How to ring in the New Year with makeup

The Holiday season is always filled with happy hours with colleagues, festive evenings and family celebrations. It’s the perfect time to highlight your look with makeup that highlights your features. Think that illuminating makeup is not right for you? Think again!

What to highlight

To avoid being overly made-up or like a clown, we recommend highlighting either your eyes, mouth or complexion. Makeup reflects your colours and style, so feel free to soften your makeup as you see fit.

Eye makeup

Halo eyes

This more modern eye makeup technique will surely blow your friends and family away. It involves using eye shadows (of any colour) in darker shades on the outer and inner corners of your eyes and accentuating the center of the lid with a pale colour. You can opt for matte shades for the corners, adding depth. For your eyelid, why not choose a metallic texture or even glitter to add more dimension? Make sure you have a black or brown gel pencil and 3 shades of eyeshadow (light, medium, dark) on hand.

1. Apply a gel pencil to your upper lash line, then blend with your finger or a small detail brush.
2. Add medium eyeshadow to the inner and outer corners of your eyelid, making sure to blend the tips.
3. You can darken the inner and outer corners using dark eyeshadow, but concentrate on the base of the lashes and blend with the pencil and the eye shadow you already applied.
4. Using a flat brush or finger, apply the palest shade to the center of your eyelid and blend lightly with the other eye shadows. You should nevertheless see some contrasts.
5. Add glitter or metallic eyeshadow to the center of your eyelid for a touch of light.
6. Finish with a few coats of mascara and add more eyeshadow if you want more intensity.

Optional

You can recreate the same contrasts on your lower lash line for a more dramatic effect.

Classic smoky eye

This is a must-have classic that offers many alternatives! That said, there is a smoky style that looks good on everyone and is easy enough to achieve. It's also worth mentioning that when we say "smoky," we're talking about a technique, not colours. That means you can be as colourful as you like. We're partial to browns, blacks and jewel-toned hues for the Holidays. Again, make sure you have a black or brown gel pencil and 3 shades of eyeshadow (light, medium, dark).

1. Start by drawing a pencil line halfway along the upper lash line and a third of the way along the lower lash line, then blend in with your finger or a small brush. 
2. Using a fluffy brush, apply the medium shade in the crease of your eyelid, starting from the outer corner to the center, just above the iris. Use back-and-forth strokes until you reach the desired intensity.
3. To intensify, use a flat or detail brush to apply the dark eyeshadow to a third of the upper lash line, then blend outwards with the fluffy brush.
4. Without adding any eyeshadow, use your fluffy brush to blend the shades into each other for a beautiful transition.
5. Using the palest colour, with a matte or metallic finish, apply it to the inner corner of your eye for added light.
6. To intensify, reapply your pencil to the base of the lashes and blend. You can even apply some to your inner eyeliner for an extra dramatic look to make your eyes pop!
7. Add mascara and some false eyelashes—and you’re done!

Pro tip

It's not true that more mature and/or textured skin should NOT opt for illuminating makeup. Simply select one that's very fluid with no visible particles, like glitter

Shiny red lips are all the rage!

The Holiday season means...RED! It's classic, timeliness and popular! Why not add a modern touch by opting for a slight deviation in the shade and finish? The famous matte red is always a go-to; however,  sometimes, it can dry your lips and must be reapplied very often. Try long-lasting formulas with moisturized, glossy finishes. Once applied with precision, your lipstick will last ALL evening. Why not wear a darker red or raspberry red for the shade? It's a great way to make the whole look a little more contemporary.

More light, please!

If you're going to dial up the intensity on your face for your celebrations, do it in a BIG way! This doesn't necessarily mean wearing a lot of makeup but rather practicing techniques you don't usually dare to do because it's "too bold."

1. Take the time to do your skincare routine to prepare your face for makeup. Try a moisturizing mask for extra glow!
   *If you're applying eye makeup, do it before your foundation. It'll avoid messes!
2. Apply a thin foundation layer with a natural or luminous finish all over your face.
3. Apply your concealer in thin layers and reapply as needed. It's better to use small amounts than too much from the get-go.
4. Practice a few contouring techniques to intensify, correct or conceal some of your features. This is the step that will create a very glamorous effect! Make sure you take your time and are familiar with the techniques to achieve a stellar result.
5. Add a little colour and warmth with your bronzer and blush. Opt for a cream texture for a more natural, luminous effect.
6. Want even more shine? No problem! Add a radiance-enhancing product to your cheekbones, nose bridge and cupid's bow for extra glow.
7. Spray your face with a long-lasting makeup spray. And now, you’re ready to celebrate.  

Now you have plenty of options for your celebrations! Don't be afraid to dare, and above all, enjoy the time you take for yourself when getting ready for the Holidays. You deserve it!

By Jean-François Casselman-Dupont in collaboration with Familiprix.