This holiday season feels particularly special. It’s like I’ve emerged from a very long 2-year hibernation and I’m ready to celebrate! With every new season, my makeup and beauty tastes change along with it and I’ve been attracted to red lips, bolder highlighters, sparkly eyeshadow… maybe even some body makeup (who am I?!) now that the holidays are around the corner.
Red Lips
While the basic, primary red lip, with a touch of blue in the tone, is the traditional red we love for the holidays, I like my bold reds to have a little bit more depth. The two limited edition shades I bought from Hermes are exactly what I was looking for (and also what prompted this post.) The Mat Rouge Feu was inspired by the exuberance of lava erupting from the depths of the earth, according to Hermes.
And, it is undoubtedly one of the brightest, boldest reds and simply glows. Depending on what I pair with it, it can lean a little warm, or a little cool. And the Mat Rouge Cinabre is a bit deeper, with a warmer shift than Mat Rouge Feu, but also with the same pink undertone. Truly fascinating shades and perfect for the holidays!
Glowy Highlighters
Over the past year, my taste in highlighters has definitely changed. I’ve always loved what highlighters do for a makeup look, and that will never change. But, I’ve grown to love a subtle glow versus a highlight you can see from space. However, now that the holidays are nearing, bolder highlighters seem to be finding their way into my hands than in the recent past. Cle de Peau recently reformulated and repackaged their Luminizing Face Enhancers, and their 202 Golden Galaxy shade is perfect. Their new formula is shinier than their previous one and the timing couldn’t be more perfect. Here are some other glossy, shiny highlighters that are still refined and “grown-up”, imho.
Sparkly Eyeshadows
Sparkly eyeshadows, oh how I love thee. I’m always a bit more daring with eyeshadow than any other type of makeup. I don’t necessarily like microglitters on my cheeks, or liquid lipsticks in non-traditional lip colors. You can call me basic. But when it comes to eyeshadow I love a little sparkle, a little glitter.
While digging through my collection I pulled out some faves that I need to wear over this holiday season. The Victoria Beckham Lid Lustre in Mirror is INCREDIBLE. I love a gray, silvery, cool-toned look for the holidays. Great with red lips! Tip – use your fingers to apply to avoid fallout!
Body Makeup
OK, body makeup. Body. Makeup. It’s just not my thing. First of all, I don’t wear very revealing clothing so where exactly would I apply it? And secondly, it’s just so high maintenance. I feel like it’s going to get everywhere, stain my clothing, end up looking gross and the most mortifying – leave a stain on whatever furniture I happen to sit on or brush up against. However, and that’s a big however, occasionally during the holidays, I like to add a little shimmer to my neck and arms to be festive.
My favorite is the Tom Ford Soleil Neige Shimmering Body Oil. I love the scent even more than the eau de parfum version, and I also love that it comes in a spray bottle. It makes it so easy to apply. Also, I love that the sparkles are a subtle silvery tone. It goes with the cooler-toned eye looks that I love so much. And it’s also just subtle all around. The oil absorbs fairly quickly so it doesn’t feel messy and as long as I wait a little while before getting dressed, I’ve never stained my clothing.
I hope you’re all enjoying the changing seasons, and looking forward to the holiday season as much as I am! If you’re not following me on YouTube, you definitely should as we’re gearing up for another season of Mishmas (my sad uncreative take on vlogmas) where I’ll be uploading everyday for the first 24 or 25 (still deciding) days in the month of December!
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Great suggestions! I used to dislike the rose scent when I was younger but as I mature, I’ve started to appreciate it more and more. I’m down for it!
Xoxo
Thank you Dee!
Enjoyed this so much, along with the brand trip to NYC.
Thanks so much Julie!
Michele, your blog has helped me so much. Thank you. I am going through a traumatic experience right now, and your suggestions are resonating with me in a comforting way. I am enjoying your blog posts and hope to hear more life content. Again, thank you! One step at a time!
Thank you for the article. It is very inspirational.
I don’t know what to journal. I literally live such a boring life due to my chronic illness and chronic pain that I don’t know what to journal about. I don’t want to journal about my chronic conditions because that’s depressing to me. I literally just stopped writing here and looked up How To Journal lol. It actually was helpful, there are journal prompts. I do have goals, it’s just hard because of how I feel changes day to day and I can’t count on myself to feel physically well enough to do something each day that I get frustrated and depressed. It’s a lot for me to just do the dishes, take a shower, etc much less do something extra like start a YouTube channel or post more on ig. I’m lucky though, my husband is very supportive and he said just try to post once a week. And that’s what I’m going to try to do.
