When dressing for special occasions, the makeup and hairstyle you choose matter.  Parties and events present us with a rare opportunity to take risks and play dress up, so go all the way and choose a makeup look that complements your clothing.  

Dark Smoky Eye + Nude Lip = Sexy Chic 

If you’re looking for a dramatic, sexy look, I would think about a dark smoky eye and a nude lip.  For a tutorial on the eye makeup, watch this video on University of Makeup.  Want to create the perfect nude lip, Aveda has a great tutorial.  (If you don’t think a grey smoky eye is best for you, follow this guide to create the “Adele” nude and shadow smoky eye.)

As for which products to use, to get the perfect smoky eye, you should try the Kevyn Aucoin palette.  If you need a drugstore brand, Almay has a great smoky eye palette.  For a nude lip, I like Urban Decay Naked but NYX makes a great pencil that comes in a few nude-like shades (and they’re $5!).

As for what outfit to wear this with, what about a white silk blouse, tuxedo pants and studded, ankle strap pumps?  And if you’re looking for a dress, try something with a sexy thigh slit and one shoulder.

Eye Makeup Photo Found Here.  Lipstick Photo c/o latest fashion beauty.

Winged Liner + Bold Red Lip = An Updated Classic

The matte red lip is an old Hollywood classic.  If you want to update it, add a bit of winged liner.  It makes a dramatic statement without overwhelming the look.  The photo shows a classic liner, but you could also augment with a touch of gold sparkly eyeliner for a great holiday look.  Or, for a softer look, try white shimmer shadows and highlighter (but don’t forget to fill in your brows like this lovely lady did!)

For a winged liner tutorial, try this one.  Need the boldest of red lips to look perfect all night long?  The Beauty Department has all the secrets.

Finding the right red lipstick is a challenge, I like M.A.C. Ruby Woo but you may need to search for awhile to find one that complements your skin tone.  As for the liner, I use a Stila product, but I’ve heard good things about L’Oreal’s Telescopic Liner.

I like this look with a holiday red dress or you can wear it with black skinny jeans and a black sequin top.

Eye Makeup Photo c/o Indecisive Young Soul.  Lipstick Photo Found Here.

Light Smoky Eye + Burgundy Lips = A Romantic Look

I was told once by a makeup artist that purple eyes look great on everyone.  I especially like them for bringing out the green and gold hues in my hazel eyes.  And I think a purple eye is the perfect match for a glossy burgundy lip; it creates a really romantic look with just the right amount of pop.

Keiko Lynn has all the information on how to create this gorgeous eye look and which products she thinks you should use.  I like Bobbi Brown’s violet ink gel liner, and Stila Oasis for the gold highlighter.  For the lip, the look from the Gucci 2011 show is best achieved with a matte burgundy lip and a shiny clear gloss.  I would prescribe Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte in Forbidden Burgundy and MAC Clear Lipglass.  Need something less expensive?  Try CoverGirl Wetslick and Avon Forever Burgundy.

I would wear this look with this gorgeous navy lace dress.  It would also look fantastic with a grey and silver sparkly dress like this one.

Eye Makeup Photo c/o KeikoLynn.  Lipstick Photo from Gucci Fall 2011.

Next week, we’ll be discussing at length what to wear to holiday gatherings with tips like how to make one dress work for multiple events.  We’ll also have a few easy hair tutorials (always a big hit) and some nail colors to give your fingers a bit of zest.  See you then!