The exhilarating, whimsical fact about this most wonderful time of year, every year, is that our beauty look can be just as exhilarating and whimsical—especially on the holiday party circuit. “We are surrounded by sparkling lights, luminescent snow and glittery decorations, why not let your makeup reflect some of that?” says Lucky Bromhead, a Toronto-based celebrity makeup artist who will be attending her share of holiday soirées this season.

While
getting ready for a holiday fête is part of the seasonal magic, securing your look for the rest of the evening doesn’t have to be a Christmas miracle. We asked Bromhead to share her best long-lasting holiday makeup application tips and touch-up tools to sneak into your clutch. Happy fêting!

Long-lasting holiday makeup tip #1: Create your party look

Expert advice: “The best way to determine your beauty look for a holiday party is to first consider your comfort zone when it comes to makeup. For some, a bold red lip will be the perfect embellishment, for others, a smokey eye will be the ultimate touch,” says Bromhead.

#tonightImwearing: A sequined LBD.

The holiday beauty look: “Anything goes,” says Bromhead. Well, sort of. “Your outfit certainly comes into play when creating your makeup look. Consider the colour of your ensemble and go with something complementary as opposed to matching.”

Beauty clutch essential: Regardless of what went into creating your beauty look, the vast expanses of your vanity don’t need to come along with you on your night out. “I don’t like to carry more than two beauty products in my clutch. A compact powder with a mirror and whatever you have used on your lips should be the maximum,” says Bromhead.

Holiday beauty don’t: For obvious Christmas tree-inducing references to your holiday makeup, “probably the only colour combination I would avoid is green eye shadow with a red outfit,” she adds.

Long-lasting holiday makeup tip #2: Primer is king

Expert advice: “The key to makeup longevity is taking a few steps in the application process to ensure the colour marries well to the skin,” says Bromhead.

#tonightImwearing: Electric blues and turquoise eye shadow circa Prabal Gurung’s Fall/Winter 2012-13 runway.

The holiday beauty look: “For eye shadow, try an eye shadow primer like Benefit Stay Don’t Stray or MAC Paints before you apply,” she says.

Beauty clutch essential: Smashbox Studio Pop Holiday Eye Palette ($56), at Shoppers Drug Mart/Pharmaprix, Murale and Sephora stores throughout Canada, and smashboxcanada.com.

Holiday beauty don’t: Something to keep in mind for holiday party hopping: “Pencil eye liners tend to be a bit of a mess after a few hours. I prefer using an eye shadow with a small angle brush to achieve a similar effect.”

Holiday makeup: Festive nail art ideas

Read on for more clutch-ready holiday party beauty tips…

Long-lasting holiday makeup tip #3: Line ‘em up

Expert advice: “There are many ways to achieve a good liquid liner look, as many companies have a selection of products ranging from a gel liner that is applied with a small brush to a liner with a felt pen-like applicator.”

#tonightImwearing: The statement eye. “For this holiday season, I would say liquid liner is a must-have classic look.”

The holiday beauty look: “This is also a great time to
experiment with another classic liquid liner,” says Bromhead. Think artfully winged at Lanvin or a bright cobalt outline seen at Stella McCartney this season, either way, your move. “Try a new shape if you are already a liquid liner expert.”

Beauty clutch essential: “My favorites are MAC Blacktrack Gel Liner, NARS Eyeliner Stylo in Carpates, or Maybelline Master Precise Liner.”

Holiday beauty don’t: Sticking with the basics. “Liquid liner doesn’t have to be black, so if you are adventurous, try an on-trend colour liner in purple, gold, or silver instead.”

Long-lasting holiday makeup tip #4: Keep your lips locked

Expert advice: After you’ve selected your colour, fill in the entire lip with a matching lip liner before applying the lipstick, or opt for a
long-lasting lip product. “A touchup or two is expected, but you should be spending your evening socializing and
spreading holiday cheer—not reapplying your makeup!”

#tonightImwearing: A deep, smoky plum lip. Thank you, Gucci.

The holiday beauty look: To ensure your deep plum lip stays, apply a lip primer, liner and blot the lipstick after application, Bromhead advises. “This will extend the life of your look—but I make no guarantees if you get caught under the mistletoe!”

Beauty clutch essential: “I’m a sucker for L’Oréal Paris Infallible Lip Colour in Beyoncé’s Red. It really does stay on without budging.”

Holiday beauty don’t: Pairing
bold lips with a similarly electrifying eye shadow. “Keep the eyes soft,” Bromhead advises. “And, as always, a genuine smile is anyone’s best accessory for the holidays!”

Read more:
Holiday party makeup: How to get smoky eyes
Holiday beauty: Party lashes
Holiday beauty 101
10 prettiest holiday makeup looks