Holiday party makeup: 3 step-by-step tutorials that will make you shine

Look One: Cranberry Ombré

Step 1
Generously apply a metallic burgundy eyeshadow up to the crease of your eyes and along your lower lashline. Diffuse the colour outwards with a fluffy brush.

Step 2
To anchor the burgundy and create a gradient effect, apply a deep maroon or plum eyeshadow along both your top and bottom lash lines. Using the same fluffy brush, blend this darker shade into the burgundy.

Step 3
To create an ombré lip, start by prepping your lips with your favourite balm. Use a deep plum lip liner to line and fill in the upper lip. Then, apply a little bit of the liner to the top of your bottom lip, leaving the lower part bare. Use your finger to blend gently.

Step 4
Take this festive look to the next level by adding some dramatic false lashes. If you can find an extra thick variety, such as Ardell’s Double Up false lashes, all the better!

Step 5
Finish with a kiss of blush in a deep berry shade. Use a light hand and a large brush if you’re fair skinned so the colour doesn’t go on too strong.

Products used:

M.A.C Eyeshadow in “Cranberry” and “Sketch” ($18 each, maccosmetics.com)
Cover Girl LipPerfection Lip Liner in “Sophisticated” ($10, well.ca)
Nars Blush in “Seduction” ($29, narscosmetics.com)
L’Oréal Voluminous Million Lashes Mascara in “Black” ($11, well.ca)
Ardell Double Up False Lashes #201 ($6, well.ca)

Look Two: Sugar Plum Smoky Eye

Step 1
Apply a bright violet eyeshadow to your eyelids, keeping the colour below the crease.

Step 2
Using a bright gold pigment, apply the colour above the violet eyeshadow and along your bottom lashline. Connect the gold at the inner and outer corners of your eyes. Use a blending brush to eliminate the harsh line between the violet and gold.

Step 3
Add a smoky effect to the look by using a thick eyeliner pencil in deep violet. Smudge this colour along the top and bottom lash lines. It’s okay if it blends into the gold.

Step 3
Add a smoky effect to the look by using a thick eyeliner pencil in deep violet. Smudge this colour along the top and bottom lash lines. It’s okay if it blends into the gold.

Step 4
Curl your lashes and apply several coats of a coloured mascara in a violet shade.

Products used:

Stila Countless Color Pigments in “Indie” ($8, stilacosmetics.com)
Nars Soft Touch Shadow Pencil in “Trash” ($24, narscosmetics.com)
Make Up For Ever Star Powder in “#1” ($24, sephora.ca)
Yves Saint Laurent Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils in “Fascinating Violet” ($36, sephora.ca)
Guerlain Gloss D’Enfer in “400 Gold Tchalk” ($32, thebay.com)

Look Three: Black & Silver Shimmer

Step 1
Apply a long-lasting cream eyeshadow in silver across your eyelids, just up to the crease.

Step 2
Using a soft, black kohl eyeliner apply generously along your lower lashline. Smudge the liner using your finger or a Q-tip.

Step 3
Apply four silver gemstones (find them at your local craft supply store!) to each eyelid, securing them with eyelash glue. Start by placing one in the centre of your eyelid, right above the lashline. Once that one is dry, apply another above it and one on each side.

Step 4
To kick things up a notch, apply a glittery liquid eyeliner in silver along your upper lashline. Don’t be afraid to layer on a few coats for a glitter-bombed effect!

Step 5
Finish the look by applying a creamy nude gloss with a hint of shimmer to your lips.

Maybelline Eye Studio Color Tattoo 24HR Cream Gel Shadow in “Silver Strike” ($7, well.ca)
L’Oréal Infallible Eyeliner in “Black” ($11, well.ca)
Annabelle Glitterama Liquid Eyeliner in “Plutonium” ($7, annabelle.ca)
Ardell Waterproof Lash Grip Eyelash Adhesive ($4, well.ca)
Nars Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil in “Buenos Aires” ($25, narscosmetics.com)
Craft gemstones