Holiday Dazzle
Ultra-winged liner: Christina Aguilera's look in the film "Burlesque" reflects the season's extreme cat eye. Smashbox limitless eye liner pen ($19), at Sephora, makes it easy to get a high-gloss, patent look without going crooked or making a mess.
Smashbox's Eye Wish Palette was used to create the look above.
[Left to Right]
COURTESY NARS
Punk princess: Phillip Lim's runway look, inspired by Blondie's Debbie Harry, involves glowing skin using NARS Multiples sticks ($38 each) in shades of pink and edgy eyes with NARS London Eyeliner Pencil ($20).
COURTESY SMASHBOX
Shimmery eye: Smashbox's Eye Wish Palette ($45) offers 16 powder and cream shadows to mix and match. This look includes a blend of bronze metallic and violet eye shadows.
COURTESY NORDSTROM
Luminous skin and high-voltage lips: Featured on the model's skin, Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation SPF 15 ($45), and, on her lips, NARS Lipstick in Hindu ($23), at Nordstrom.
Those aiming to dazzle under the mistletoe this year can look forward to a makeup palette of shimmery violet, gold and jewel tones for the eyes and a return to a bold lip, according to Julie Severt of Smashbox, in town recently for the Nordstrom Cosmetic Trend Event.
The company makes it easy to achieve the look of the holidays through two limited-edition kits: the Eye Wish Palette ($45) of 12 shadows in metallics, purple and teal, four cream liners, mascara and eyelid primer; and Burlesque ($35), a four-piece collection designed to re-create theatrical looks featured in the film starring Cher and Christina Aguilera.
"’Burlesque’ marks the first time we’ve partnered with a motion picture," Severt said, adding that Aguilera’s dramatic cat eye will likely spark a run on eyeliners.
Key to the collection is Smashbox’s Limitless Liquid Liner Pen in Jet Black, which Severt said can easily be used to create the winged liner look worn by Aguilera in the film.
Anyone who’s had trouble achieving a straight line or deep black with other liners and has given up on the look might want to try again with the liner pen.
"It’s waterproof and gives that patent sheen," Severt said. With its felt tip, "it glides on smooth without tugging or pulling on your lid, and it doesn’t bleed."
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For wing novices, she suggests applying the wing at a slant at the outer corner of the eye first. Then, follow the contour of the eye from the inner edge, laying the liner over the lashes until your two lines meet up.
"With a winged eye and bold lip, you’re ready for the holiday season. You can’t go wrong," Severt said.
The bold lip color in shades of red and plum conjures the sophistication of retro Hollywood glamour.
Metallics add sparkle and shine to a holiday look, and in addition to Smashbox’s Wish collection, a touch of gold is everywhere.
NARS offers a gold eye shadow in shimmery Etrusque, while Make Up for Ever offers a "Gold Icon" kit ($65) at Sephora which includes metallic powders in Gold and Sunflower Gold. Individual shimmer and glitter powders range from $13 to $22.
Any look starts with great skin. Smashbox offers a boost in luminosity with its new Photo Finish Luminizing Foundation Primer ($38), a parabens- and oil-free formula that fills in fine lines and pores while imparting a sheer layer of perfecting color.
It’s a must in the Facebook era, when every amateur photographer posts unforgiving photos to one’s wall. You never want to be caught off guard.
