A Guide to the Perfect Holiday Look
Hello all!
Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Abby, and I LOVE makeup. I love browsing the makeup community on social media and seeing the way people express their creativity. I love the glitter, the lashes, the different colors, the techniques that can quite literally change the way your face looks, and the dramatic creative looks.
As of right now, I’m trying to work on my confidence to branch out and 1) Do makeup on other people (I’ve only done a few homecoming dances, proms, and graduation shoots), and 2) START. A. YOUTUBE. CHANNEL. I got a camera as a graduation gift and bought a ring light over a year ago, but I haven’t made it a priority to learn how to film and edit videos.
When Lakin asked me if I would be interested in writing a post or two for her blog during the holiday season, I was beyond flattered!! I have people asking me all the time if I’ll teach them my tricks and tips on how I apply my own makeup, and this seemed like the perfect opportunity to do so! Plus, it’s like a kick in the butt to get started on my own YouTube channel!
I decided to compile a list of some thoughts, opinions, advice, tips, tricks, and recommendations to use this holiday season, and the rest of the year as well! Some tips are just for makeup buying or gift buying, and some are for makeup looks. I hope you enjoy my list, and maybe you’ll even learn something new!
Save money on your everyday basics. Not everything has to be high end...there’s drugstore makeup that gets the job done just as well, sometimes even better! You can also find high end products for a discounted price at stores like TJMaxx and Marshall’s. And who doesn’t need an excuse to go to TJMaxx?! I’m currently using the Stila Stay All Day Foundation that I picked up at TJMaxx for $8, which regularly retails for $40...so of course I had to go back and pick up another one. ;)
Splurge on the special things! If you’re only going to use these products every once in awhile, spending a little extra on them is okay because the products are going to last you longer than those everyday basics. My splurge has been the Stila (apparently I have a thing for Stila?!) Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow, which retail for $24. I like to use them when I want to add a little something extra to a look, but I don’t have a lot of time. They’re easy to apply and add the perfect extra pop.
Browse the gift sets. Most stores that sell makeup (Ulta, Sephora, department stores, even Walmart & Target) sell gift sets of different brands for easy to grab, last minute Christmas gifts. Referring back to the product I mentioned in number 2, I bought a gift set of the same product, which included 3 different colors/shades, for $25. They’re a smaller size, but they’re a special product so they will still last me a long time. I suggest checking out the brush sets at Target and Walmart during the holiday season. If you’re just getting started in the makeup world, it’s a great way to build your collection. My personal favorite is Real Techniques brushes.
It’s the holiday season - that means SPARKLE and SHINE. I’m always drawn to glitter and shimmer and shine, but if that’s not your normal, then this may be the time to branch out! Leading to number 5...
Don’t be afraid to try something new! There’s nothing wrong with your tried and true look, whether that’s your favorite mascara and some gloss, or a dramatic winged eyeliner with a red lip. Just because it’s the holiday season doesn’t mean you can’t play around with other colors. Do an emerald green smokey eye look with a deep berry colored lip, or pink glitter on your eyes, or whatever exciting look you’ve been wanting to try. The best part about makeup is that there’s NO RULES! You can express yourself and your creativity however you want, and a special occasion like a holiday gathering or work party is the perfect opportunity!
Hopefully you enjoyed my list of random thoughts, and I hope you’ll use at least one of them when you’re out shopping this season or as you sit down to get ready for that family get together or holiday party. I’ll be writing another post before the end of the year giving you some ideas for New Years Eve looks. In the meantime, happy shopping & MERRY CHRISTMAS! ♡♡♡