The holiday season is a great time to try something new with your makeup. This sparkly time of year allows for bold lips and bright eyeshadows, and the party scene is the perfect place to test the waters.

The two looks I’m showing you today are perfect opposites–one plays up the lips, and the other focuses on dramatic eyes.

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For this look, I start out with my normal primer and foundation. Add some bright white/silver eyeshadow all over the lid, and line the top lid with a heavy, dramatic wing.

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Add blush and highlighter, and finish with a bold lip. I’m using Maybelline’s Red Revolution–it’s the perfect Christmas red!

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NARS Sheer Glow Foundation | Urban Decay Naked Flushed Blush and Highlighter | Lorac The Royals Eyeshadow CollectionLorac Front of the Line Pro Liquid Eyeliner | Maybelline Color Sensational Lipcolor in Red Revolution

For the second look, I keep the foundation and blush the same.

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To get the smoky eye, layer a few dark gray eye shadows in the crease and outer corner of the lid. Sweep a little of the gray under the eye–don’t be scared! It’s intimidating, because you definitely don’t want to look like a raccoon or a panda bear, but adding a little of the gray underneath really helps blend out the eyeshadow and prevents it from having a sharp line. Then add black on the outer half of the lid, and a lighter silver on the inner half. Blend it all out with a fluffy brush, and add a little white to the inner corners to brighten them up.

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Add a pink or a nude lip to balance out the drama of the eyes. And don’t forget the mascara!

NARS Sheer Glow Foundation | Urban Decay Naked Flushed Blush and Highlighter |Urban Decay NAKED 2 Eyeshadow Palette | Lorac Front of the Line Pro Liquid EyelinerSephora Luster Matte Long-Wear Lipcolor in Petal

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Are you planning on trying out either of these looks this holiday season? Let me know if you’d be interested in a more detailed tutorial in the future!

face4Two Makeup Looks for Holiday Parties | Alexandra Adams