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Home

Merry Makeup: How to Create a Hot Holiday Look

Merry Makeup: How to Create a Hot Holiday Look
By · December 17, 2009October 29, 2020
01
Haute Holiday

Ciara rocks the quintessential holiday makeup look—radiant skin, shimmery eyeshadow, major lashes, and traffic-stopping red lips.

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02
Step 1: Moisturize

Kelly Rowland’s skin is dewy-fresh. “Before putting on makeup, always first apply a lightweight moisturizer,” says Fine, who recommends Kiehls Ultra Facial Moisturizer ($15.50). “You don’t want to drag foundation over dry skin!”

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03
Step 2: Clean Canvas

Zoe Saldana’s complexion always looks picture-perfect. “Pretty skin always starts with concealer,” says Fine. Apply a yellow-based one like Iman Second to None Cover Cream ($12.99) over dark spots or redness, and then layer on a cream-to-powder foundation. I love Cover Girl Queen Collection Compact Foundation ($8.99). Finally, set with a loose or pressed powder, like MAC Blot Powder Pressed ($21).

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Step 3: Faux Glow

Beyonce’s sun-kissed skin is beyond sexy. “During the winter months, you need a touch of bronzer to give your face dimension and warmth,” says Fine. “Apply where the sun would natural hit your face, like around the hairline, down the bridge of your nose, and cheekbones.” Fine is a fan of Cargo Bronzer ($28).

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05
Step 4: So Cheeky

Paula Patton’s flirty flush wakes up her complexion. “Since you’re already wearing bronzer over your cheekbones, you just need a touch of color at the apples of your cheeks,” says Fine. “Go for a tangerine shade—it seems bold, but the color really wakes up brown skin.” Try Nars Blush in Exhibit A ($25).

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06
Step 5: Shim-Shimma

Naomi Campbell gets glam with a wash of pearly shimmer shadow. “A sparkly eye is so festive, and the look is easy to apply,” says Fine. “Look for a pearlescent beige shade—not white or silver, too ashy—and blend over lids and in the inside corner, near your nose.” Makeup Forever Star Powder in Pearl Gold ($19) is so sexy on brown skin.

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07
Step 6: Line Up

Amber Rose’s strong black liquid liner is party-perfect. “Choose a felt-tipped liner; they’re stronger and easier to manipulate,” say Fine, who likes Sephora Doe Eyed Felt Eyeliner ($12). “Trace the pen along your lashline to create an even, steady line. Then, build on it to amp up the drama.”

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08
Step 7: Lavish Lashes

Keri Hilson bats a thousand with her major lash look. “For truly luscious lashes, you must curl them first,” says Sam. “Then, apply one coat of your favorite mascara, work on the rest of your makeup, and then come back and layer on another coat,” says Sam. Try Dior Diorshow Mascara in Black ($24).

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Step 8: Brow Wow

Angela Bassett has flawless brows—they’re clean, natural-looking and feminine. “For a polished look, always fill in brows with a pencil one shade lighter than your natural hair color,” says Fine. We love Boots Beautiful Brows Pencil Brown/Black ($5.50).

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Step 9: Crimson Tide

Tracee Ellis Ross looks so glamorous in scarlet lipstick. “Nothing says ‘holiday’ more than serious red lips,” says Fine. “Fair-skinned women look great in brighter reds with orange or pinky undertones. Darker complexions should go for deeper shades like burgundy, wine, or brown-reds.” Try Black Opal Lip Liner-Lacquer Duo in Bollld ($7.50). For more expert tips on makeup application, check out Sam Fine’s new how-to DVD, Fine: The Basics of Beauty ($24.99).

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