Thank you for listening <3 xo Charli
Wow Michele! I feel inspired now to start exercising. I used to always take exercise in school. When I moved to the US I took Physical Ed and realized most girls didn’t. I was kind of shocked. I don’t smoke anymore either! But I don’t like running on Rt.66. This Covid made me gain way too much. Moreover, I love to read. Thus the weight gain. Am not sure where to begin. If I had my way I’d have a private instructor. Hah! Any suggestions are always welcome. Thanks Michele.
It’s been in my wishlist for the past few weeks. It’s so unique and practical at the same time. I like how it doesn’t have the brand showing up everywhere, it’s more subtle. So beautiful ♥️
❤️ ❤️ ❤️
I love the highlighter. Its smooth and soft, not chalky or glittery. Looks natural too. Just lovely! My favorite is Moonlit (it’s the only one I’ve tried lol); I think it’s the best for my skin tone. Thank you for your review and comparisons. ♥️
Thanks so much Dee!
I went to the outdoor market at Bryant Park while I was in NY during November. I found a store that sold the most amazing candle. Twelve Nights by Fifth&Madison has become my favorite holiday candle. My new addiction for holidays.
Sounds wonderful – thank you for sharing Ellen!
Wow, I want to be at your house for Christmas. Just to meet you, and family.
Along, with the sensory overload! 😊😊❣️
I love candles too! I prefer fresher scents rather than holiday ones (some scents give me a migraine). Regardless, candles do change your mood, and the room’s atmosphere. Thank you for sharing your favorites for this season 🙂
Thanks Dee! -Michele
I’m glad you had a wonderful trip, Michele. Thank you for sharing it with all of us. I am also really enjoying your new website. I feel like we get to see another facet of you through your written posts. You’re the cool older sister I wish I had. I hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!
The trip looks and sounds fabulous. Did you go with a tour? Any suggestions or contacts for booking?
You look great and like you are having a wonderful time! Thanks so much for sharing.
I am so behind on your videos but I cannot wait to get caught up on Morocco! What an amazing trip and I really appreciate hearing what brings you comfort and joy upon returning home. There is nothing like home. Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your mom, husband, and Miss Butters! I cannot wait to check out your spreadsheet!
Thank you for sharing these amazing pictures. And your words of travel ! I’m excited you have come back. A comfort to me, and I know we haven’t met , but still getting excited for your posts, tik toks, etc. HAPPY THSNKSGIVING to you all. My Miss MONA (beagle) gives her best to Miss FUZZY BUTTERS. I also spend time with my 93 old mom , my daughter, my man and some some family. I have 10 other brothers and sisters. 🤨🤨😜they all live around. They are 4 here in Az looking forward to your posts ! Thanks Michele
What a lovely meditation on the joys of travel and of home. Thank you Michele for all you share with us. And thanks for the spreadsheet and the amazing discount!
I’m grateful for YOU, Michele, along with my other blessings. I think it’s so valuable that you remind us of that practice and part of what draws me to your vlog, in particular, is your honesty. May we all experience good health, passion and thankfulness!
So good to see you Michele! You look great on a camel!! Thanks so much for sharing your adventure(s) and thanks for the great spreadsheet. You always go the extra mile. Now I am off to look at your store sale! Love, Annette (Armonk, NY)
So enjoyed this post and also your candid vlog posts (been watching old ones)! Thanks
Quick note: link broken….when you click on the tom ford eyeshadow quad, the chanel lipstick link pops up.
Thank you so much!!
What a truly gorgeous site – such perfect design and calm look mixed with content that has your unique voice.
LOVING your new blog. Congratulations!!
Fabulous! Such a beautiful blog! Congratulations Michele! x Charli
I am so very excited for you ! I love the new logo , and I’m so excited for this sweatshirt. It’s so you ! Congratulations. Love you and I am so proud of you. Xo long time follower xo
This is just like you beautiful, sophisticated and fun.
Best wishes
Hi. Where can I see more photos of the shirt would love to purchase one
Thank you