Of course we strive to look our best all year. But the holiday season gives us an excuse to kick things up a notch.
And that means a little something shiny. Possibly a few sparkles. More gloss than you’d usually wear during daytime. A darker eyeliner and an unabashedly contoured cheekbone. And no one will bat a (bejeweled and extended) eyelash at any of it.
Here’s some of the latest and greatest wizardry in this year’s holiday makeup to play with. Have a blast.
First up is the Too Faced Under The Christmas Tree Breakaway Makeup Palette And Mascara ($99.99 on amazon.com). It’s three palettes that add up to 18 eyeshadows, a stunning bronzer, a blush and highlighter, plus a deluxe-sized Better Than Sex Mascara that will have your lashes looking luxurious.
On the shine-for-days front, Benefit Cosmetics Twinkle ‘n Jingle Palette ($44 on bloomingdales.com) is the way to bring the glow to every party you’re headed to. The collection of three blushes includes a dandelion baby-pink brightening blush, plus a nude-pink and a golden honey highlighter.
For all-around gorgeousness, MAC’s Holiday Heroes Kit ($79 on ulta.com) is a holiday-exclusive seven-piece collection for eyes, lips, and skin. It’s a doozy, packed with bestselling high-drama, deep red shades perfect for holiday outings in products like the company’s Lustreglass Lipstick, retro Matte Lipstick, and Brushstroke 24-Hour Liner.
Givenchy’s big-luxury holiday limited edition collection has just been released, and it’s super glammed up and sparkling for the season. The Le 9 De Givenchy Holiday Eyeshadow Palette ($67 on givenchybeauty.com) is nine luscious shades of garnet pinks and amethyst purples, peaches and shimmering taupes. I also love the line’s Le Rouge Sheer Velvet Holiday Lipstick ($44 on givenchybeauty.com), which, while vibrant, is also not so loud that it couldn’t be simply blotted twice and worn throughout the rest of the year.
On that same level of luxury is Chanel’s holiday line Lumiere Graphique ($88 on chanel.com) — a limited-edition eyeshadow palette inspired by the opulence and magic of the roaring ‘20s. The five contrasting shades (platinum beige, bronze, black, beige, and white) all add up to a smoky effect that can be played up or down, and are easy to layer and build.
And they’re a perfect match to the spectacular holiday lip offerings courtesy of Lady Gaga, via her Haus Labs line. This season she’s thrown down with an Atomic Shake Lip Lacquer Duo ($39 on hauslabs.com) – -two high-shine, super glossy shades (a beautiful sepia and a deep burgundy) powered by marine algae. Both have a staying power that lasts so long into the night, they give Santa’s stamina a run for its money.
