Holiday Makeup Tutorial

The holiday festivities are in full swing and we are just a few weeks from Christmas and New Years Eve. If you’re like me, you like to change up your makeup routine to something a little more bold when heading out to a holiday party or gathering. Here are a few products that I am loving this season mixed in with my normal beauty routine:

1. FRESH FACE

After cleansing and moisturizing, I then apply concealer. I have been using the MAC Pro Longer Concealer (shade NC30) for a few months now and I am pretty impressed. It goes on very thin, but still offers full coverage. I like that it doesn’t get cakey or thick. I apply it with the Urban Decay “Finger” Brush. This brush is my absolute favorite for concealer!

After applying the concealer, I then put on my foundation. I just ran out of my Double Wear (I love love that foundation, see another review here) and wanted to try another similar product to review. I use the Chanel Vitalumièr Aqua Ultra Light Skin Perfecting Makeup during the summer and heard amazing things about the Velvet Smooth Effect Foundation.

So far, I love it! The foundation goes on like velvet and offers a buildable coverage. It seems to have some pretty good staying power and I love the way it makes my skin look and feel. I use the Bobbi Brown Full Coverage Face Brush to apply, then blend all over with my beautyblender.

Like most of you, my skin gets dry during the winter. To keep it from looking dull, I like to mix it with my MAC Strobe Cream. You can see how I do it below in the photo, no it’s not pretty, but it gets the job done!

At first, I was hesitant to try this. I am not a fan of “shimmer” in my foundation and the last thing I want is my skin to look oily. It turns out, this is pretty amazing. Like really amazing. It gives a very soft and subtle glow, but nothing overpowering. Some like use it as their moisturizer, others mix with foundation. I’ve tried both and I find that on me, I like to mix it with my foundation (I still use a lightweight, oil free moisturizer before). I use the color “Redlight“.

2. GOODBYE DARK CIRCLES

Ok, this is the ultimate beauty trick for diminishing dark circles. The Dr. Brandt “Needles No More”  under eye cream is the best product I have ever tried for diminishing puffy eyes and dark circles. It really works guys. I use this before putting on makeup (you only need a small dot, a little goes a long way).

After applying the eye cream, I conceal. I’ve talked about the Urban Decay Naked Skin Color Correcter several times before, but I absolutely love this product. It’s lightweight and doesn’t feel cakey. The pink color neutralizes dark circles and ultimately brightens tired eyes. I put this in a upside down triangle and then blend with my beautyblender. This is a product I use every single day! Have any of you tried this?

You can set your under eye concealer with a sheer powder (I am sharing mine below) or the “banana” powder from the contour kit. I highly recommend using the banana powder. It’s my go-to!

3. FINISHING POWDER

There’s no better way to set liquid foundation than with a sheer finishing powder. I’ve always used a loose powder, but recently tried Les Beiges Pressed Powder. I like the compact because it is easy to throw in your purse and I like that it has a mirror. This powder is sheer, making it ideal to wear over a tinted moisturizer or foundation.

4. CONTOUR (the easy way)

Another product I use almost daily is the Anastasia Beverly Hills Contouring Palette. This set truly perfect for anyone. It’s great for beginners or the “contouring pro” and offers a variety of color options to create a custom match.

I use this with my NARS ‘Ita’ Kabuki Brush. It makes it easy to get definition on your cheekbones and forehead. If you’re wanting to explore the contouring world, be sure to check out pinterest. There are several tips & tricks specifically for this palette.

5. BLUSH & HIGHLIGHT

I love love love the NARS ‘The Multiple’ Stick in Orgasm. I’ve gone through almost two tubes of this and it still remains one of my favorite blushes. This product is pretty versatile. It can be used for checks, lips and eyes. I like this because it’s a cream base, yet goes on like a powder. It very easy to travel with too! You don’t have to worry about it cracking and it takes up minimal space in your makeup bag. Such a great product! I have not tried the other colors, but I would like to try the matte bronzer. I used my Diffusing Blush Brush to apply the blush.

To highlight, I use the Ambient Lighting Palette from Hourglass. This would be an amazing Christmas gift if you are still looking for sometime to buy (or for yourself). I have been very excited to try this. There is so much hype around Hourglass products in general, but especially the highlighters. This palette has exceeded my expectations. The powders are very pigmented, so you don’t need much. They give the perfect glow that creates the look of flattering light while diminishing the look of wrinkles and blemishes. I’m still trying to figure out the best way to use this, but based on the reviews people seem to love this too! Right now, I use Dim Light (the first one) all over and the middle one under my eyes. It’s so pretty!

6. BROWS THAT WOW

It’s no secret I love a good brow pencil. And clearly based on the images before, I need it! I’ve used several different products but recently I have been using MAC ‘Eye Brows’ Brow Definer. I love that it is very thin, making it easy to create the look of tiny brow hairs. It is very easy to apply and lasts all day. I use this brow brush and ABH Clear Brow Gel to set the brows.

7. PARTY EYES

I honestly do not go very dramatic with my eyeshadow. I typically keep things pretty light and neutral, especially when throwing on a red lip. I love this Eye & Lip Kit from Bobbi Brown available at Nordstrom. This kit comes with two eyeshadows (I’m wearing both here), brow powder, and a lip gloss.

I did winged eyeliner to add a little drama to the eye. Something subtle, but definitely noticeable! I love the Little Black Eyeliner by Estée Lauder. It’s so easy to use and is waterproof (major plus).

For mascara, I went with my trusty Lancôme Hypnôse Drama Mascara. Being someone that likes to try new things, this is a product that I always have on hand. I always go back to this one! I also like to layer my mascaras but I may save that for a whole post of its own.

9. THE RED LIP

So let’s just say, I never wear red lipstick. Or I guess I should say, in the past, I never wore red lipstick. But after wearing the MAC Retro Matte in “Feels So Grand” on snapchat, you guys have changed my mind!

I’ve tried several shades in the Retro Matte and I can honestly say this stuff last for hours. I like it because it doesn’t flake or give me that line that some liquid lipsticks tend to do after a couple hours. Wearing red can be hard but in my opinion, this is the perfect holiday red!

A makeup artist that I worked with told me that she always used a nude lipliner for ANY color. Maybe that’s normal but I was pretty surprised to hear that. She said it was to create a fuller lip, then you could use your color of choice on top. I love this pink/nude color by Charlotte Tilbury. The color is “Pillowtalk” and it will forever be my favorite lipliner!

OUTFIT DETAILS: 

Topshop Sweater (Fit: this sweater runs true to size. Following US sizing in the parenthesis) | Gold Rings | Baublebar Crispin Drop Earrings (these are very lightweight, I have them in 3 colors!)