Ask Elyse: Haute Holiday

Dear Elyse,

I'm attending a ritzy holiday party and I want my make-up to match the occasion. Can you tell me how to get a classic holiday look?

Thanks,
Candace

Classic is just the way to go. Not only is it the latest hit with celebrity fashionistas, but it will save you from the worst of embarrassing holiday photos.

Eyes should be elegant with an underlying drama. First you'll want to sweep a light, shimmery shadow from lid to brow bone. On top of that, apply a darker shadow in the same colour family and then a stretch of eyeliner (any dark shade but black) at the base of the lid. Use an eye shadow brush to blend in color starting at your lash line, moving upward. Make sure to blend color into the lash line so that the liner is seamless with the shadow.

Rosy cheeks are always in for winter, but everything in moderation. You don't want your rouge giving you the red light look. Opt for a peachy pink like Napoleon Perdis' Barely Blushing in Rouge and apply one more layer than you're used to, starting light at the base of your cheekbone, deepening at the apple of your cheek, and then fading out again in the upward slant.

You won't want your lips fighting your eyes for attention, so a muted but rosy nude like Napoleon Perdis' DéVine Goddess Lipstick in Harmonia combined with the subtle Gloss Patrol in Tokyo will have the perfect hint of colour and shine.

Hope this helps,
Elyse

The Bold and the Beautiful

Summer has slipped out of sight, and with it go the warmer cosmetic trends. In their place come rich jewel tones and some pretty outrageous brights.

As shocking as many of the season's new shades look on the runway – and, let's be honest, in their pots, compacts and tubes – the wearability factor is actually quite high.

Many of the boldest shadows, for instance, actually go on quite sheer. And those that aren't can be tamed with judicious application.

Below are a few tips on how to turn this runway trend into your latest look:

• Instead of covering your entire lid with the brighter shade, do a smokier liner and then add a splash of color in the outer corner of your eye.

• Start with a sweep of vivid color, then dust it down to a more approachable shade with a shimmery nude shadow. Skip liner and finish with mascara.

• When it comes to vibrant blush – fuchsia, magenta or tomato red – it can tempered with a more neutral shade. On the cheekbone, where you would typically contour, use a bronzer to create a banana shape. On the apple, use the pop of color. If you exclusively use bold color, it'll turn dated. You have to give it something to melt into.

• Lip color is the one area where many women are less afraid to be daring. Fall's deep scarlets, wines and lacquer reds strike an ideal balance between retro and modern when skin is flawless and brows are refined. The best way to balance a deep, velvety lip is to have a really clean and groomed eyebrow with a defined arch. For a flawless look, take your time and use a lip brush. Color as bold as you dare to wear it.

Shop Napoleon Perdis for the best colour-infused cosmetics and take 30% off any one of their products at UrbanMinx by using the coupon code NP30 at checkout.