Create a Holiday Party Look In Seconds

By Woman's Day, on Wed Dec 8, 2010 11:13am PST

Fast & Festive

Special occasions call for an extra special outfit. Luckily, all it takes to transform an ordinary going-out look into a red-hot holiday ensemble is a few glamorous trimmings, like eye-catching accessories and shimmering makeup. So before you splurge on a fancy frock, flip through this slideshow to get a few ideas for sprucing up the dress you already have. From ruby-red lip color to a sequin-studded clutch, these little touches will make the holidays––and your look––worth celebrating.

Photo: © John Lawton/Woman's Day

Paint the Town Red

Flattering on all skin tones, a bold scarlet lip instantly injects your daytime look with party-ready pizzazz. MAC Lipstick in MAC Red, $14.50; MACCosmetics.com. Hunter Dixon Mo Top, $218; HunterDixon.com. (Go to the next slide for more product suggestions and application tips.)

Photo: © Michael Waring/Woman's Day

Products & Application Tips

Get red-hot results by using one of these three products. Dab on a lipstick like Revlon ColorBurst Lipstick in True Red (top left, $8.99; Drugstore.com) with your fingertip for just the right amount of color, from a subtle flush to an all-out “wow.” Want a matte finish? Line lips with Sonia Kashuk’s Velvety Matte Lip Crayon in Rosey Nude (center, $7.99; Target.com), then delicately fill in. If you’re worried about feathering, opt for Avon’s Pro Color & Gloss Lip Duo in Poppy Love (bottom, $10; Avon.com), which is thick enough to sit on top of fine lines without enhancing them.

Photo: © John Lawton/Woman's Day

Rock On

Arm candy? Check! This sequin-studded clutch—featured here in a sophisticated deep purple hue—will keep you in good company (and style) all night long. Loud on its own, pair it with a solid-colored dress to pull the look together like a pro. Boden Glittering Clutch, $108; BodenUSA.com. (Go to the next slide for more product suggestions and application tips.)

Photo: © Michael Waring/Woman's Day

Products & Application Tips

Glitzy jewel-tone accessories (a paillette-encrusted clutch, bracelets with oversize gemstones) transform wardrobe basics, like a shift dress, from simple to showstopping. Bisou Bisou for JCPenney dress, $66.99; JCPenney stores. H&M Gem Bracelet, $12.95; HM.com for stores. Dressy Ribbon-Tie Necklace, $14.50; 800-OLD-NAVY. R.J. Graziano earrings, $65. Nine West Elnora pump, $89; NineWest.com. Curations with Stefani Greenfield Regal Stone Ring, $59.95; HSN.com. R.J. Graziano brooch, $95.

Photo: © John Lawton/Woman's Day

Shine All Night

 

The easier-to-apply sister of the smoky eye: one quick sweep of metallic eyeshadow from lashline to just above the crease. MAC Eyeshadow in Forgery, $14.50; MACCosmetics.com (Go to the next three slides for more product suggestions and application tips for all skin types.)

Photo: © Michael Waring/Woman's Day

Perfectly Pale

There's a metallic shadow to complement every complexion. Icy silver and platinum, for example, balance blue undertones in fair skin. Mally Beauty Single Shadow in Silver ($18; MallyBeauty.com), Anna Sui Eye Color in 003 ($25; UrbanOutfitters.com), Topshop Cream Eye Shadow in Heavy Metal ($14; TopShop.com).

Photo: © John Lawton/Woman's Day

Dark and Beautiful

Dark skin is the perfect backdrop for bold shades of copper and gold. Mehron Metallic Powder in Copper and Gold ($7.95 each; Mehron.com), L'Oréal Paris HIP Studio Secrets Professional Metallic Shadow Duos in Charged ($8; at drugstores).

Photo: © John Lawton/Woman's Day

Middle Child

And a dusting of bronze shadow instantly warms up medium skin tones. Origins Eyeshadow in Copper Penny ($14; Origins.com), CoverGirl Smoky ShadowBlast duo in Bronze Fire ($7.49; at drugstores), Rimmel London Glam'Eyes Mono Eye Shadow in Spicy Bronze ($3.49; at drugstores).

