Why: I wanted a playful, funky updo to go with the fun vibe of the holiday party. Plus, the plum statement lip adds a little polish to the look. -- Cinya Burton, Senior Associate Editor
Get the look: Run Shu Uemura Essence Absolue Oil in Cream, $45, through damp hair to add a little shine and help the style stay in place. Then create a deep side part and French braid the front right section. Finally, bobby pin the ends into a messy twist in the back.
Why: I wanted something a little more glam than my everyday look but nothing too over-the-top since it's for a party at my friend's house. So I opted for a trendy side braid with bold eyeliner and a nude lip. -- Sarah Carrillo, Senior Editor
Get the look: Prep hair with a smoothing serum such as Redken All Soft Argan-6 Oil, $29, then blow dry it straight with a round brush. Add a texturizing product to the ends to give them a little hold for the fishtail, like Bumble and bumble Surf Spray, $24. Then pull all the hair to one side and create the fishtail (tie hair into a ponytail, divide into two sections, bring small sections of hair from one side to the other, tie the ends, then cut the top hair tie off). Be sure to leave a few wisps out around the face so it's not too "done."
Why: I chose this look because Diane Kruger makes blonde waves, a slight cat eye, and pretty pink lips look so effortless. It looks fancy without seeming "overly done." Also, subtle touches of rosy pink are a nice alternative if you're not into the whole deep red lip. -- Emily Popp, Assistant Editor
Get the look: Mist a heat protectant on dry hair and wrap 2-inch sections around a curling iron, stopping at about eye level. Create a side part and pull back the top half of your hair, pinning behind the ear at the crown. Finish with a shine spray such as Bumble and Bumble Shine On Finishing Spray, $15.
Why: I've loved this one since it first hit the red carpet--it's chic, polished, and festive, but it'll do the job of keeping my hair off my neck (and out of the chips and dip). -- New York City Editor, Dawn Davis
Get the look: Add grip to hair by misting Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray, $39, all over. Use a 1 1/2-inch curling iron to create loose curls at ends. Next, pull all hair to top of crown and secure with a clear elastic band. Gently tease the roots in the front for a more tousled effect on top and fluff ponytail for more volume.
Apply Nars Andy Warhol Soft Touch Shadow Pencil in Silver Factory, $24, along the lash line. Smudge metallic hue upwards on the lid for a softer effect. Add neutral brown eyeshadow to outer corner for a natural smoky look.
Photo 6/7
Red statement lip + luminous complexion
Where: Holiday shopping
Why: This is what I hope to look like while I'm holiday shopping. The red lip doesn't take much time and it helps me achieve that chic, pulled-together mom look. -- Beth Mayall, Editor in Chief
No, not shopping (though we're also engaging in an obscene amount of that recently). We're talking about filling up your Pinterest boards with holiday hair and makeup looks. Even if you're not a heavy pinner, you've probably been trying to figure out festive outfits and the holiday hairstyles that'll complement them perfectly. At least that's what we've been doing.
Our calendars are jammed with family gatherings, swanky soirees, and holiday-themed fetes, and getting all glammed up is half the fun. After all, unless you're Kate Middleton, you probably don't find yourself going to galas every week. True, the holiday office party may not require the same attire as dinner with the Queen, but it's still an excuse to swipe on a new red lipstick and try out that French-braided twist you've been obsessed with for months.
Our editors have been stockpiling holiday looks since June. We've combed through photos from every red carpet event and selected our so-pretty-we-have-to-try favorites. The best part? To make your December "To Do" list a little shorter, we also included all of the products you need to get each look and simple, step-by-step tips. Keep reading to see the celebrity-inspired holiday makeup looks we'll be wearing soon.
