Backstage Beauty Tips Just in Time for Party Season

by Sophia Panych

I know it's only the first week of November, but my calendar is already starting to fill up with holiday parties--not to mention Thanksgiving, which this year involves both my family and my boyfriend's. (So, alas, sweatpants are a no-go.) Luckily, the fall runways provided me with more than enough makeup inspiration for the next two months. Below, I've broken down three of my favorite looks. If you're looking for more ideas, sign up now for our holiday beauty guide. Sign up here and you'll receive an email from us every day for ten days, each jam-packed with the best holiday beauty tips to get you glowing for your office party, ugly sweater gathering, or simply drinks with friends. Subscribing won't cost a dime, but it will give you a chance to win a $500 gift card from HSN.

Try silver eyeliner. Yes, it sounds scary, but after seeing the thin strokes of silver liner at Dior, I'm convinced it can look superpretty (not to mention quite festive) when done right. Line only your top lashes--not the lower ones, like Pat McGrath did for the show--and pair it with lots and lots of black mascara so it doesn't look too theatrical. Tap on a pink lipstick or stain and you're ready to go.

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Try brick red lipstick. Everyone wants to wear bright red during the holiday season, but a burgundy hue, like the one McGrath used at Bottega Veneta, looks richer and more unexpected. Pair it with only mascara, or follow McGrath's lead and dust a light veil of brown shadow all over the lids and underneath the bottom outer corners of the eyes. The result is a sumptuous, sophisticated combination that looks stunning whether you're wearing a cozy sweater or a cocktail dress.

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Or brick red eye shadow. Not at the same time as the brick red lipstick, of course. But, paired with no more than lip balm, it makes a striking statement. McGrath proposed the unconventional-yet-sexy shade for Gucci's fall show, and since then we've seen it on actresses such as Kristen Stewart and Kaley Cuoco. Since it's not a color you see often, I'll make it easier with some of my picks: CoverGirl Queen Collection Eye Shadow in Raisin and M.A.C. Eye Shadow in Cranberry.

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