Quick Holiday Glam Looks, On-the-Go

Photo by: Imani L.

‘Tis the season of a zillion festive fetes. Seriously, I’ve been to three holiday soirees in the past four days. A stiff work celebration, a cozy house party and a mommy-and-me Chrismukkah get-together at a tinsel-strewn playspace in Brooklyn—it’s been a whirlwind. Especially considering the fact that I’m busy. I work a full-time job, am on deadline for my latest novel, and have a 6-year-old to raise. As much as I love a sexy shindig, it’s becoming harder and harder to find the time to actually go, let alone pull together an appropriately glamorous, holiday-hot look before I head out the door. Good thing I recently figured out a fast, easy, surefire way to look festive in a flash. It’s all about sparkly lids, a pop of blush and kissable crimson lips. Here, get into my easy-as-1-2-3 holiday party makeup tips!

SPARKLY LIDS

Nothing says “holiday” like a twinkly, shimmery eyeshadow in a metallic gold or silver shade (gold is perfect on warm skin tones, and silver looks stunning on cool ones). Simply blend the shade from the lashline to the crease, then anchor the look with a swoop of black eye liner.

Try: BY TERRY Ombre Blackstar “Color-Fix” Cream Eyeshadow in Beyond Gold, $43 | shop it

or Anna Sui Crème Eyeshadow in Silver | shop it

FLUSHED CHEEKS

During the holiday season, it’s all about looking like you’re walking in a winter wonderland. Literally. Which means wind-whipped, cold-weather cheeks in a radiant shade of pink. We love a powder pink hue for fair skin, and a brighter berry for medium-to-dark complexions.

Try: Inglot Freedom System Blush #38, $11 | shop it

or Kjaer Weis Cream Blush in Lovely, $56 | shop it

CRIMSON LIPS

If you’re on the party-hopping circuit, remember this makeup tip, if nothing else: a bright red lip is as festive as festive gets! Try a budge-proof, smudge-proof lip stain that will maintain its intensity throughout a night of air-kissing and cocktailing—just make sure to slick on a lip primer first, to keep the bright color from settling into cracks.

Try: Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar Primer, $18 | shop it

and Obsessive Compulsive Lip Tar Stained Glass in Meta, $18 | shop it