There was a time in my life when I went to parties wearing things like clip-in hair extensions and eyeshadow with enormous glitter-flecks in it. Heels that I couldn’t walk in, because if I fell it didn’t really matter (because I probably wasn’t carrying a child). No coat, because I would rather freeze while waiting for a cab than deal with checking it.
That time in my life is more or less over; even on a big night out, I still want to be…you know…kind of comfortable. I’d like to look like me; just a slightly more dialed-up version of me. And I’d rather not spend more than about fifteen minutes on the whole getting-ready process; I’d like to just get there, please, because mama wants to dance.
What all that means: when holiday celebrations roll around, I’m less about fuss, and more about small tweaks that make a big difference.
Some of my favorite ways to step it up for party season:
– Glowy skin. Because makeup can be drying, if I’m going to be wearing a whole bunch of it I pay extra attention to moisturizing; even if I applied moisturizer in the morning, I apply it again before starting on my evening makeup. Simple Skincare Vital Vitamin Replenishing Rich Moisturizer, which instantly doubles skin’s hydration, is excellent for pre-makeup prep, and light enough that it doesn’t leave any residue. If I’m going out, I also always always always apply the Revitalizing Eye Roll-On (which cools and massages the eye area and basically makes you look wide-awake and ready to go) a couple of minutes before I start with my eye makeup, so it has time to settle into my skin.
– Sheer foundation. In the winter, I swap out my regular foundation (Make Up For Ever HD Foundation) for a lighter, more moisturizing formula that lets my skin show through. Next step: a light dusting of bronzer (don’t forget the neck and chest if those are exposed; you want to make sure all the skin that people can see matches), and a (very subtle) shimmer on the cheeks. Try: MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural; Bobbi Brown Shimmerbrick.
– Defined eyebrows. I’m usually lazy about eyebrow maintenance (tweezing, ehhhh), but if I’m going out, I definitely fill in my brows; it makes you look much more polished in seconds. Try: Shiseido Natural Eyebrow Pencil in Light Brown.
– Dramatic shadow. I usually stick to light brown and taupe shades, but around the holidays I use a big blending brush to layer deeper browns and purples into the crease and up towards my brows. Try: Stila Eye Shadow Trio in Purple Multi.
– (Just a little) smoke. In recent years I’ve moved away from liner under my eyes because it tends to make my eyes look smaller, but lately I’ve been using a stiff, flat shadow brush to apply a medium-brown shadow to just the outer third of my lower lash-line. If you blend it well and make it look more like a soft wash than a line, it’s super-flattering and great for evening. Try: NARS Eyeliner Brush.
– (Just a little) sparkle. Very glittery eyeshadow can be aging, but a light wash with a soft gold shadow adds drama without drawing too much focus. How to get a subtle effect: dip a medium-sized shadow brush in the powder, then tap it to remove any excess before gently sweeping it over your entire lid – you can do this either before you apply your other shadows (for the most subtle look) or after, for a little more drama. Try: Make Up For Ever Star Powder in Iridescent Pale Peach.
– False lashes. They make a huge difference. Huge. Try: MAC half lashes or the Too Faced Better Than False Lashes Lash Extension System (review here).
– Glossy red lipstick. Matte shades are feeling a little heavy to me at the moment; a sheer red feels more radiant and festive. Try: MAC Dazzleglass lip gloss.
Simple Skincare is a sponsor of Ramshackle Glam.
