10 Unexpected Holiday Party Makeup Ideas from the Runways Wendy Rodewald-Sulz
Who says special occasions necessarily call for a smoky eye and full coverage foundation? Our M.O. for this year’s holiday party season is all about focusing on one feature, and doing something completely unexpected. Glitter, bright lipstick and metallic liner are all fair game, as long as the rest of the look is laid back. Here are 10 starting point ideas from the runways to guarantee you’re the most interesting woman at the party — not that you needed makeup for that.
Pat McGrath took an imperfect approach to applying glitter on models at Anna Sui. And why not? Glitter is supposed to be fun, and it’s inevitably a bit messy. Tap a bit of Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Cosmetic Glitter in Gold ($14) over a base of sticky lip balm or lash glue, and give the Christmas tree a run for its money.
At Anthony Vaccarello, makeup artist Tom Pecheux used black glitter to mimic the look of slept-in makeup, but we love the idea for adding an unexpected sort of sparkle to an otherwise minimal face. With a bit of Make Up For Ever Glitter in Midnight Glow ($15) concentrated along the lower lash line, the effect looks like smudgy liner that shimmers when the light catches it just right.
The key to making a matte red lip feel not-so-retro is blending out the edges with a Q-tip, which is how makeup artist Lucia Pieroni created the look at Missoni. She used MAC Lipstick in Dangerous ($16), a red-orange matte, with a second shade, Relentlessly Red, applied to the center to make the color pop.
Yes, you can leave the house without mascara — with this shade on your lips, you won’t need it, promise. Make like Burberry’s models and don a coat or two of the brand’s Lip Cover in Ruby ($33), which makeup artist Wendy Rowe dusted with translucent powder over a tissue to leave a matte finish.
In a sea of fully made up faces, what stands out more than a bare, skin-focused look? Glossy textured brows, lids and cheekbones make the overall effect more pulled together and deliberate. At Thakoon, makeup artist Diane Kendal used super shiny Nars Triple X Lip Gloss ($26) to make models’ eyelids shine.
A luminizing primer can give skin an all-over radiance, like the models’ complexions at Marni, and in winter no one will mistake your on-purpose glow for a sweaty face. Slather on L’Oréal Paris Magic Lumi Light Infusing Primer ($12.49) and let your lit-up skin steal the show. Filled in brows and a little contour color add a bit of definition, but that’s all you really need.
Okay, we wouldn’t advise you to be quite so aggressive with the star spangled look as the runway version at A Detacher. But a teeny star or two at the outer corner of each eye makes a festive touch for when you can’t be bothered to undertake multi-step smokies.
For makeup artist Peter Phillips, adhesive makeup is nothing new. But this metallic sticker liner from Dior’s Fall/Winter 2015 Couture runway is a totally fresh take on glitzy party style — and you can peel it right off at the end of the night. Dior sells a limited-edition set of the Mirror Eyes Multi-Wear Adhesive Eyleliner Patches ($61), or you can craft your own and attach your DIY creation with lash glue.
With your eyes open, crease-hugging eyeliner like the version at Yoana Baraschi gives a cat eye effect. But every blink reveals a look that’s way more statement-making. Makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes used Butter London Eye Pencil in Alabaster Gaze ($18) to play off the red lip.
Silver liquid liner makes an even bolder statement, if you dare. But models at Veronica Beard pulled it off, and you can, too. Try Lancôme Artliner in Silver ($30.50), and keep the rest of your look simple.
