kate Hudson, Charlize Theron, Rachel Weisz.