The holidays are time for fun and color! However, with a calendar packed with holiday shopping, parties, and activities, you may be short on time and end up looking ho hum instead of fabulous. It’s easy to add some pizazz to the festivities with the help of some tips and tricks from Joanna Schlip, Physicians Formula’s celebrity makeup artist.

PICK: BRIGHTEN EYES WITH SHIMMER
This holiday season, shimmery eye shadows are right on trend. If you want to brighten your eyes, a smoky eye look will be your best choice and also the sexiest option for a holiday party! However, if dark shadows overwhelm your eyes, try a modern take on smoke and use a shimmer to create a smudgy effect instead.

TIP: Apply the shadow starting above your eyelashes and take it up just past the crease in your eyelid. Blend lightly so you don’t have a visible line. Shimmery eye shadows are fantastic for this look. Consider plums, coppers, and shades of grey for a “smoky” effect that will look great in pictures.

GET THE LOOK: First apply Physicians Formula Circle RX Circle Control Concealer as a base on lid and under eyes to cover dark under-eye circles. Then to achieve a smoky eye with shimmer, apply Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips Custom Eye Enhancing Shadow & Liner.

PICK: FINISH OFF A PARTY LOOK WITH PRETTY LIPS
Lip glosses are the perfect way to finish off your party look – not only are they quick and easy to apply, they always create a glamorous, finished look. Lip glosses also make your lips appear fuller, which adds to the holiday pizazz. You can either use a colored gloss or a clear one applied over your lipstick.

TIP: Apply a dusting of your face powder or a bit of foundation to your lips to help maximize the staying power of the lipstick or gloss. Depending on your dress color, choose a lipstick that enhances the outfit. Apply the lip gloss over your lipstick to create a playful look and to make your lips appear luminous. Remember the golden rule: if your eyes are bright, choose a more neutral color for your lips and vice versa if your eyes have less color.

GET THE LOOK: If you are feeling frisky and want to make a bold statement with a red lip, choose a shade of cabernet or Bordeaux which are both hot for the holiday season. If your lips are feeling lifeless, plump them up by adding some lip gloss with a lip plumping ingredient over your lipstick to make them look and feel fuller. Apply Physicians Formula Plump Potion Needle-Free Lip Plumping Cocktail to add a little shimmer and fun to your look.

The tips are great, but the products are so affordable! You can find Physicians Formula at a drugstore near you or online at www.physiciansformula.com

*Photo Credit: Beauty Advice and Tips and Fashion Tribes

Shannon Nelson writes A Girl’s Gotta Spa! and Makeup Minute.