I'm going to give you 3 merry & bright ways to put some sugar and spice and everything nice back into this old-standby! Plus a few holiday product ideas for fun, festive makeup!
This look is all about layering. Throw on a great basic but festive scarf (make sure to add a pop of color either in your scarf or another layer). Pair this with a buttoned up well-fitted cardigan so as to flatter your waistline {or if you need a little slimming effect go with a longer cardigan that conceals your hips and belt the waistline so as give a clinched-in appearance}.
A solid black pair of nylons will extend the leg. Slip on your favorite pair of boots {riding boots are fine for this casual spin on the "Christmas dress" but in this photo I opted for my favorite ankle black booties so as to continue a unified look}.
I paired a printed blazer {black & white prints are really in this season as well as anything metallic} with a few strands of sparkle around the neck and a fabulous pair of printed stilettos. Anything goes!
Go gold. Replace your neutral eye shadow for a shimmery gold. Couple that with a charcoal liner ( I like NYX in "gun metal") on the outside triangle of the eye lightly blended with a Q-tip and voila!
A bright red or plum lip is perfect for Christmas! My husband bought me "Lip Tar" in "NSFW" as a gift and if you want a last-forever color try this product.
Also try Chanel gloss #60 and Burt's Bees lip shimmer in "Plum".
Always remember to only play-up one main feature on the face for a polished over-all look. If you put on a bright red lip then keep your eye makeup more neutral. If you use darker tones on the eye go with a light glossed look for the lip.
What you wear and how you present yourself often can impact how you feel about yourself. Cultivate the beauty around you, inside of you and on the outside too. If that means painting on red lips and nails then do it! Maybe for other women that means getting a bit more shut-eye, taking a long aromatic bubble bath, wearing heels instead of flats, or a dab or perfume on the collarbone.
Whatever it is, take care of YOU this Christmas season, believe me, those nearest and dearest will thank you!
Cheers to a memorable, merry & bright Christmas!