Just like most of you, it has been a crazy busy first two weeks December for me — filled with a lot of Christmas parties, reunions, get togethers and events here and there!(And I can only imagine how crazier it will get in the coming days!) And as we know, with the multiple holiday celebrations come with it the need to dress up and put on some make up to look photo ready OR at least look like we’re stress free and that we’ve had a good 8-hours of sleep the night before! Of course, we also want to put our best face forward for those school or family reunions when we get to see some family and friends only every few years!
So this is an answer to most of your emails requesting for me to share some of my make up tips for the holidays. I have here an easy step by step guide of my favorite party look that will take you from day to night. L’oreal’s professional makeup artist and head trainer, Verna Marin also helped me here and shared her expert advice in terms of proper application.
Pre – Makeup : Skincare
But before anything else, I would like to emphasize that having good skin is still more important than having a pretty face full of makeup. And good skin starts with good skincare.
I’ve been a long time user of the Swiss skincare brand, La Prairie (and I’ve written about it so many times here on the blog), because I can attest to its effectivity. It may be pricier than other brands out there, but since it is able to take care of my skin very well and slow down its aging process, then I believe I am saving a lot on buying other unnecessary creams or doing expensive facial. Investing in our skin after all is the best kind of investment we can make!
The 2 La Prairie products I am currently using now are these :
- White Caviar Illuminating Eye Cream
- Cellular Radiance Perfecting Fluid Pure Gold
Step 1: Foundation
Foundation is the base of your make up so you may want to start with a clean face. Apply a primer of your choice for this will help your make up last longer. Use a foundation brush (or a blending sponge) to apply your foundation. Start with the center of your face working your way out. This will help you to even out your foundation perfectly. You can also apply a concealer to brighten up your face and to hide the other dark spots. Then set your foundation with loose powder.
Step 2: Eyeshadow
Apply an eyeshadow primer to your eyelids. This will help the eyeshadow to adhere properly into the eyelids (and to make it last too, especially for those who have oily eyelids!) Then, apply the shadow on your eyelids with an eyeshadow brush. Make sure to blend it out evenly to avoid harsh lines. Use a fluffy brush and blend, blend, blend.
Choose a darker color for the eye crease. This will add depth to your crease, making your eyes look bigger.
Then, use a flat shader brush to apply a shimmery shadow on the center of your lids to give a highlighting effect. Then again, add a highlighter below your eyebrows for that added shimmer and glow in the eyes.
Step 3: Eyelashes
Use an eyelash curler to curl your lashes. I use two brands because my eyelashes are sparse (although long) and stick straight! I first use the Japonesque brand which is made of plastic, because it’s safer and less painful to use.
Then I use the Shu Uemura eyelash curler to add a more dramatic curl.
Then, start applying a lash glue to the false eyelashes and apply it closely to the eyelids, touching your natural lashes. Make sure that the false lashes adhere well to the natural lashes.
Add a black liquid liner to cover the dried white glue from the false lashes. Applying falsies (as they call it), will make your eyes look bigger and fuller!
Step 4: Bottom Eyeliner
Use an angled brush to apply the liner in your waterline. The angle brush will help you apply the product precisely.
Step 5: Eyeliner (Upper lash line)
Use any eyeliner that you want (felt tip, brush or pencil). Start from the inner corner of the eyes, lining it towards the end. Make sure to smooth out the line evenly.
Step 6: Eyebrows
The easiest way to fix your eyebrows is to use an eyebrow pencil. Start by applying the product in the inner part of the brow. This will help you to make a base for your brows.
Then line your eyebrows following your natural arch. Make sure to fill in the sparse area to make your brows look fuller.
Use a spoolie brush to even out the product. You may also use a brow gel to set the product and to avoid it from smudging.
Step 7: Cheeks
Use a big fluffy brush to apply blush. Smile and apply on the apples of your cheeks. Make sure to apply the product towards the temples too, to give you a more natural and flushed looked.
You can also apply a highlighter to your cheekbones to add glow. This will give you a more radiant look.
Step 8: Lips
Be sure to get rid of some of the products (foundation, for example) on your lips before you apply the lipstick shade that you want.
Line the lips with a lip liner to give it a fuller look. Then, use a lip brush to swipe the product accurately.
Start from the center of your lips working your way to the edges.
Make sure to fill the edges of the lips properly. You can add lipgloss for a little shine.
Of course, I will be the first to admit that putting on makeup is not as easy as it looks… but I’ve also always believed that it’s good to put in a little bit of effort every now and then. In my case, I kept on practicing on myself during my free time and now I am proud to say that I can put on makeup for events and parties without the help of a makeup artist! And yes, that includes putting on “falsies”, mascara and the works! The best part about this? It has saved me a lot in terms of time and money!
So here’s my most important tip for you ladies : just be patient with yourself and continue learning as much as you can (read and ask around) and before you know it, you will be able to do this on your own — even with your eyes closed! 😉
And you will be surprised yourself that you can now put your best face forward at your next holiday party — all on your own!
Lastly, don’t forget to SMILE. No matter how much effort or make up you put into your face, if you don’t smile… you won’t look good and feel good. So have fun and be merry! This season only comes but once a year, so let’s enjoy it while it lasts! Happy Holidays!!
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Special thanks to :
Verna Marin for my makeup – 0917 652 2430
Tin Lopez for my hair – 0915 139 6357