When everyone does flowing mermaid hair and a cat eye this New Year’s Eve, go for two low buns and a glossy black lip inspired by the fall/winter ’16 Dior show. Although the skin was quite matte on the runway, Bridget Powell, makeup artist for beGlammed, suggests foregoing blush and adding bronzer, “otherwise, this could look washed out on the everyday woman,” she explains. “We did a light bronzing around the perimeters of the face to warm up the complexion and define the cheekbones.”

To make the eyes look open – which Powell says is especially important when you’re wearing a dark lip – she lined the waterline with a flesh-toned pencil. When creating the spider-like lashes, use the tip of the wand (see below). “Most of the mascara is at the end of the wand, so when you use that part to apply, it naturally forms spikes,” she says. 

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Image: Benjamin Reyes

Fill-in brows with a pencil then go over it with powder – a bold brow balances out this look. For the black glossy lip, Powell used M.A.C Cosmetics Kohl Power Eye Pencil in Feline (actually an eyeliner) topped with clear Lip Glass. See her tips on how to create the perfect dark lip without it ending up smeared across your face, here

When recreating the hair, the main thing to remember is to backcomb the ponytails before twirling them into buns, says Justin German, contributing stylist for Pantene. “If your hair is fine, backcomb the underneath section once it’s in the ponytail and spray into place before twisting,” he explains. “By backcombing the underneath hair only, you will keep the top layer smooth.”

For full directions, see the one-minute tutorial below. 

Hair, Justin German for Pantene; Makeup, Bridget Powell for beGlammed; Editor, Victoria DiPlacido; Videographer, Benjamin Reyes, Model, Victoria DiPlacido. Shot in the ELLE Canada Closet.