The Fashionista is in: Winter makeup

Thanksgiving has passed, which means that it’s totally appropriate to start compiling your seasonal wish lists. And though you probably shouldn’t keep your fingers crossed for a whirlwind romance with Ryan Gosling (please, Santa?) what is realistic to fawn over is makeup. I mean, what’s not to love? If there’s any time to splurge on that Chanel lipstick you’ve been eyeing, it’s now — especially taking into account this winter’s lively makeup trends. Here’s the 411 on fall/winter face candy.

Metallics

Winter style is all about physical and visual texture, so it’s no surprise that — along with all of the velvet, sequins, leather, fur and metallic fabric — there is an emphasis on metallic eye color. Executing the metallic eye to perfection is fairly simple: Stick to earthier tones. As fun as that tub of magenta pigment may look on the shelf of the makeup counter, it’s not very practical (or refined) when transferred to your lids. Stick with copper, silver or brassy hues. There’s such a thing as sleek and standout without looking gaudy or tasteless. You want to shimmer, not induce seizures. MAC’s selection never fails.

Heavy brows

The ‘90s are back in and with them full, shapely brows. Don’t fret: This doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to wax. I know all too well the agony and patience required to grow your brows out long enough to be shaped professionally. It can be impossible. However modern cosmetics have provided us with alternative routes. One easy tip: Use a brow brush. It may seem silly or high maintenance, but it works. If you choose to use a brow pencil or highlighter, there’s one golden rule to follow: Match the color perfectly. It can be tempting to pick up the drugstore options, but if you want the effect to be flawless, I’d strongly suggest heading to the counters or somewhere an expert can ID the product to your brow shade accurately.

Orange Lips

Vampy lips are an alluring trend that never goes out of style, but the most common approach is that of the deep, scarlet red. Red lips are beautiful, but this season it’s all about orange. Look no further than the stunning Rooney Mara spread in last month’s Vogue if you have any doubts. If your complexion is more pale or olive-toned, stick to the lighter, brighter shades of tangerine or coral (personal endorsement: Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Sari d’Eau). If your complexion is darker, go bold.

Nude Makeup

If I have one relentless pet peeve about winter style, it is overzealous bronzing (whether it be from UV rays or from a compact). Glowing skin can be sexy, yes, but not when it’s overdone and not necessarily 365 days a year. I know it may be difficult to accept, but a fresh face is 100 times prettier than the orange horror that’s so omnipresent on our campus. Additionally, emphasizing your true skin tone provides a better palate for cheek and eye makeup. Just take a deep breath, walk out of that Planet Beach, and no one gets hurt.

Moisturize

Dry air means dry skin and lips. If you’re a person that wears makeup you need to consider that the base for your product is most effective when smooth and toned, not scratchy and wind-burned. You don’t need to drop a lot of dough to get an effective daily moisturizer; anything from Target will do. Just make sure there’s no alcohol listed in the ingredients, as that will only exacerbate any conditions of dry skin.