Best look forward

Akshita Sethi

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Ho! Ho! Ho! It’s the season to be merry and look merry. Bronze eyeshadows, smokey cat eyes or cranberry lips, you know a holiday beauty look when you see one. And while you’re at it, don’t forget the free pass for putting on a little too much highlighter. While less is more, when it comes to playing dress up, it is surely not synonymous with being boring. Bring out that gold shimmer dress you have been saving for New Year’s Eve and level up your makeup looks with naughty greens, dreamy lavenders or wild burgundies for it is officially the dead of winter and time to show off that healthy flush with glow-inducing blushes.

Lit from within

No look is complete without a glowing complexion and luscious lips. For Delhi-based makeup artist, Guneet Virdi, a woman must at all times be armed with a lip gloss, the right sunscreen, and a bronzer. “Bronzing the forehead, cheekbones and jawline with a wide, fluffy powder brush will add warmth and give your skin a healthy sun-kissed glow that will keep you camera ready all night. Deep blue smokey eyes without any harsh lines will be a win-win this season,” says Virdi.

Fluttery lashes

For years, bold eyebrows were showstoppers for runway makeup artists. The obsession soon made way for the new kid on the block, the lashes, only an inch or two down south from the brows. Over-the-top eyelashes, curled and groomed, are Mohali-based makeup artist Shubhdeep Gill’s favourite too. “I swear by a mascara because it can instantly make you look fresh. Glitter eyeliners and exaggerated lashes are all you need to add oomph to your holiday look,” says Gill.

Timeless red

If there is one holiday look you can always rely on, it’s the classic red lipstick. Pair a minimal eye makeup look with a dark berry lip stain and nobody can stop you from being the life of a party. “For a natural glow, make warm water your best friend this season. Start with sipping at least two glasses as soon as you wake up. Opt for a softly contoured face with a dusty rose or a fierce mauve lip shade for a polished look,” says tricity-based makeup artist Navneet Brar.

Natural wonders

Jalandhar-based artist Prerna Khullar believes a barely-there makeup look is the epitome of holiday chic. When your outfit is the star attraction, a neutral palette of champagne and rosy hues is enough for a flushed face. “A good setting powder transcends both time and trends. Take out time for face yoga to make your skin more youthful. For a night event, sleek eyeliner or a perfect double-cut crease in earthy hues will give your look a luxe spin,” says Khullar.

Make me blush

It’s hard for the skin to glisten naturally in winters; hydrating is the key to rocking a dewy glow. While a mild concealer is essential for corrections, it’s important that one does not layer up their face with everything in the makeup kit. Makeup enthusiast Joban Sandhu recommends using fresh tomatoes on the face and adds, “Winter sun gives the perfect opportunity for an apple-cheeked look. For day time, pair a pastel lip stain with some sheer shimmer on the cheeks for a satin finish. For a night event, signature pigmented smokey eyes with razor sharp highlighting will do the trick.” All in all, cleanse, tone, moisturize and experiment to your heart’s content because even the fashion police is busy tending to their disco lids this holiday season.