6 New Ways to Do Your Holiday Eye Makeup



Do you clock hours watching "Cake Boss" utterly flabbergasted by how Buddy and his guys create their masterpieces? Ever walked a mile inside a Joann's or Michael's picturing all of the awesome things you could sew, scrapbook, needlepoint, or paint if only -- wait, what's the stumbling block again? -- oh, yeah, if only you had talent?

Yeah, me too. I've made peace with the fact that I'm arts and crafts-challenged. And I'm fine with it -- especially because I've figured out a way to sublimate. I simply swap the cut up bits of paper and fancy crochet needles for makeup -- lots of pretty makeup -- that, despite my inherent lack of craftiness, I happen to be quite adept at applying.

Related: 7 Hottest Fall/Winter 2011 Makeup Trends

The thing is, I've gotten complacent with my signature eye makeup look. And even though I can pull off a smoky eye in 5 minutes flat, during the holidays I find myself clamoring for something more festive. After all, this glitzy, done-up season is the perfect time to experiment. So, this year as a little gift to myself, I asked celebrity makeup artist Taylor Chang-Babaian to shed some light on the prettiest, party-worthy eye makeup looks around.

All you need to incorporate them into your festive repertoire is clear lip gloss, a couple of crystals (here's your chance to head to Michael's with a purpose), some eyelash glue, and a willingness to follow these easy steps. Nothing too complicated, I promise. Take that Martha Stewart.

FOR YOUR CHRISTMAS/HANUKKAH PARTY

Metallic smoky eye? Been there, done that. Go for a glossy lid for a truly illuminating, head-turning look. While the glossy, all-black, smoky eye may be a bit daunting for the girl next door, Babaian says you can add gloss to any color, like a plum smoky eye. Pair it with false lashes, black liner, and a dark lip for a dramatic, sexy look.

Here are her pointers:
• Whichever eye makeup you choose, the key to achieving this look is to apply the gloss last, says Babaian. "You want to add the gloss just to the center of your lid, using a lip brush with some petroleum jelly or a clear lip gloss."
• Make sure you don't apply the gloss too close to your upper lashline -- you don't want it to seep into your eyes.
• Apply the gloss without any shadow if your shadow tends to transfer. "Just make sure to do it after applying your mascara," says Babaian.

FOR YOUR NEW YEAR'S EVE BALL


Whether you're going to your "I'm on a boat" yacht party or crashing a local bar with a small posse of pals, there is no better time than New Year's Eve to wear bling -- especially on your eyes. It looks too tough to pull off, but trust us, it's easier than it seems. All you need are some crystals from your local craft store and false lash glue.

See Babaian's tips on how to score this gorgeous look:

• Use flathead tweezers to hold the crystal, and dip the flat side of the stone into lash glue.
• Apply one crystal on your skin to make sure that your skin doesn't get irritated before doing the rest.
• Apply crystals near your brow bone and on your lid before your crease, says Babaian. "Make sure there's no glue on your crease, otherwise you won't be able to open your eyes!"
• If applying actual crystals to your skin sounds too crazy, try crystal-adorned false lashes. We love kre-at beauty Mega Wing Lash in Black Onyx, $45. Since the crystals are only on the lashline strip, you only see them when you blink.

FOR YOUR OFFICE HOLIDAY PARTY


Want drama and flair that's work-appropriate? Babaian says the winged tip is the perfect look for your office party. If you're sprucing up in your office bathroom, you want a look that's versatile enough to add instant drama and that can go with any look.

Here are some pointers to follow:

• Apply a line of black eyeliner to your upper lashline, winging the ends up at a 45-degree angle. "The more you angle it, the stronger the look will be," says Babaian. "With a 90-degree angle, you're going to get Amy Winehouse; 45 degrees is more wearable."
• Use your business card as a guide for your winged tip, says Babaian. Hold the business card against the outer corner of your eye and use it as a ruler so that the line is straight.
• For a bolder look, try a cateye by drawing a line on your lower rim and connecting it to the winged tip.
• If you're a novice, you can create your angle with eyeshadow first, that way it's easier to clean up. Once you have the angle correct, you can go over that with your liner.
• Opt for a cream pot for your line. "Liquid eyeliners tend to be shiny and reflective," says Babaian. We love Maybelline New York Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner, $9.99, since it doesn't budge or smudge for 24 hours.

For more holiday eye makeup looks perfect for every party, click here.

More from TotalBeauty.com:
The No. 1 Fall Makeup Trend - and How to Pull It Off
Get Doll-like Lashes with These 10 New Mascaras
15 Best Primers for Long-Lasting Eye Makeup