If you're getting 'glam' for holiday parties, don't ignore your make-up

By Lindsey West

December 22, 2005 | With Santa Claus loading his sleigh, and the holiday celebrations well under way, it's time to get ready! Getting party-ready is something a girl has got on her mind this time of year. The invitations are out and the next step is very carefully choosing a shirt that matches the appropriate skirt, ensuring it won't clash with your new necklace that shouldn't detract from your favorite earrings that appear perfectly whether your hair is up or down. Then with the new party shoes you bought to compliment your default party handbag, you are ready for the final touch -- your face! Your holiday party make-up needs to be bold but not overpowering, beautiful but not boring, and attractive but not obnoxious. The holidays don't last long, so this is your time to shine!

"Dressing up for the holidays is so fun because it's one time you can try new things or go the extra mile to look special instead of your every-day routine," said Natalie Sadler, a sociology student at Utah State University. Sadler and her roommates look forward to the holiday season as a time for parties and fun outings where they can dress up and look their best. Putting your best face on is indeed fun, but first you need to prepare it and make sure you have the proper tools for easiest and most successful application.

"First things first with your face; make sure your skin is looking its best," said esthetician Lisa Richards from Orem. "If you want your make-up to look great, you need to put it on a good canvas; so make sure your skin is prepared." Richards has worked in Von Curtis' salon of Orem as an esthetician and make-up artist for four years.

"Wash your face twice a day and always, always moisturize no matter what," said Richards. She also suggested gently exfoliating twice a week and de-toxifying once a week with a clay mask. Richards said it is important to personalize your skin-care products according to the characteristics of your skin. She specifically suggested choosing from the variety of cleansers, exfoliates, and masks produced by Mary Kay.

"But keep in mind, that make-up can only look good if it's applied well," Richards said.

The world of make-up brushes and applicators is seemingly endless and therefore, requires some experimentation. If you are a novice in the science of make-up application, try doing some research. A good place to start is any cosmetic counter or website. For example, there are multiple tools, brushes, and applicators available from M.A.C Cosmetics. Each product is pictured with a description of what it is used for and where it is used on the face or eyes. The right tools will make it so much easier to achieve the look you want.

After your face is properly cleansed, exfoliated, moisturized and you have the appropriate tools for application, the only step left is the make-up itself. Choosing make-up is a personal decision since it also will require a bit of experimentation. Depending on price and preference, there are many choices. If you prefer to try before you buy, you will need to physically go to the store where it is sold as opposed to the convenience of buying online. There are advantages to either method of purchasing, so if you want to see the colors and feel the texture of the make-up, it is best to shop at a store. If convenience and speed are your main concern and you are flexible with colors and textures, then shopping online may be a good way for you to find cosmetics. Some websites offer a large variety of brands and products such as Sephora.com. Either way, everyone should start with a proper foundation.

"Foundation is important because it provides the base of your entire look," said Hillary Rose, make-up artist of M.A.C Cosmetics. Rose suggests finding the appropriate color by applying a bit of foundation on the jaw-line, right in front of the ear.

"If the foundation you apply is invisible, you've found the right color," said Rose. She also said to choose what kind of foundation you will like based on your skin's texture, color, and natural moisture. Once you have applied your foundation, brush a bit of loose powder over your forehead, eyelids, and nose to avoid looking shiny. "You want to be glowy, not shiny," Rose said. "It's OK to look dewy and fresh, but you don't want to look like you just went swimming."

Now it's time for the fun part: eye shadow. The December 2005 issue of Glamour magazine gives four specific looks to wear to any holiday event this year:

1. Sexy Metallics: Blend a gold shadow over brow bones. Dust bronzer on lids and cheekbones, then run some under your eyes. Now add mascara. Swipe on a sparkly lip gloss. (Suggested colors from M.A.C: Dress to Kiss, powder in Refined Beyond Bronze and Snow Girl LipGlass; all available at maccosmetics.com.)

2. Cool Blues: Rim top and bottom lids with blue shadow and smudge right above eye creases. Dab a shimmery pale blue on the middles of top lids only. Apply mascara and sheer foundation, then rub in pinkish cream blush. Run a sheer plum-pink gloss over lips. (Suggested colors from Lancôme: Blur, Ice Princess, and Ultra-Light Kirsch lip gloss; all available at lancome.com.)

3. Ultra-Violets: Sweep on berry-colored blush. Smudge violet shadow all around your eyes, then brush a shimmery lavender on your lids and just above your creases. Finish with mascara. Not purpled out? Apply plummy lipstick. (Suggested colors from Revlon: Wine With Everything, Berry Bloom Shadow Quad, and Iced Amethyst lipstick; all available at drugstores.)

4. Old-Hollywood Pink: Pat foundation where you need it; blend on a mauve-y cream blush. Sweep pearly pinkish-beige powder on cheekbones. Line top lids with metallic brown pencil. Follow with beige cream shadow and mascara. Slick on a gimmery mauve lip gloss. (Suggested colors from Estee Lauder: Snow Shimmer Face Powder, Copper Writer eye pencil, and lip gloss in Hot Iron; all available at esteelauder.com.)

With your outfit perfectly fitted and your best face forward, you're ready to party! Other tips and suggestions are available through any good cosmetic company in stores and on the internet. The Holidays can be your time to be creative and unique with your make-up, but don't get discouraged if you're not an expert--remember, practice makes perfect--so have fun!

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