We’re coming up on the first week of December and the holiday party season is upon us!  However, although you may want to celebrate, dress up, and have a little fun with your makeup, you have to remember some simple rules to avoid looking like you’re trying to hard.  It’s all about positive – not negative – attention.

The biggest temptation might be to match your makeup look to your outfit.  Say you’ve got a great metallic gold dress.  Wearing gold eyeshadow, lip stick, and nail polish is going to make you look like you’re wearing a costume.  The only holiday party this works for is Halloween!  Don’t clash with your dress, but generally go for makeup in colors that work well with your skin tone is your best bet.  Want to glam it up?  Go for dramatic lips OR a dramatic smoky eye – but not both!

Another don’t is glitter.  A shimmer powder is a great idea (Estee Lauder has a fantastic shimmer powder this season with a hint of gold), but powders, gels, and lotions with glitter can not only look juvenile or trashy, but it’s so messy!  You’ll leave glitter on everyone from the coat check attendant to your date.  A definite DON’T.

This season, resist the urge to fake bake or overdose on the bronzer.  If you’re feeling a little pale, wearing a dress in a great jewel tone or maybe a red lipstick can help perk up your skin.  Tanning beds may leave you seeing red, especially if you have had limited exposure to the sun over the last few months.  Likewise, your summer bronzer may be too deep for your winter skin. So while we agree, a bronzer is a great look for a party, the trick is picking the right one for your skin tone. Look for a powder in a golden tone and avoid colors that are too orange-y. Fair-skinned girls should go for tan or honey-toned bronzer. For slightly deeper medium or olive skin, a medium brown or terracotta color should look great. For dark complexions, try a deep copper shade. The trick is to not use a bronzer more than one shade darker than your skin. Sweep your bronzer across your cheekbones, jawline (don’t forget to blend!), chin, nose, and forehead. I even like to sweep just a tiny bit over my temples.

You may be tempted to powder your nose more than once at a party. A good thing to have with you is some blotting paper instead (or before using powder). This will soak up the excess oils on your face without smudging your makeup or leaving you with a face caked with powder. Always bring some lipstick, liner, and concealer as well to make the most necessary touch-ups throughout the evening.