Four Classic Makeup Looks

Intense, versatile and low-maintenance-this classic look is perfect for your many holiday fetes. Follow these simple steps to ensure your shadow looks soft and sooty but never slept in. Start by tracing the upper lid with a soft black pencil. Then gently smudge it with your fingertip to diffuse the line.

At left: Keira Knightley

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Next, using a medium-size domed brush, apply inky powder to the crease of the eye. Then blend it downward for a wash of color over the entire lid.

At left: Halle Berry

Then, with a smaller brush that has firm bristles, press a gunmetal shade into the lower lash line. Apply a silver powder to the inner corners and then pile on the mascara. Keep the lips neutral with a pink gloss or a subtle balm.

At left: Rachel Bilson

• 1. Buy a compact that has complementary shades: Chanel Quadra eye shadow in Smoky Eye, $56; at chanel.com.
• 2. A durable synthetic and natural bristle brush works well for applying shadow in the crease: MAC No. 217 brush, $23; at maccosmetics.com
• 3. A stiff, dense brush gives maximum control for applying shadow in small areas: Kevyn Aucoin Beauty Small Eyeshadow Soft Round Tip brush, $28; at neimanmarcus.com.
• 4. Look for a lengthening or volumizing mascara: Maybelline Lash Discovery in Very Black, $8; at walgreens.com.

When too many late nights and sugary cocktails take a toll on your complexion, consider this your radiance refresher. For an instant glow, use tinted moisturizer with light-reflecting pigments. If you like more coverage, apply foundation or concealer, but only where needed.

At left: Kate Bosworth

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After the base is done, swirl shimmering rose blush over the apples of your cheeks, then blend it toward the temples. Dust with a soft gold (or bronze for dark skin) highlighter along the cheekbones.

At left: Jessica Alba

For clean definition on the eyes, skim a medium brown pencil along the inner rim of the lower lash line, then top it with a creamy gold pencil. Highlight the inner corners of the eyes and lids with gilded powder for a brightening effect. Finish with a slick of light pink lip gloss for a subtle dose of color and shine.

At left: Thandie Newton

• 1. Tinted moisturizer delivers a lit-from-within glow and has SPF 20: Laura Mercier Illuminating tinted moisturizer in Warm Radiance, $42; at nordstrom.com.
• 2. A medium-brown pencil and gold shimmer make eyes twinkle: Almay Bright Eyes Liner/Highlighter duo in Dark Chocolate amp Shell, $9; at drugstore.com.
• 3. Golden-toned blushes flatter every skintone: Bobbi Brown Shimmer blush in Washed Rose, $22; at bobbibrowncosmetics.com.
• 4. Featherweight powder gives luminous skin: Diorskin Shimmer powder in Amber Diamond, $42; at sephora.com.

If ever there was a time and place for lashing out, it's the holiday office party. The look is festive and glamorous without coming on too strong, especially with glossy lips. You can use full lash strips to accentuate the eyes. Before applying them, sweep a lengthening mascara onto your natural lashes. Then roll the fakes between your fingers to make them more bendable to fit the shape of your eye.

At left: Jennifer Lopez

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Trace your natural lip line with a clear waxy pencil. A transparent one gives definition and protects against feathering without the risk of looking fake or severe.

At left: Lucy Liu

Once you've found your perfect shade of crimson-crisp and blue-based for fair skin, orangey for olive, and burgundy for dark complexions-apply color directly from the tube, not with a lip brush. Press the color in with your fingertip. Complete the look with glowing skin and two coats of black mascara.

At left: Hayden Panettiere

Wait about 20 seconds for the adhesive to become tacky, then, looking down into a mirror, drop the strip on your natural lash line. Pinch lashes with your fingertips. Fill gaps at the lash line with the point of a black felt-tip liquid eyeliner.

At left: Beyonce

Hold the strip up to your lid to measure the length. If it's too long, snip off a few hairs so that they don't poke into your skin. Use a clean toothpick to spread glue along the base. But never apply glue directly from the tube.

At left: Angelina Jolie