Instead of doing the usual holiday look, I wanted to give you something else. Because chances are, you can do the red lip/glittery lids routine in your sleep, and anyways, why not shake it up a bit?! Have a look into my unusual holiday makeup in 5 mins!
We’ll talk a lot about lipsticks in this post (maybe this post is an excuse to write about my fave lipsticks right now), so if a festive lipstick isn’t your thing (IS it a thing?), this post won’t be for you. I also won’t talk a lot about eye makeup, because I feel with the lipsticks I’m going to show you, a pared back, neutral eye in shades of nude or grey work best, and you can do that in your sleep as well, right? So let’s jump right into it!
Metallics
If you’re not the type to rock a strong lip but don’t want to go completely MLBB, I’ve just the thing for you – a metallic MLBB! Pair the mauvey nude Lancome Matte Shaker in Beige Vintage with NYX cosmic metals in Speed of Light and you’ll get an interesting twist on a nude lip. The metallic gloss will compromise the Matte Shaker’s longevity somewhat, so if you’re planning to eat and drink, you’ll have to reapply. (More on Lancome’s Beige Vintage here, on NYX here.)
Also awesome is a metallic matte liquid lipstick. The formula is sometimes hard to do right – especially dark colours can go patchy easily, but apparently, matte metallic liquid lipsticks are really easy to make when they’re berry-toned. And they do look very, very chic. I tested both IsaDora’s matt matellic liquid lipstick in 83 Burgundy Bite and Maybelline’s Metallic Foil in Scorpion.
IsaDora’s is a bit more metallic and darker, while Scorpion leans warmer and is a bit more warm and muted. I love Burgundy Bite, but noticed that when you eat something while wearing it, the colour will literally flake of your lips. Not kidding. Otherwise, it wears well and is also comfortably non-drying. I can’t say that for Scorpion – that one does wear well (no flaking!), but feels quite drying on my lips. (Be careful, though: If you need to apply a second layer, let the first one dry thoroughly!) Nevertheless, I love the look.
Pair it with a smokey eye and neutral blush.
Dark red (various finishes)
A classic for a reason: a dark red, wine or burgundy. Choose one like MAC Media with its satin finish that isn’t matte, but isn’t glossy either, and just exudes class and a movie-star aura.
MAC Media is permanent (honestly, look for MAC’s perm range more often, ‘kay? Hidden gems in there, seriously!) and my rediscovered, long-lost love. It’s a satin formula, meaning it’s neither overly glossy nor matte, wears well and comfortably, and I love it, okay? It’s grown-up, sophisticated, and good. I also think a lot of skintones can wear this dark burgundy. (I wore it to a ball recently.)
These shades are ubiquitous; you’ll find them among a lot of brands at various price-points. They also look good blotted, or matte, or topped with a gloss.
Bring out the big guns for this – a soft grey smokey eye, and a rosy blush.
Super dark (matte)
Of course, glossy super-dark lips have their appeal, but then, their upkeep is on the difficult side, so go either matte or metallic matte for these. (Be careful, matte dark shades go patchy easily, so maybe throw in a liner as well.) But imagine that with a smoking jacket or a blazer, and some killer heels! People will swoon at your feet. MAC’s Cyber is a classic for a reason, but I like Maybelline’s Super Stay Matte Ink in Escapist as well.
Remember to keep the edges super sharp – this isn’t a look that’ll forgive a sloppy application. I pair Kiko’s Creamy Colour Comfort Liner in 324 with it. A word about Escapist, though – while the colour is gorgeous and the staying power is scary (honestly, I’ve never seen anything like it), the formula is weird and unforgiving. It’s strangely sticky, and you’ll need at least two layers to make it look even. Which makes it stickier. Worth it? You decide.
Make sure your skin looks great for this, and make it glowy, otherwise you’ll look like Ozzy (no offense Ozzy!). Otherwise, pare it back and go rather for contouring and highlighting instead of a blush. Also, define your eyes, but keep it simple as well.
Iridescent lip glosses
And now for something completely different – why not go for a sparkly, iridescent, sparkly… lipgloss (gasp!). Yes, they still exist, and they’re slowly surfacing again after years of matte lips. Yes, they might wear off quickly, yes, they might feel sticky. But oh so pretty (and different)! (Layer a nude or a matching lipliner underneath for a – somewhat – prolonged wear time.)
MAC came out recently with some duochrome glosses that looked mental, but I tested Huda Beauty’s Lip Strobe in Shameless, and I’m a fan. It’s a duochrome that shifts from burgundy to gold, and it’s stunning. It’s also not overly annoying – no stickiness, no bleeding into lines etc. You can feel the glitter particles slightly when you press your lips together, but that didn’t irritate me. Thankfully, it doesn’t migrate, and the formula is actually quite hydrating. Especially nice for winter!
Hope I could give you some ideas instead of that gold and red holiday look – what will you wear to holiday parties? Inquiring minds want to know!
