‘Tis the season to get a little more glam with your makeup. Ahead, pro eco makeup artist Jo Levy opens in a new tab shares five easy ways to create a festive look (emphasis on easy) that are perfect for any and every holiday soiree. Bonus: The products below — and all body care and makeup sold in our Whole Body department — do not contain 75+ ingredients opens in a new tab commonly found in conventional cosmetics and are never tested on animals.
1. Don’t Skimp on Skincare
Any kind of makeup, holiday or not, always looks best when applied on healthy, hydrated skin, explains Levy, so prep your complexion with a moisturizing serum. We like Mychelle Dermaceuticals Ultra Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum, which contains hyaluronic acid, an ingredient that can make skin appear plumper and more hydrated. A facial spray is another skincare staple to keep on hand; use it to revive makeup that’s starting to look dry or cakey (i.e. at the end of the day), or as quick refresh in between holiday parties or while traveling, suggests Levy. One to try: Evan Healy Rose Petal HydroSoul, a hydrating formula with a subtle floral scent.
2. Get Glowing
The holidays are all about sparkle, but that doesn’t mean you have to opt for full-on glittery makeup. Instead, focus on adding subdued shimmer and radiance with a product like the W3LL PEOPLE Bio Brightener Stick. “Sweep it onto your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, and the corners of your eyes to create a luminous glow in seconds,” suggests Levy. Also nice: Because it’s loaded with grapeseed oil, it’s ideal for dry and lackluster winter skin.
3. Master the Classic Red Lip
“Without a classic red lip, there’s just something missing when it comes to holiday makeup,” says Levy, who points out that the timeless look is perfect when you’re the one hosting the party. Swipe it on and you’ll look festive in seconds, so you can spend more time prepping for the party, and less time applying your makeup. Her product pick: Burt’s Bees Lipstick in Scarlet Soaked. “It’s a classic red with neutral undertones that flatters all skin tones,” she explains. The secret to color that lasts all night long? Layering, says Levy. She advises applying one coat, blotting with a tissue, then swiping on one more coat.
4. Play up Your Eyes
Amp up your eye makeup ever so slightly and a daytime look instantly becomes evening-ready, perfect for when you need to go straight from work to the office holiday party. The easiest way to do so is with a multi-tasking eye palette, like the Mineral Fusion Majestic Eye Palette (Limited edition; available while supplies last). Use the lighter, matte shades for daytime; come evening, smudge one of the darker, shimmery tones on the outer corners of your eyes to create a smokey effect, suggests Levy. This particular palette also comes with a brow pencil, eye liner, and brush—could it get any more convenient?
5. Warm up Your Complexion
Winter weather—coupled with the stress and exhaustion that are an inevitable part of the holiday season—can leave your complexion pale and dull. A tawny pink blush will add a healthy dose of vibrancy and warm up your skin, no added bronzer required, says Levy. Our pick: Dr. Hauschka Rouge Powder in 03 Blushing Rosé, which also touts jojoba oil.
For more ideas and inspiration, visit our holiday headquarters opens in a new tab, where you can enter to win groceries for a year for you and a friend. Full rules here opens in a new tab.
