lifetime(maybe make that 3-4 lifetimes), seriously...it's disgusting. Thanks to a VERY generous employer, I have been able to amass quite a selection of said employer's vast collection of makeup. However, that is not to say that I won't drop a pretty penny somewhere that my staff discount doesn't apply.
Every December I am SO inspired by Christmas when I am applying my makeup. I love to mimick the sparkly effect of the lights, and the glittery ornaments, tinsel and snow-globes. I mean, really...this is the only time I can wear glitter on my cheeks without looking like a five year old right?
The Christmas season is a neverending whirlwind of holiday parties and get togethers which require festive getup. I prefer to reflect the colors of the season with my makeup rather than wear some rediculous sweater. So without further ado...I share my top picks for holiday cosmetics.
Nails:
With my nails I am a creature of habit. Between January-November I tend to wear the same ballet/blush pink. However, with the festive mood of the holidays, it is only appropriate to wear something a little more daring.
Favorite shades {of the moment}:
High Maintenance by SEPHORA by OPI
This shade is a twist on the traditional cherry red nail color. It is red with a surprising hint of orange. It is an unexpected way to wear the seasonally appropriate red nails.
212 Sephora by SEPHORA by OPI
This shade takes glittery nail polish one step further. It's shade discription is "opaque smokey black with iridescent, gold and copper chunky glitter" OMG I'll take 2. This satisfies my desire for sparkly glittery nails, not to mention that I am recently OBSESSSED with gold and copper.Lips:
Ok, so I must admit, the color I am about to share isn't a "new" favorite, rather I have been in love with it since it debuted earlier this year but something about Christmas makes me want to wear red lipstick. It's time to step away from the neutrals and corals, Cat.
Viva Glam Cyndi by MAC
This color was created as a collaberation with MAC Cosmetics and musician Cyndi Lauper. It is a coral-red with a lustre finish, meaning it is has a shiny, glossy finish and is also moisturizing for the lips. The color is absolutely stunning, it is a non-threatening red color, and is a good "step" in the direction of a red lip for those who have never tried it before. The thing I love most about this color is the fact that it is part of MAC's Viva Glam program. This means that 100% of the selling price of this lipstick goes to the MAC AIDS Fund which helps individuals living with HIV/AIDS. So you get to look fabulous and help others. Isn't that what the holiday season is all about afterall?
Eyes:
Eyes are my favorite feature to accentuate. After logging hundreds (maybe even thousands) of hours doing makeovers, I know this is also true for most women. Typically I blend some sort of concoction of 4-5 eyeshadows on my lids, however, if we are talking red lips (see above) simplicity is key in the eye area unless you are planning on looking like a clown.
Blacktrack Fluidline by MAC
How do I appropriately exhibit my love for fluidline, because it runs very very deep. I wear it every.single.day. Fluidline is a gel-based eyeliner that gives a very crisp finish, much like a liquid liner but because of the texture, it is much easier to put on than liquid. This is the perfect product to create the oh so popular winged out liner look (a'la Christina Aguilera, Kat Von D, etc).
Cheeks:
Pink cheeks are my go-to color in the winter. I love to recreate the "just stepped inside from the cold" flushed cheek look. BUT...that is not what I was planning on talking about here, kids. No, we are going to talk about glitter. I don't know what it is about Christmastime that attracts me to shiny objects, but now I know how raccoons feel...moth to a flame kids, moth to a FREAKIN' flame. Hi, my name is Catherine and I am a glitter addict. I do, however, know what is and isn't age appropriate and I will share a great way to make cosmetic glitter "wearable" and "acceptable"
Reflects Glitter by MAC
Reflects glitters come in a variety of colors and they are very very small particles so it doesn't look like you have poured craft glitter all over your face. I concentrate the glitter in my cheeks and the area outside my eyes (this product is not approved for the eye area) and please, please do not put this on your entire face, unless you are attempting to look like a robot. My personal favorite are Reflects Gold and Reflects Pearl which, in my opinion, are the most wearable.
I could keep going...I really could, but in order to keep this post from becomming obscenely long, I must wrap things up. Plus, I need to keep a couple secrets and tips to myself for later posts :)
I could keep going...I really could, but in order to keep this post from becomming obscenely long, I must wrap things up. Plus, I need to keep a couple secrets and tips to myself for later posts :)
