We often pull out the sparkliest goods in our makeup wardrobe when prepping for the holiday party circuit, but the danger of slipping from sophisticated, candlelit glow to disco disaster is never far away. While we’re all for a straight-up sparkle fest now and then, sleek will always read as sophisticated. This year, dial up just the right wattage with these sparkling ideas from New York makeup artist Deanna Melluso.
Rule #1: Contrast Matte with Sparkle
“If you’re torn between a matte and sparkly lip for holiday, you can get both,” says Melluso. Start with matte lipstick applied straight from the bullet, she advises. To intensify the shade, create two to four layers: After you swipe it on, lay down one ply of tissue on top of lips and dust with translucent powder—a touch of it will go through the tissue and set the color. Repeat. Finally, “shimmery lip gloss in the center gives the appearance of more volume,” says Melluso. Dab it just in the center, leaving the outer edges matte.The Look
Highlighted cheekbones and shiny lids complement a glittering lip, but a matte T-zone is key for balance. Pat luminizer on the high points of your cheeks, and stroke balm, salve, or eye gloss from your lash line to just below your brow bone. Finish by dusting your forehead, nose, and chin with translucent powder. The tasteful combo of color and glow is “luxurious and ideal for going from office to evening,” says Melluso.
Glow Gear
Clockwise from top right:
Estée Lauder Pure Color Envy Matte Sculpting Lipstick in Extrovert, $32; esteelauder.com
Estée Lauder Pure Color Envy Sculpting Gloss in Intense Spice, $26, esteelauder.com
Kevyn Aucoin The Celestial Skin Liquid Lighting, $52; kevynaucoin.com
Maybelline New York Volum’ Express The Colossal Mascara in Classic Black, $7.77; maybelline.com
Black Opal Invisible Oil Blocking Power, $9.25; blackopalbeauty.com
Photo: Jon Paterson
Rule #2: Go For a Hydrated Shine
For the ultimate radiance boost, mix a luminous skin care serum into your foundation and under-eye concealer. Then define bone structure with cream blush on top of cheekbones, from the apples toward your temples, and cream contour below. Lastly, tap more serum onto your cheekbones. Melluso explains, “It’ll give you a breathable and believable glow.”
The Look
Glow Gear
Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Flawless Wear Concealer, $26; esteelauder.com
Sephora Collection MicroSmooth Baked Sculpting Contour Trio, $21; sephora.com
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II, $62; esteelauder.com
Sisley Phyto-Ombe Glow Luminous Eye Shadow in Gold, $54; sisley-paris.com
Kevyn Aucoin The Creamy Glow in Patrice, $26; kevynaucoin.com
Rule #3: Make Smokey Eyes Metallic
The Look
Glow Gear
Estée Lauder Pure Color Envy Eyeshadow 5-Color Palette in Dark Ego, $52; esteelauder.com
Estée Lauder Blending Shadow Brush, $33; esteelauder.com
Kevyn Aucoin The Essential Mascara, $32; kevynaucoin.com
Nars Illuminator in Hot Sand, $30; narscosmetics.com
Sonia Kashuk Synthetic Conclear Brush No. 32, $10.79; soniakashuk.com
Originally appeared on Elle.com.
Credits: Photographer: Matthew Priestley; makeup artist: Deanna Melluso; hairstylist: Sabrina Szinay; wardrobe stylist: Rachel Gilman; model: Tscheca White.
