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This year Christmas makeup has gone grunge.
Last week, we delved into the new not-so-festive beauty trend: Dior have released blackened shades in their eyeshadow quads, and Lisa Eldridge’s velvet sorcery lipstick is out of stock.
But it’s a bold look and one that can be hard to master, so if you’re truly lost without your red lipstick and sparkle, you may need some inspiration from the experts.
Both MAC and Bobbi Brown created their own original twist on typical grunge makeup for us – and we can’t get enough of it.
We’ve got the complete product list to replicate their looks, as well as some insider tips for makeup application.
So whether you’ve got a Christmas Eve bash coming up and want a look you can show to a makeup artist, or you want to set the tone at the New Year party with the hottest look of the season – we’ve got you covered.
MAC
First up the exceptional Dominic Skinner, MAC Global Senior Artist and Glow Up star, created an absolute festive masterpiece.
Think Wednesday Addams meets Euphoria and that pretty much sums up the aesthetic.
The look was all about the eyes – a deep purple shadow, dark liner and lashes that popped. It was such a look in fact, that I’m pretty sure it gave me a temporary personality transplant.
MAC stayed true to their roots with striking looks that emphasise confidence and trend-setting. What’s not to love.
Dominic’s tips:
- Use an eyeshadow paint pot – it’s waterproof and smudge proof and is really great as a base for powder shadows
- To get a smoky eye, use a chol pencil draw it all across the lash line and simply smudge away with a brush
- When using pencil and shadow it helps to use the pencil first because then any powder products will grip to the waxes in the pencil
- For your face base MAC strobe cream is a moisturiser with a highlighter – which is perfect for evening up your skin tone so if you use it consistently it will treat your skin and even out any redness
- When putting the pump into your new foundation pot make sure to tap the bottom of the pot to get the air bubble out so the product doesn’t overflow when you insert the pump
MAC products used:
Skin:
- Fix+ Long-Lasting Setting Spray
- Studio Fix Mattifine 12hr Shine-Control Primer
- Studio Fix Fluid Foundation NC15
- Studio Fix 24hr Smooth Wear Concealer NW20
- Warm Soul Mineralize Blush
Eyes:
- Babe In Charms Pro Longwear Paint Pot
- Eye Love Surprises Eyeshadow Palette
- Black Kohl Liner
- Black Macstack Mascara
Brows:
Lips:
Bobbi Brown
For this look we worked with the brilliant Bobbi Brown makeup consultant Lucia, who used a feather-light touch to create a subtle and sexy festive look.
While it’s soft-grunge, this joins MAC in solidifying that grunge is bursting back onto the makeup scene.
What is noticeably absent from both looks is a winged liner. Instead it’s all about defining the lash line to really make your eyes pop.
Lucia’s tips:
- Bronzer, especially on fair skin types, should not be used in excess to create big shadows on your jawline or cheekbones – it should mimic where the sun would catch your face.
- Always start with the eyes first to prevent any fallout from eyeshadows ruining your base.
Bobbi Brown's products used:
Skincare:
Base:
- Colour Corrector Stick Light Bisque
- Full Cover Concealer Ivory
- Foundation Stick Neutral Porcelain
- Sheer Powder Soft Porcelain
Define & Glow:
Brows:
Eyes:
- Long-wear Eye Base in Shell
- All over Shadow in Ivory
- Lower Lid Shadow in Cement and Moonstone Luxe
- Crease Shadow Mahogany
- Gel Eyeliner Caviar Ink
- Pencil Eyeliner Mahogany
- Smokey Eye Mascara
- No Smudge Mascara
Lips:
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