An Updated Take on Classic Holiday Makeup

Photo: Robin Black 

This glamorous, classic holiday look gets an update thanks to the unusual silver/taupe/bronze smoky eyes. I wasn’t sure I was going to like this particular color combination, but it’s surprisingly stunning and easy to wear. And while everyone has their own particular shade of bright red that they swear by, this warm scarlet really works beautifully with the tones of the eye shadow.

Here’s how to create this look:

1) Start by sweeping a pale silver shadow across your entire lid using a fluff brush to blend just over your crease.

2) Blend a shimmering taupe shadow over the center of the eyelid, right over the high point of the eyeball.

3) Pat a deep bronze shadow shade into the outer corner and lash line, blending upward to just over the crease.

4) Repeat this pattern (silver to taupe to deep bronze) on the lower lash line, using a smudge brush for a soft, smoky look.

5) Curl your lashes and apply several coats of black mascara.

6) Using a gel or cream color to give a slightly dewy look to the brows, lightly sketch in a natural shape and brush through to knock the excess off of the hairs.

7) Smooth a small amount of liquid blush onto the fingertips of your center and ring finger. Then pat and roll over the apples of the cheeks, blending slightly upward toward the hairline.

8) For longer wear time, first fill in your entire lip shape with a bright red pencil, then apply a coat of matching red lipstick and blot. Apply a second coat of the lipstick and don’t forget to check your teeth for any smudges.

9) As a finishing touch, tap a small amount of a pale shimmering highlighter onto your brow bone, the inner corners of your eyes, tops of the cheekbones, and the peaks of your lips.

Products to get the look:

Giorgio Armani Orient Excess Clutch & Palette ($100)

Black Ecstasy Mascara ($32)

Eye & Brow Maestro in Dark Brown ($34)

Smooth Silk Lip Pencil in Red ($34)

Rouge D’Armani Lipstick in 401 ($34)

Maestro Blush in 500 ($33)