Whenever I am getting ready to celebrate, be it a holiday party, a wedding, or just a date night, I like to put a little extra effort into getting my makeup just right for the occasion.  There is something about adding a bit of pop from a new lipstick or a dusting of a fun eye shadow that says I am ready for a fantastic evening of celebrating! 

And while I have been playing with makeup since I can remember, I will take all the tips I can get from experts such as Kimara Ahnert.  I was recently emailing with the ladies of Kimara Ahnert Cosmetics and first off I have to say wow- this place looks amazing and I have added to my list of must go to places when we visit New York.  I mean how could you not feel amazing after a pampering afternoon of spa services or getting your makeup done at this cozy and elegant studio!

So back to getting ready for that celebration and those tips! Like in most things, it is all in the details.  Kimara Ahnert was sweet enough to share tricks for adding a little glamour into your holiday or celebration makeup routine...

Cleopatra eyeliner, bold new brows, and lips so red they make the heart race – there’s very little that’s muted in makeup this holiday season. 

Make Eyes POP!

• To make eyes really stand out, line the inside rim with a white pencil.  Apply an iridescent shadow to the inner corners of the eyelid, while dusting the brow bone as well

• Great camera eyes are created using shimmering shades of champagne, gold and copper.  The sheen shows off the sparkle within the eyes and creates the most impact, helping you to look beautiful, not painted

• Always use mascara!  Plump natural lashes by adding individual false eyelashes on the corners of your eyes and within your natural lash line

 

Even, Conceal and Contour

• To instantly contour the face, use a fan brush to sweep bronzer along the cheekbones, nose and jawline.  This will draw attention away from any redness or other imperfections and will accentuate the shape of the face

• Use a cream based blush on the ball of the cheek to create a flushed, "pinched cheek" look; you can even use your lipstick “in a pinch” 

• Undereye concealers should be applied with a concealer or foundation brush.  The best formula to use is a stick foundation for strongest and longest lasting coverage, or try an illuminating concealer to not only hide circles but to also brighten the entire eye area in one quick step  

 

Create Fuller Lips

• To maximize your smile, brush lips with a toothbrush to exfoliate and create a fuller pout.  Then, line lips outside of the natural lip-line, fill with your favorite lipstick and dab a pearlized gloss to the center of the lip for added “VaVoom”

• To create shape, dab a shimmer eye shadow very subtly just over the top lip before lining to create the perfect “cupid’s bow”  

 

Troubleshooting Tips

• Instantly narrow your nose – Contour the sides of your nose with a bronzer using a fan brush and highlight the bridge with a good concealer
• Color code – No matter what, always have a pop of color somewhere – blush, lip or eyeshadow color

Beautiful!  I do love a bit of glamour for a night out celebrating. 

And as a little public service announcement; Kimara has some pretty lovely products available in an online shop which is great for those of us not able to go to her lovely studio.  I was lucky enough to score a free sample of her lip gloss and it is now my favorite, go-to lip gloss with that perfect color for the day and enough shine to lead into the evening - love it.