Calling all glamour girls! The season of sparkle and shine is upon us. The allure of winter style begins with your makeup—red lips, smoky eyes, and blushed cheeks are often the signature looks for the season.
By Kate O’Connor — Photographed by Bobby DiMarzo
Along with those classic trends, the freedom to add some shimmer to your makeup routine allows for the ultimate feminine touch (especially when you have glitzy outfit to match!) Essentially, looking your best during the holiday season begins and ends with your face and nothing beats the winter blues like the permission to dazzle yourself and your wardrobe. We asked beauty expert Noel McKinnon, owner of makeup 2 die 4, to help us with our holiday beauty routine.
What makeup suggestions do you have for transitioning from day to night festivities during the holidays?
When it comes to going seamlessly from day to night, think in terms of day/light and dark/night. Then, just really only focus on one or two areas. Adding a darker shadow can transform your look into glam in a matter of seconds! I love to glam things up with Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Shadow Stick in Violet Plum because it glides on smoothly and makes your transformation a snap. A darker lipstick is great and instead of the typical red, now’s the time to try something unexpected. What about NARS Audacious Lipstick in Bette? It’s a nice bordeaux. For a little pop, put a tiny bit of your favorite lip gloss just in the middle of your lip for a kissable pout.
What are the best products to protect your skin against the harsh winter weather?
Most people don’t think about exfoliation, but it’s a very important first step for winter glowing skin. Slough off the rough stuff for a great glow. Ole Henriksen Walnut Complexion Scrub is my favorite but be warned…the smell is so tempting you might consider eating it! Another great product is Mary Kay Intense Moisturizing Cream, which wards off snake skin in the winter. A little dab will do it every morning. I also use Bio-Oil every night and wake up with beautiful skin.
We’re always focusing on face for a winter glow. But don’t forget your lips! Slather on Burt’s Bees Replenishing Lip Balm to keep them smooth. Your hands also take the brunt of winter winds, so smooth away chapped skin with VMV Hypoallergenics Essence Hand + Body Smoother. The coconut has fats that are similar to those in the skin’s barrier, so it can replace the stuff that’s so easily stripped away in winter.
Don’t forget your scalp, no one wants flakes. I love Clear Scalp Hair & Beauty Therapy Complete Care Nourishing Anti-Dandruff Shampoo.
What color palettes are you following this holiday season?
For 2014 holiday glam, I’m leaning toward a smoldering eye and deep rich lip colors in plums and various purples.
What beauty products are you using right now?
A must-have in my makeup bag is MAC Fluidline in black. It’s easy to apply with a liner brush and stays on all night long, no matter what time your party ends. I like CoverGirl LashBlast Volume Mascara (waterproof) and MAC Pro Longwear Lipcolour. They have the perfect shade and it stays put. You can add the gloss that comes with it throughout the night, but don’t have to retouch if you don’t want to.
What are the prominent makeup styling trends right now?
Glitter is always fun and can “jazz it up” but don’t wear too much! You don’t want to look like one of the decorations. Pick one spot on your face and allow that to shine, whether it’s glitter eye shadow, glittery cheek sheen or a super shiny lip. Some products to try are NYX Candy Glitter Liners, Make Up For Ever Diamond Powder and Bare Escentuals High Shine Eyecolor.
