Pinch yourself, Christmas is here! Now, more than ever, being fabulous matters! Your Under The Dryer team sat down recently with four power players in the make-up industry: glam goddesses Kimberly Patterson and Sue Gregg and make-up mavens Sushana Cole and Peta-Kay Ffrench to get their quick style tips on moving from drab to fab.

1. What would a holiday look be without glitter? Patterson describes this secret weapon as “fun and flirty but effective”.

Here’s How:

Apply small amounts of liquid adhesive to your lid with your fingers until you cover the area where you want the glitter to be. Allow it to dry/get tacky before applying the glitter. Her biggest recommendation is to then use your finger to pat the glitter product into the desired location for the most control and richest pigment. Cole emphasises the importance of using a glitter sealant.

Patterson’s go-to brand is : NYX Cosmetics — which carries both the adhesive (eyeshadow primer) and a wide array of glitter colour options.

2. If you are not a fan of glitter, Gregg suggests opting for bright eyeshadows for those who are more comfortable with neutral colours on the eyelids to “spice up the look”. Her suggestion: Use jewel tones for a sophisticated look.

Here’s How:

Take an eyeshadow brush and after using it to pick up your desired product, pat product onto lid. Neutral toned shadows can be applied (using a clean brush) to the crease of the lid to both blend the eyeshadow and add definition (contour) to the lid.

3. Go out with a bang…or in this case, a POP! If you really want a quick alternative to a full glam look what’s easier than a couple swipes of bright liner (liquid, gel or pencil) on your eye’s waterline? This pop of colour can add life to your everyday make-up look. Patterson’s favourite? A bright turquoise on your waterline and lower lash line with another pop of shimmer on the inner corners of your eyes can brighten even the most basic look.

Here’s How:

Sweep similarly coloured eyeshadow over the liner with an eyeshadow brush so the eyeliner acts as a base and is “set” by the shadow — it will last all day long. Pro tip: invest in a white eyeliner to act as the base and use your favourite eyeshadows to create the colour.

Her go-to brand: MAC and Make Up Forever’s coloured eyeliners.

4. “You can’t go wrong with bold lashes”. Patterson suggests double stacking your favourite lashes (stacking two lashes on top of each other) for a fuller effect. You can go as far as mixing and matching lash types, for example, long and short lashes or flared-end lashes with middle high-point lashes, to create a dramatic and more natural lash look. Her go-to brand: Ardell has a wide array of lashes for all occasions at affordable costs.Gregg recommends mink lashes for a fuller and more natural look.

Here’s How:

Place a thin layer of lash adhesive on the band of the lash. Wait for the glue to get tacky enough to stay in place then place the band as closely as possible to your lash line.

5. Simple yet effective Bright lips can take the focus away from the face, and that’s the goal with this quick fix. Choose something fun and festive – a bright orange or red, suggests Patterson. Pro tip: Your favourite highlighter can double as a lip-aide – add a bit to the centre of your lips over your lipstick to enhance your popping pout! Cole adds that red lips are a “yes, yes, yes! for any holiday but a bigger yes in the Christmas season – nothing says sexy like a fab red lip.” A popular choice amongst all four of the make-up artists, Gregg notes the versatility of a lip change – “[it has] always been a popular day to evening transition. This is an easy way to add glamour with minimal effort”. Gregg’s season recommendations are variations of red, plum and magenta. Here’s How: Line your lips with a similarly coloured or darker lip liner to prevent the lipstick from “running”. Use the lipstick applicator to apply the product until you get your desired look.

6. Metallics Matte is out and this holiday season it’s all about that healthy glow. If you don’t look like you spent your days on the beaches of Negril we’re here to help you fake it. Patterson recommends a nude lip and neutral shadows (if any) because all eyes will be on your highlighted cheekbones. Go for a more natural, multi-coloured highlighter to give you that fresh-out-of-the sun glow. This, Patterson says, is great for everyday glam, parties and holiday dinners included, of course. According to Cole, a highlighted nose, brow bone and upper lip (Cupid’s bow) are not to be left out and will have you “feeling like a goddess”. Here’s How: Dip a fan brush in the highlighter and lightly dust along the high points of the face. Start light and add until you get your desired look.

7. Beauty consultant Peta-kay Ffrench’s main make-up tip erred on the side of a flawless skin base — “Try a stippling brush instead of a traditional foundation brush to apply the liquid foundation. It gives a much softer effect as well as maximises coverage on the skin.” Here’s How: Dip brush in foundation and bounce/pat product into the skin until seamlessly blended.

8. The make-up trend that once headed make-up arsenals some years ago is back full-force because glossy lips are trending this season. Cole recommends a winning glossy lip and smoky eye combo. Here’s How: Gloss can be used by itself, with a liner or to add shine to a lipstick. Use your fingers or an applicator brush to pat the product onto or slide the product along the natural shape of the lips.

9. Gregg lauds the smoky eye as “the most popular request of the season”. However, if you’re unable to get to a make-up chair: Here’s How: Apply a generous amount of eyeliner as normal then blend with a brush to soften the lines and give the smoky effect.