Hourglass is a perennial favorite, not only because of the quality of its makeup and color selection, but because of its innovative packaging. From pot-like flat glosses which can be slipped into the tiniest clutches, to swiveling eye shadow duos, each one of the brand’s products has something aesthetically notable in the design. For tips on how to best use a variety of makeup essentials while staying on-trend for the holidays, we talked to Hourglass’ artistic director Gina Brooke who has worked with, among others, Madonna, Anne Hathaway, Naomi Campbell and Gwen Stefani.
1. A 3-D approach to chic cheeks
When it comes to chic cheeks, I have a three-dimensional approach that anyone can replicate at home. Firstly, I “warm” the skin by applying bronzer to the high points of the face. Secondly, I add “light” to the complexion by using a highlighter on the apples of the cheeks, down the bridge of the nose and the jaw bone. Lastly, I “color” with blush applied strategically to the apples of the cheeks—smile when you’re doing so for the ideal application. The result is a flawless looking complexion.
2. Hold the neutrals, try a dramatic eye
Hold the neutrals. Why not try dramatic eyes for an evening event? Nothing says nighttime glamour like a metallic smoky eye. Choose a shadow duo with a black and a metal shade like gunmetal gray, silver or bronze. Using a shadow brush, apply the lighter shade first. Use your finger to blend for a graduation of color. Then apply the dark shade, but avoid applying the black shadow all the way across to the inner corner of the eyes—it makes your eyes seem bigger that way. Blend the two colors together.
3. Bold red lips
I love bold, red lips, and if you haven’t experimented with their power, now is the time to do so. Red instantly transforms the face for an immediately polished look. Start with a neutral liner first. Don’t just fill in the lines. Use the liner over the entire lips to create a base for your lipstick. Using a lip brush, apply the lipstick from the outer corner to the inner corner, and repeat from the other side. Pair your rouge lips with smoky eyes for a gorgeous classic look.
Gina Brooke applying makeup backstage
4. Gold eye-shadow
Gold is an undeniably festive color and the perfect choice to celebrate the season. An easy combination is to pair a gold shimmering eye shadow with a bright coral lip gloss—it’s a sultry look that flatters all skin tones. You could also heighten the impact of the gold shadow by wetting your brush before application. This technique is called “foiling” and it creates a gilded effect on the eyes. Make sure the shadow dries before moving on to another shade.
5. Prep with a primer for an all-night beauty look
To ensure your makeup lasts all night, always remember to prep skin with a primer first. It will ensure a flawless and long-lasting makeup application, and will also lock in moisture, which is ideal for cold weather. In addition, using a primer will help the foundation glide on smoothly and blend easily. Look for a luxurious foundation with anti-aging and light-diffusing ingredients.
6. Hollywood’s Vaseline trick
If you are going to a party where you will be photographed, I always recommend this trick from the Golden Age of Hollywood: Put a thin layer of Vaseline on your teeth to avoid lipstick transferring onto them. Another good trick from that era is to dab concealer on the outer corners of the mouth to create a lifting effect that makes you look like you’re slightly smiling all the time.
