Last Minute New Year's Makeup Musts

By Kerri Winick, GalTime.com

New Year's Makeup Musts
New Year's Makeup Musts

3, 2, 1…It's almost the New Year! How about some glamorous makeup to help set the tone for a glamorous 2012? If ever there was a time for one last hurrah of sparkles, metallics, and bold color, December 31, 2011 is it! Here are some party-perfect ideas to try before the clock strikes midnight.





Vibrant Eyeshadows
Vibrant Eyeshadows


Line With Shine: Nothing says party like thicker-than-usual metallic liner. I like using a chunky pencil, like Sephora's Jumbo Liner 12HR Wear Waterproof ($10). You can use it solely to line your peepers, or diffuse some of the color with a Q-tip or brush to create a shadow. If you're looking to skip the liner completely, dust a bit of bronze, silver, or gold metallic shadow onto your upper and lower lash lines for an angelic "halo" effect. (PS: You can also use cream shadow. Just be sure to blend so there are no "hard" edges.)

Line Your Eyes With Color
Line Your Eyes With Color

Line With Color: Not exactly a glitter girl? You know that color that's been sitting in your favorite palette? The one you've been a little too afraid to dip into? Wet your eyeliner brush, run it through that very color, and thinly line your upper lid. Flick it up at the end for some extra drama. Pair the look with defined brows, layer on your favorite mascara, and you've got a three-step, standout look. Personally, I like colors that complement. I have hazel eyes, am addicted to playing with purple. (My current obsession is Estee Lauder Pure Color Eye Shadow in Purple Passion, $20) Give your color-du-jour a test run pre-party, and see what works best for you.

Related: A Bright Idea: Colorful Eyeliner

Vaseline Your Lips
Vaseline Your Lips

Lacquer Your Lids: Are you ready for this jelly…petroleum jelly, that is! To give shadow an extra shiny kick, take some Vaseline and smear a bit on your lids. Use the ring finger. It has the lightest touch. And remember: you only need a dab! You don't want you eyelids looking like an oil slick! Balance the look with a lipstick or gloss that isn't too shiny, or too matte. Look for something with a peach, rose, or mauve undertone for a more natural looking kisser.

Dazzle with Glitter
Dazzle with Glitter

Get Your Glitter On: We're not saying you have to look like you just stepped out of Studio 54, but all that metallic goodness doesn't have to stick solely to your lids. We L-O-V-E some subtle sparkle in your strands. Try Alterna's Caviar Glitterati Sparkling Champagne Spray ($20) for light hold, and subtle (but gorgeous) sparkle. We also heart The Body Shop's The Sparkler in Enchanting Gold. It's a fine, shimmery powder for your hair, face, and body….AND it comes in a chic perfume like bottle. Spritz it, twirl in it, anything goes on NYE! (Well, almost anything!)

Related: Metallic Makeup: Get Your Sparkle On!

An Easy Way to Highlight that Fabulous Face of Yours
An Easy Way to Highlight that Fabulous Face of Yours

Highlight Of The Night: Use a sheer, highlighting powder or luminizer (like Benefit Cosmetics High Beam, $26...it's an oldie, but goodie, and is universally flattering) to highlight that fabulous face of yours. Dab some on the inner corner of your eyes. Then, apply in a "C" shape at the outer corner of eyes, swipe down the bridge of your nose and add some along your cheekbones. You can even highlight your browbones. Watch heads turn!

'Nail' this Look
'Nail' this Look



Try A Bold Nail:

A hot-to-trot color on your tips is the easiest way to make a statement, without breaking the bank. If you're a DIY kind of gal, try this KISS Professional Manicure Kit. For $9.99, you get everything from nail clippers and cuticle nippers to buffers and emery boards. You can even bring it to the salon. Click here for a few of our favorite mani how-to's.

Related: Dress Up Your Fingers in NAIL ART

Check Out These Fabu-licious Lips
Check Out These Fabu-licious Lips




Try A Bold Lip:

Instead of reaching for red, try a bright pink, or better yet, a bold fuschia! Layer it on full force with a lip brush, or dab a bit on your lips, then top with your favorite sheer, pink gloss or traditional lip balm. (Bonus: A bold shade will make your teeth look brighter!) Feel like livin' on the edge? Try Violent Lips ($14.95 for a set of three). They're temporary lip tattoos that come in patterns like glitter, leopard print, and polka dots, and come off easily with a bit of baby oil.

Try Switching Up Your Perfume in 2012
Try Switching Up Your Perfume in 2012

New Year, New Eau (de Parfum): If you're like me, you've probably been addicted to the same perfume for years. What better time to switch up your scent than the start of the New Year. Do you heart florals? Do you fawn over fruits or spices? Whatever your nose desires, hit up your local department/perfume store and have a little fun before the festivities. Just remember: Never buy based on the "smelling strip." It's like buying clothes without trying them on first! Instead, spritz the scent on your wrist and see how the fragrance reacts to your body chemistry. One perfume we love right now is Twirl, the new fragrance from Kate Spade ($18-$80). It's the perfect cocktail of florals and fruit, the scent won't overpower you (and every person who walks by you), and the bottle reminds us of the ball that drops at midnight. Plus, with a name like Twirl, you'll just want to dance once you have it on!

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