We accept 
The right shade of lipstick might determine the fate of your New Year's Eve. VIOLET GREY's artists suggest their makeup must-haves for 2014's last night.
Written By Lexy Lebsack
– PHOTOGRAPHY BY GUY AROCH / TRUNK ARCHIVE
There are a few nights every year when a less-is-more beauty edict is unacceptable. On an evening rife with nostalgia and anticipation, and set against a trifecta of Champagne toasts, slinky cocktail dresses, and glitter-flecked decor, December 31 demands no less than the boldest of looks. When surveyed for their suggestions, VIOLET GREY’s community of artists shared a surprisingly uniform sentiment: shimmery shadow, vibrant lipstick, modern nail color and sleek, shiny hair all top their list. Translation? Take their advice and don’t be stuck in the shadows on the most glamorous night of the year. The products and expert tricks to pull it off, below.
NEW YEAR’S EVE BEAUTY
ESSENTIALS
2
/13
“For the perfect New Year’s manicure I would use Jin Soon Mica to create a metallic French tip! Leave the base of your nails clear, and apply this sparkly, holographic color along the smile line of your nail freehand. [Edit note: Try a guide if you prefer.] This will make your nails catch the light and complement the rest of your New Year’s attire without being a distraction!’’
—STEPH STONE, NAIL ARTIST
—STEPH STONE, NAIL ARTIST
2
/10
“You can’t go wrong with a super-sleek ponytail for a chic New Year's Eve look. Give yourself a nice, clean blowout and pull your hair back in either a high or low pony. Then spray Serge Normant Meta Sheer Finishing Oil at the hairline, on the top of the head and throughout the pony for incredibly beautiful, dry shine. It’s simple but still festive.”
—CERVANDO MALDONADO, HAIRSTYLIST
—CERVANDO MALDONADO, HAIRSTYLIST
3
/10
“I love a bold and sophisticated red lip for New Year’s Eve; the occasion practically demands it! Paired with a smoky eye or cat-eye liner, the scarlet hue of NARS Lipstick in Rita is perfect.”
—UZO, NARS INTERNATIONAL LEAD MAKEUP ARTIST
—UZO, NARS INTERNATIONAL LEAD MAKEUP ARTIST
4
/10
“Tom Ford’s polish in Smoke Red is the perfect color to help you ring in the New Year, but I say try something new for the New Year by making them matte with Jin Soon Matte Maker topcoat. It will transform the glossy finish into a rich, shine-free red. Paired up with a killer red lip it will make you instantly stand out.”
—KAREN GUTIERREZ, NAIL ARTIST
—KAREN GUTIERREZ, NAIL ARTIST
5
/10
“One of my favorite holiday
looks is healthy, glowing skin and a serious lash! I prefer false lashes that
are delicate to add just the right amount of drama. Apply a base coat of Kevyn
Aucoin mascara to the top lashes, let it dry, then apply the false lash as
close to the base of the natural lashes as possible.”
—PATI DUBROFF, MAKEUP ARTIST
—PATI DUBROFF, MAKEUP ARTIST
6
/10
“You can create a sleek hair look with Eclat Naturel. Work a small amount between your hands and press over the top of the head to smooth flyaways, then use it on your ends to give a pieced-out texture without looking product-heavy. And its compact size makes it perfect to stash in your holiday clutch for mid-party touch-ups.”
—JEN ATKIN, HAIRSTYLIST
—JEN ATKIN, HAIRSTYLIST
7
/10
“This season I'm very into a flirty, 70's vibe; think ABBA or Kate Bush [for inspiration]. Try using this powdery, misty blue shadow to softy color the eyelids. Add feathery, spidery lashes on the top and bottom with [a heavy hand and] mascara and keep the skin fresh with only a light glow on the cheeks. Then add YSL lipstick in 24 Blond Ingenu to make the overall look light, polished and wearable.”
—SHANE PAISH, MAKEUP ARTIST
—SHANE PAISH, MAKEUP ARTIST
8
/10
“It's important to feel put-together while ringing in the new year, and there’s nothing more elegant than having matching shiny nails and a vibrant, matte lip.”
—ASHLEY STREICHER, HAIRSTYLIST
—ASHLEY STREICHER, HAIRSTYLIST
9
/10
“This bright pop of pink color will complement every skin tone and immediately make your face look radiant. It’s important to prep your lips before: Use a gentle scrub, then apply a rich lip balm to prevent chapped lips. [Remove excess balm], then apply a coat of lipstick, blot with a tissue, dust translucent powder over the color and then add one more coat. In the middle of the night, if I think my lipstick is fading away, I add some Rosebud Salve to make the color evenly distributed.”
— VIOLETTE, MAKEUP ARTIST
— VIOLETTE, MAKEUP ARTIST
10
/10
“For New Year’s Eve I recommend my absolutely favorite lip palette. It has six amazing shades that can be worn alone or mixed to create your own custom lip color. After lining lips with a red liner try my favorite combination: With a lip brush apply “Dare You” [center left] to the outer portion of your lips, then fill in the rest of your lips with “M.A.C. Red,” [bottom left] and lightly blend to make a dimensional, ombré effect.”
—GREGORY ARLT, M.A.C. DIRECTOR OF MAKEUP ARTISTRY
—GREGORY ARLT, M.A.C. DIRECTOR OF MAKEUP ARTISTRY
LEARN HOW TO
TAME HAIR
Arrive at New Year’s Day brunch with perfectly rumpled, post-party hair with the expert advice and miracle products found in VIOLET GREY’s Bedhead Texture file.
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