Get Party Pretty

Shimmer

The Sexy Shimmer Believe it or not, you can create a big impression this party season without adding much color at all. How? By using shimmer makeup products -- from glistening shadows to highlighters for all over facial highlighters -- that spotlight all the right places, such as your eyes, cheekbones, and lids. "Shimmers make the skin look dewy and luminous," says DVF's Pashalidis. "They add instant sparkle to any look."

When choosing a highlighter, consider the many different textures, shapes, and colors out there, as they're all applied a little differently. A compact powdered version can be dusted with a brush over your foundation and blush. A cream version, meanwhile, should be smoothed on with your fingers and looks best without a setting of powder, which can dampen its beautiful shine. (It works best over a cream blush that you've already applied with your fingers.) Loose powder versions tend to leave the most concentrated shine, but they need to be applied cautiously, as they can spill and land on your clothes. The most versatile highlighters are those in pale shades of silver, pink, or gold, as they meld with the skin and give a subtle radiance.

Undoubtedly, your eyes are the best feature to highlight with shimmer. "If you usually wear a neutral color on your eyes, you'll love a touch of silver shadow," says Pashalidis. "Silver adds oomph but still looks very natural." She points out that a good shimmery shadow is light and translucent, allowing your natural skin to shine through; stay away from frosty, glittery shadows, which do the exact opposite. Also, says Pashalidis, a silvery eye is subtle enough to be worn with a brightly colored lip, and of course, a generous coat of mascara.

No party primping is complete without immaculately groomed brows. A well-defined arch is your best beauty accessory, creating the perfect frame for the rest of your look. Fill in sparse areas with an eyeshadow or pencil a shade lighter than your brow hair, and with the same product, extend them a bit. Finish off with a clear brow groomer.

Nail art is everywhere these days and even if you're a novice, you can make a big impact with a few fancy nail tricks.