IN between all the Christmas parties, shopping for gifts then wrapping them, on top of school and work and deciding what outfit to put on, there’s no time to stress over how to do your face for all those party pictures.
If it’s a really special occasion, I know a lot of people prefer to just hire a makeup artist to help them out. If you prefer to DIY, here are a few quick and easy eye-deas (ha, ha) to level up your look with just a few touches. Bonus: Unlike lipstick, you don’t have to worry about eating and drinking when you doll up your eyes!
Brush-free sparkly eye
This is my go-to eye look when I still want to glam things up, but have no time. Prep the eyelids with concealer (primer is optional if your concealer is already pretty tacky), then use a finger to pat on a pressed glitter eyeshadow. Add as little or as much as you want. Colourpop’s pressed Super Shock glitter eyeshadows and MAC’s pressed glitter pigment are both perfect for this job. Since they’re pressed, you don’t need a brush, and there’s no mess like with powder or loose eyeshadows. They stay on really well too and won’t travel all over your face.
One-shadow smoky eye
Yes, it is possible to get a simple smoky eye with only one eyeshadow if you have no time to blend three or four shades together. Pick a dark brown or gray eyeshadow and pat all over the lid evenly, taking the color just slightly above your crease. Then just blend that line above the crease, so that the color is dark on the lid but fades towards the brow. You can use the same shadow brush or just pinch it to sweep the same eyeshadow beneath the eyes for the smoky effect. I use this method all the time even when it’s not the holidays. Just be sure to use undereye concealer so your smoky eye doesn’t make you look tired. You can then add as little or as much eyeliner and mascara as you like.
Vibrant eyeliner
If you love fun colors but are too timid to wear them, a party is the perfect opportunity for a jolt of color. There are many ways to rock a bright shade: Do as thin or as thick a line as you’re comfortable with, either on the top or bottom lash line. For this to look “done” and not random, add black eyeliner and mascara.