Get Party Pretty

Sexy Eyes

Need a special look for an upcoming holiday bash? It's easy to get a little glam with our quick tips and this season's festive colors.

The Sultry, Smoky Eye There's something infinitely appealing about a smoky eye -- and with good reason: Playing them up gets you party ready, fast. The best news is that "smoky" no longer denotes an eye rimmed in intense black makeup, which can instantly age you. Instead, any dark hue -- dark brown, charcoal, even eggplant -- can give you the sophistication and glamour that make this look such a hit.

The key is to blend, blend, blend, says makeup artist Sue Devitt, who has worked with Debra Messing and Meg Ryan, and who has her own makeup collection, Sue Devitt Studio. "You don't want a line that's so harsh that it makes people focus on your makeup rather than your eyes," she says. Start by lining the upper and lower lash line with either a pencil or with a skinny brush dipped in shadow. Next, go over this line with a shadow that's approximately three shades lighter. (If your liner is dark brown, for example, then use a medium brown shadow.) With a fluffy brush, sweep the shadow up the crease; go any higher and the look becomes too somber. End with a pale, shimmery shade for right underneath the browbone, which will help to bring out the rest of the eye makeup.

Easy, Chic Hair Styles Styling your hair for a dressy event is easier than you think! Try a chic ponytail, a trendy sock bun, or use our tips to get gorgeous waves.