On the rare occasion when we're lucky enough to have our makeup done, San Francisco-based Shawn Burke is our go-to artist (she's a favorite with Alice Waters as well). For the holidays, we asked her for some quick tips on how to glam it up a bit. Here's what she suggested:
"There's no excuse like the holiday season to take a bit of a fashion and makeup risk. And what could be more bang for your glamor buck than a new lipstick? These colors will take the Remodelista editors from the office to party perfect show stoppers. As my grandmother Florence always said, 'Put a little lipstick on!' "
Above: Before we begin, you'll need a proper zip bag to carry your makeup, Shawn designs her own line, and has several glamorous offerings, including the Necessaire; $120 from Shawn Burke.
Above: For Christine, I find myself wanting to go for an unexpected deep, dark fuchsia color like L104 from the Ellis Faas collection (I love the unexpected glamor of a dark pink lip for evening). What this lipstick lacks in name, it more than makes up for in its ultra modern packaging. Faas has based her line of makeup around colors that naturally occur in the human body (she was a huge special effects makeup artist), so her pinks are so right you can't go wrong. L104; $35 from Ellis Faas.
Above: For Sarah, I would recommend my new must-have, go-to lipstick by Tom Ford, Cherry Lush. The packaging on this lip color is a conversation stopper, and the color is a perfect pinky cherry pop of gorgeous. This is about as beautiful a shade of red as there is. Just right for Sarah's milky skin. Cherry Lush by Tom Ford; $48 from Neiman Marcus. Image via Roundcheeks
Above: For Julie, who favors brown-toned lipsticks, I think it's time to go big or go home. I would recommend Hourglass Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick in the color Icon. This is a 1930s silent film star, think Clara Bow, deep wine color. This is perfect with lots of black mascara, and if you want to take it down a notch, pat it into the lip with your finger and use it almost like a stain. Otherwise, apply full strength for full-blown glam. This product also boasts amazing staying power, it will last the whole party without reapplication. Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick in Icon by Hourglass; $28 from Sephora. Image via Temptalia.
Above: For Alexa, I want a lip that is soft and clean with a rosy hint. I think she would look stunning in Serge Lutens Rose de Glaces. Serge Lutens makeup is as understated and elegant as the design of his many homes. His lipsticks come with the quote: "A dainty case designed to have and to hold. The height of sophistication." This color on Alexa, with a bit of black eyeliner on the lower lash line and a light coat of black mascara on the top and bottom lashes, is a perfect balance. The packaging has a wonderful weight to it; you feel like you'll have it forever. In fact, you can buy refills; so fabulously old school. Rose de Glaces by Serge Lutens; $75 from Barneys. Image via Harvey Nichols.