Photo: © John Lawton/Woman's Day

Go for the Gold

One dazzling gilded piece—like this dripping-in-sequins top or a blingedout accessory—eliminates the need to pile on jewelry and spend hours in front of the mirror deciding which necklace to wear with your favorite pair of earrings. INC International Concepts top, $69, Bloomingdale’s; J. Crew Dalton pant, $69.50; JCrew.com. Patty Tobin Baby Briolette Hessonite Garnet Earrings, $75; PattyTobin.com. (Go to the next slide for more product suggestions and application tips.)

Photo: © Michael Waring/Woman's Day

Products & Application Tips

You don't need a full-on gold-sequin shirt to benefit from the magic of metallic. Work a few smaller pieces into your outfit to add a glamorous highlighting effect. Target Multi-Strand Pearl & Chain Necklace, $49.99; Target.com. Sequin Bow Hard Case Clutch, $58; Accessorize.com. Curations with Stefani Greenfield Grid Chain Bracelet, $79.95; HSN.com. Mixit by JCPenney ring, $11.99; 877-FIND-JCP for stores. Dolce Vita for Target Sniptoe Flat, $29.99; Target.com.

Photo: © John Lawton/Woman's Day

Holiday Style Fashion and Beauty Essentials

By Sarah Bernard, Host of The Thread, on Tue Nov 9, 2010 12:49pm PST 

(http://shine.yahoo.com/event/the-thread/hit-the-holidays-in-style-with-these-fashion-and-beauty-essentials-2408749/)

The holidays are about dressing up and piling on the glam, 

but on The Thread we like to do both on a budget. 

We've got what you need to hit the season in style, 

from dresses and accessories to the perfect makeup 

and shimmery nail polish to complete your look.

1. Silk dress. 

We picked a festive emerald greed option 

from Rachel Rachel Roy, one of our favorite designers. 

2. Lace platform pumps. 

Lace has been a huge trend this season, 

and platforms (as opposed to regular stilettos) 

are a lot more comfortable to stand in during cocktail parties.

3. A box clutch. 

Besides adding polish to a look, 

a box clutch is an ideal purse to carry because it fits everything—

your phone, keys, lip gloss, etc.

4. Cocktail rings. 

For over-the-top glitz, add a cocktail ring (or two). 

Arden B. and Forever 21 both have some spectacular, affordable options.

5. Sparkly nails. 

Instead of traditional holiday red, opt for shimmery gold or silver—

an understated shade that will also look appropriate at the office.

6. Gold lips. 

Have some fun with your lips! 

A translucent gold lipstick does the trick. 

If you want a bit more of a base, add the gloss on top of your everyday color.

7. Lavender smoky eyes. 

Don’t be scared of a little color on the eyes. 

It may look intimidating, but smoky lavender is one of those shades 

that complement every eye color. 

Add a touch of gold in the corners to really open up the eyes and amp up the drama.

8. Bronzed skin. 

Bronzer is not just for summer and not just for your face! 

Brush some bronzer on your arms, legs and, if you’re wearing a strapless dress… 

your shoulders, too.

7 Ways To Look Younger In 30 Minutes

Tip #1

Keep your eye-cream in the fridge for quick under-eye depuffing.

The cold constricts blood vessels to help swelling go down-

and it feels extra refreshing.

Tip # 2

An at-home gloss treatment giving your face a happy boost.

Dramatically amps up shine and refreshes your highlights,

Try: L'Oreal Paris Colorist Secrets Shine Gloss, $9.

Tip #3

Define your eyebrows.

A pair of full, arched brows works like an instant eye lift.

Pluck errant hairs and fill in sparse areas with a fine-tipped brow pencil.

Tip #4

Apply a firming body cream.

Toned, taut skin is the age-defying holy grail (see: Demi Moore).

Try: Jergens Skin Firming Daily Toning Moisturizer, $5.

Tip #5

Have your stylist snip you some layers.

Hair that moves lifts your features and just looks fun and free.

Tip #6

Take a brisk 30 minute walk whenever you can sneak one in.

You'll jump start your metabolism and circulation and it'll give you a nice rosy glow.

Tip #7

Short nails, painted sheer and pink give off a young,

fun vibe and make your hands look effortlessly flawless.

Try: Essie's Ballet Slippers, $8.

by Redbook, on Tue Oct 19, 2010 8:48pm PDT