Beauty

Holiday beauty looks

'Tis the season to look your best with these holiday makeup and hair tips.

by : Elle Canada- Nov 4th, 2010

HOLLYWOOD SIGN
The classic silver-screen siren gets a dose of modern sensibility.

EXPERT Caitlin Callahan, senior artist for M.A.C

• Apply a highlighter to browbones, cheeks and the inner corner of the eyes. Sweep a dusty-rose blush across the cheekbones.

• Line the eye with a liquid black eyeliner. Start at the inner corner, and add a slight swoop at the end to create a subtle cat’s eye. Follow with several coats of mascara. For more drama, apply false lashes.

• Finish by creating an intense lip: Use a brush to apply a creamy rich red or burgundy shade. – Allison Dean

Click here to see the 12 best holiday beauty products

Learn how to get the Blurred Vision makeup look on the next page…

BLURRED VISION
Push the boundaries with hazy, blown-out eyeshadow.

EXPERT Caitlin Callahan, senior makeup artist for M.A.C Cosmetics

• The goal is to create a diffused “squoval” shape around the eye. Dip the tip of a soft, rounded brush into a dustytaupe eyeshadow and apply the colour; start near the bottom of the eyelid and work your way up.

• Pick up a little more shadow on the brush and do the same thing, widening the shape by blending up to slightly under the brow and out toward both corners of the eye. Use the same brush to trace the shade along the lower lash line.

• Rather than applying under-eye concealer beforehand, leave that step until last to camouflage darkness caused by falling pigment. Choose a concealer with warm peach undertones and lightly dab it in a C shape near the inner corner of the eye. – Ally Dean

Click here to see the 12 best holiday beauty products

Learn how to get the Full Bloom makeup look on the next page…

FULL BLOOM
Rosy cheeks are always pretty. Here’s how to get winter’s healthy glow.

EXPERT Greg Wencel, makeup pro for CoverGirl

• Apply an oil-free moisturizer under your foundation and concealer. This will hydrate skin but minimize shine for that clean, matte finish.

• Sweep a powder blush that mimics your natural flush across the apples of the cheeks and use your fingertips to pat a sheer matte lipstick in a similar shade on the lips.

• Dust a light-rose eyeshadow on the eyelids and blend well for a diffused, natural finish. Curl the lashes and follow with a coat of black mascara. – Sarah Daniel Dolphin

Click here to see the 12 best holiday beauty products

Learn how to get the Party Planner hair look on the next page…

PARTY PLANNER
Top stylists share their tips on how to get great hair for soirée season.

• Have a versatile heat-styling tool in your arsenal, says Andy Bodine, artistic ambassador of the cult brand ghd, who recommends investing in a flat iron that can create several looks, from curls and waves to sleek, straight hair.

• Before party hopping, schedule a trim. If you have a great cut, your hair will be easier to style, says John Steinberg, a Toronto-based hairstylist who celebrates his 50th anniversary in the business this year.

• Have a post-work event? Start with a blowout in the morning, then pull it into a loose bun for the day, recommends Robert Vetica, a Los Angeles-based hairstylist and author of Good to Great Hair. Just before the party, undo the bun and brush the hair out, then spritz with hairspray. – Sarah Daniel Dolphin

Click here to see the 12 best holiday hair products

Learn how to get the High Season hair look on the next page…

HIGH SEASON
Harry Josh, celebrity stylist for John Frieda, on how to wear an updo.

• Keep it relaxed and messy. “If it’s too polished, you just end up looking matronly,” says Josh.

• If you wear your hair up often, Josh recommends getting bangs and layers around your face. Once your hair is up, pull out the layers to create a frame for the face.

• For a pliable texture that’s easy to work with, style hair a day after you’ve washed it and brush through a flexible hairspray or dry shampoo beforehand. – Sarah Daniel Dolphin & Anne Pringle

Click here to see the 12 best holiday hair products

Learn how to add hair accessories to your ‘do for a festive look on the next page…

CLIP ART
Brian Phillips, Toronto-based hairstylist and owner of WorldSALON, on how to wear hair accessories:

• “The right hair accessory can up your cool quotient instantly,” says Phillips, “but if you’re going to wear a statement hairdo with bling, pare down your outfit.”

• Try out a few different options, depending on what you want to achieve, says Phillips. A tortoiseshell comb or an old-fashioned brooch (sewn to a hair clip) adds sparkle, and simple accessories like an extra-long shoelace or a handful of bobby pins make an edgy statement.

• Limit the bows and glitter to evening. For day, a subtle headband, leather string or modern barrette looks casual but polished. – Sarah Daniel Dolphin

Click here to see the 12 best holiday hair products

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Looking for more great holiday ideas? For recipes, decorating tips and gift guides, visit our holiday centre!