Beauty Recommendations for Ringing in the New Year

Posted by Natalie Kaar / Wednesday, December 28th, 2011

Hello there, shoppers! Whether your New Year’s Eve plans have been solidified for months or you’re excited for something festive and spontaneous this Saturday, you know you want to look smokin’ for that big smooch. But how does one continue to dazzle after hours of dancing, eating and drinking? Nordstrom Beauty Director Cheri Botiz recommends five brilliant beauty buys that will have you looking fabulous at the strike of 12 and far beyond.

First up, the eyes, and perhaps the trickiest piece of the makeup puzzle: eyeliner. Botiz explains, “Dazzling shadows are a sure way to be New Year’s Eve-ready,” and she assures us we can keep said shadows in place all night by pairing them with NARS Larger than Life eyeliner ($23).

And while the eyes may be a window into the soul, one’s scent can reveal a lot about a person as well (and not just in regard to hygiene). Plus, I’d argue there’s nothing like a scent to signal a memory — still recognize my kindergarten teacher’s perfume. If looking to immortalize this New Year’s Eve with a new fragrance, Botiz suggests the new Prada Candy ($80-$100). “It’s the perfect scent for a special night, and you’re never fully dressed without your fragrance,” she says.

But let’s not forget about puckering up. Botiz’s recommendation for a super-kissable kisser: “Don’t be afraid to put a pop of color on that pout.” For instance, Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet in La Fascinate  ($32).

Of course, New Year’s is also a great opportunity to go a bit over the top with our nails — “a girl’s best accessory,” according to Botiz. For a real fashion-forward look, she recommends THE NEW BLACK’s Ombre Nail Shades Sets ($22). Each kit includes five polishes in graduated colors to mimick a dip-dye mani. Botiz also assures us the glittery nail lacquers in Deborah Lippmann’s Dance Music Holiday Mini Trio ($29), a Nordstrom-exclusive collection, are guaranteed to get attention.

Happy shopping — and celebrating!

–Natalie Kaar

PS. I also can’t help but personally recommend the eight-shade Stila Lip Glaze Set ($25, worth $110) — nothing beats this high-shine, yummy-tasting lip gloss in my book. And the smaller tubes are perfect for fitting into small, party-perfect bags.

Tags: beauty advice, best of beauty, Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet in La Fascinate, Cheri Botiz, Deborah Lippmann holiday polish, Nars Larger Than Life Eyeliner, Natalie Kaar, New Year's Eve beauty, Nordstrom, Northern Virginia Magazine, nova mag, Prada Candy, S.W.A.G., Sephora, Stila lip glaze, TBD shopping, THE NEW BLACK's ombre nail shades