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Kick Your Holiday Look Into High Gear

Photo courtesy of LAURA GELLER

Renowned makeup artist Laura Geller says the holidays are the perfect time to experiment and try out new looks.

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By CLOE CABRERA | The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 20, 2008

The holiday season is about to kick into high gear, which means invitations will soon be rolling in for all your favorite festive soirees.

You have to worry not only about what to wear, but also how you'll glam up your look for everything from the office party to a New Year's Eve gala.

We tracked down renowned makeup artist Laura Geller, the woman behind the booming QVC business and namesake studio, for tips on how to turn heads at any holiday fete.

Geller was in Tampa recently to introduce her new makeup line, Beauty Ingenuity, at the Macy's store in The Shops at Wiregrass. It's the first time her line will be sold at a department store.

Geller says the holidays are the perfect time to experiment and try out new looks, whether it's a different color on your lips or a new effect on your eyes.

The key, she says, no matter what you're going for, is balance and, above all, ease.

"I want women to see makeup as nonthreatening," she says, "to get out of the house looking polished in the shortest amount of time."

Geller says it's all about the three E's: eyebrows, eyeliner and eyelashes.

"It's the framework of the eyes," she says. "You want to make your eyes look open and wide. Shape your eyebrows and line your eyes. So many women are afraid to line their eyes, and they don't do it properly. Mascara is the icing on the cake; never forget that."

For a perfect holiday look, don't skimp on the eyeliner. And don't rush it.

"Spend a second longer than you normally would putting on eyeliner," Geller says. "It enhances the shape of your eye in the most beautiful way. Follow your eye shape; don't try to reinvent it."

Geller is also a big fan of false eyelashes. "Eyelashes can take your eyes from wow to wow-whee! It makes you feel a little bit more smoldering, more sexy and diva-esque, no matter what your age."

She's also a big believer in blush.

"From the fairest to the deepest woman of color, we all need to remember color equates to youth and radiance," she says. "Everyone needs to get back to that school of thought and brighten up that complexion. You lose melanin in your 30s and 40s, and it's important to get it back."

Blush-challenged women should apply blush on the apple of the cheeks and carry it up on the cheekbone to ear height.

"Your bone structure will look stronger, which will turn back the clock on your face," she says.

Geller warns against this fall's dark lipstick trend. For the holidays, reach for red, she advises.

"Everyone can't wear" the dark lipsticks, she says. "Red lipstick will get you noticed. If you've never worn it, step out of your comfort zone and try it; it speaks to feeling bold and confident."

Geller recommends Coco Chanel for a versatile red. "It's a blue-based red, so it's darker and deeper and tends to work on most women."

When a woman wears a strong lip color, it's best to keep the rest of the face soft, she says.

And don't be afraid to add a little shimmer to your look by mixing it in with your foundation or moisturizer. Keep the shimmer to a minimum and focus on drawing the light.

"It shouldn't look glittery," she says. "It should be just a light shimmer, wherever you want a pop of color or brightness. We have one called Wonder Wand. It's not a color; it's a highlighter with a felt tip that's very fine, so you can add just a little and build on it.

"The holidays are about having a little fun," Geller says. "Don't be afraid to experiment."

Cloe Cabrera can be reached at (813) 259-7656. Be sure to sashay over to the blog at TBO.com keyword: Hot Pursuits.

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