For some, the holidays are about the food. For others, they're about putting in serious QT with family and friends. But for beauty-lovers, the holidays — and all the dance-floor appearances that come with them — are a time for all-out makeup looks. We're not just talking about a dab of glitter here and there. From ice-queen-silver hues to geometric shadow shapes to even more unexpected picks — like that badass navy lipstick you've been itching to wear IRL — after-hours beauty has come a long way since the ubiquitous smoky eye of parties past. Plus, the end of the year is nigh, so why not go out with a bang?
No one understands this sentiment better than Maybelline (it's got the crazy-color game on lock), so we partnered with the brand and makeup artist Aminata Gueye to bring our dream looks to life. We're breaking down all the need-to-know info ahead, as well as pro tips from Gueye, to ensure your edgy lip-eye combo doesn't budge from dinner to late-night diner.
Silver Lining
We've been conditioned to think that only one part of our look can be the statement maker. But that's simply not true. Blocked-off silver eyes paired with deep-navy lips are just edgy enough to work together.
If you want your metallic eye to last all night and then some, start by powdering your lids with a bit of translucent powder, says Gueye. This will keep your lids from getting too greasy and will keep your pigment intact. (Eyeshadow primer works, too, but this is an easy solve in a pinch.) Next, fill in your lids with a silver cream shadow, squaring off both the outer and inner edges for a modern look.
Photographed by Ed Singleton.
A dark lip like this can look tricky to pull off. But really, it's all in the prep work. Gueye uses a simple layering technique, which starts with contouring your lips to your desired shape with liner. Next, she says to apply your first layer of lipstick. (We used Maybelline Loaded Bolds in Midnight Blue.) To set it, place a tissue over your lips and use a powder brush to dust on a translucent powder. Remove the tissue, and apply a second layer of lipstick. Then, repeat these steps until your color is as opaque as you wish.
Maybelline, $7.49, available at MaybellinePhotographed by Ed Singleton.
Keep the rest of your makeup subdued (trust us, you don't need much else) with just a touch of blush and a bit of brow product.
Nili Lotan dress, Laruicii choker, Meadowlark earrings, Lady Grey bracelet.
Photographed by Ed Singleton.
Gemstone Gaze
Jewel tones flatter just about any eye color and look as luxe as they sound. Swap your smoky shades for a richer emerald, amethyst, or sapphire tone, and go to work.
The best part? You don't need multiple hues to create this multidimensional look. Simply alternate using wet or dry makeup brushes. Sweep shadow over your entire lid with a dry brush for a softer wash of color. Then, dip a wet shadow brush into your powder, and trace along your upper lashlines for a darker wash, almost like liner.
Photographed by Ed Singleton.
Brush the same shadow along your lower lashlines for an all-around jeweled gaze, and finish with mascara.
Photographed by Ed Singleton.
Keep all eyes on your eyes, and finish your look with a simple sweep of highlighter atop your cheekbones. You can press it on top of a sheer lip balm, too.
Self Portrait dress, Delfina Delettrez rings,Jennifer Fischer earrings.
Photographed by Ed Singleton.
Tickled Pink
Pink is having a major moment in the makeup world right now — and not just on lips and cheeks. Get in on the trend with funky shapes and lots of lashes.
For this graphic, glittery look, choose an eye pencil (or lip pencil) in a bright shade and draw in your shapes. On each side, Gueye drew one straight line beneath the eyebrow and connected it to a diagonal line coming outward from the center of the eyelid.
Photographed by Ed Singleton.
Fill in each shape with a matching shadow, then layer on a bit of cosmetic glitter. (A dab of petroleum jelly will keep the sparkle in place.) Next, curl your lashes and apply a coat of mascara, like Maybelline Falsies Push Up Angel Mascara. Wiggle the curved brush at the outer corners of your eyes for a wide-awake, winged effect.
Maybelline, $9.49, available at MaybellinePhotographed by Ed Singleton.
Finally, go take some selfies, because we guarantee you're about to get all the Likes.
Cushnie et Ochs dress, Vita Fede earrings, Lady Grey rings.
Photographed by Ed Singleton.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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