This holiday season may feel a little different—farewell to extravagant celebrations—but that shouldn’t stop you from dressing up, indulging yourself, and trying out new makeup looks.
And indeed, the glamorous makeup styles that graced the autumn/winter ’20/’21 catwalks can be replicated with natural, non-toxic products available at health food stores. With insights from two makeup professionals, we guide you through the process.
The ‘not so inky black’ smoky eye
Achieving the perfect smoky eye can often seem daunting! I’ll admit my teenage attempts left me looking more like a raccoon than glamorous.
However, clean beauty consultant Natalia Lavaggi reassures us that smoky eyes can be approachable and don’t always have to be dark. (A softer version of the smoky look was a standout on A/W runways from Dior to Givenchy this year.)
- Begin with subtle shades. Use grays, soft blues, or lavender eyeshadows “around the rim of both your upper and lower lash lines.”
- Create a bit of drama by gently smudging with a blending brush or a cotton swab.
- Enhance the intensity. “Stick with these colors; just layer more on, or incorporate darker shades like plums or charcoals into the crease,” advises Lavaggi.
- Amplify the look with some black eyeliner along the lower lash line.
The secret to a flawless smoky eye, according to Lavaggi, lies in blending: “Blend extensively to avoid harsh lines, and apply lightly, gradually building up until you reach your desired effect.”
For a final touch, beauty and style expert Nadia Albano recommends adding a sprinkle of glitter to the center of your smoky eye “for a three-dimensional effect.”
The ‘choose your own adventure’ bold lip
If bright red isn’t your style, not to worry! Oxblood lipsticks are making a stylish comeback this season. Plus, if your meticulously applied lipstick smudges—perhaps due to a romantic moment under the mistletoe—don’t fret. Blurry, just-kissed lips were also a trend on A/W runways.
Look for natural pigments created with nourishing bases like plant oils and cocoa butter.
The ‘one step down from diamonds’ sparkle
Albano suggests that glitter “[is] always a delightful way to introduce texture and stays in vogue for the holidays.” Eco-friendly glittery eye makeup offers a stylish alternative to ostentatious adornments seen on runways, such as Giambattista Valli’s models sporting real crystals around their eyes and Erdem’s use of silver foil on eyelids.
“Soft silver liners and metallic eyeshadows add a touch of elegance and are perfect for the festive season,” Lavaggi remarks.
If you prefer a more understated twinkle for your virtual gatherings, consider illuminating powder (great for highlighting cheekbones and the nose) or a solid illuminator (easy to apply with your fingertips). The shimmer in these options originates from natural mineral pigments instead of oversized artificial glitter flecks.
