Ahh… Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas — done, done and done. We’re almost through another holiday season, babe, and from here on out, as Tabs loves to say, it’s all gravy.
Next up, New Year’s. Do you have any plans yet? More specifically, do you have any New Year’s makeup plans? 🙂
None yet for me. I mean, none that I know of, but El Hub might be planning something special behind the scenes, and I hope that he is (hint, hint!), because I’m in the mood to get gussied up.
I like taking my sweet time with my makeup on New Year’s Eve, just buffing and blending for hours. That’s my idea of a perfect start to a perfect New Year’s night, but sometimes, like when your demanding, diva kitty employer sends you on a last-minute Petco run for feather toys and catnip at 9 p.m. on Monday, December 31, things don’t always work out. You see, diva kitties can throw even the best laid beauty plans completely out the window.
Luckily for us, there are lots of ways to pull together a last-minute New Year’s Eve look when you don’t have all night to get ready.
Whether you’ll be chilling at home, watching the ball drop on TV, or braving the elements and the rowdy crowds with your crew, you can still look pretty and primped with these 5-minute, 10-minute and 15-minute New Year’s Eve looks.
A casual 5-minute makeup look
Plan to ring in the new year with a comfy, cozy group at home? Expect impromptu camera phone pics, and be ready for them with this easy, natural-looking 5-minute makeup look.
- For this look, I started by using my fingers to work a sheer tinted moisturizer, Olay Total Effects Tone Correcting CC Cream ($22.99), all over my face to even out my skin tone. Then, on the areas where I needed a bit more coverage, I dotted and blended concealer.
- Next, for a natural-looking matte finish, I dusted powder lightly on my oily areas to cut down on shine. Here, I used COVERGIRL + Olay Pressed powder in Medium ($11.99) on my forehead and nose.
- Then, for a healthy hint of a glow, I blended a pink blush (COVERGIRL Cheekers Blush in Golden Pink, $3.99), on the apples of my cheeks.
- To open up my eyes, I filled in my brows, curled my lashes and coated them with a tinted mascara. COVERGIRL LashBlast 24HR Mascara in Blue Black ($7.99) adds a little color without going over the top.
- To complete the look, I slicked a moisturizing, peachy pink lip balm on my lips.
A casual 10-minute makeup look
Got a few more minutes to get ready? If you have 10, then you can spend one or two on your skin, incorporate a little more color, and do a quick hairstyle to embrace 2013 in more polished, yet casual style.
- The winter winds strip every ounce of moisture from my skin and leave me with dry patches, so I started this look by prepping my face first with moisturizer, which also makes blending my foundation easier. One to try: Olay Age Defying Instant Hydration Day Cream ($12.99). It absorbs quickly and doesn’t feel like a heavy wool blanket on my face.
- A medium-coverage foundation like COVERGIRL + Olay Tone Rehab 2-in-1 Foundation Base ($16.99) helps even out my skin tone. I applied the Golden Tan shade all over my face with my fingers and, so that the finish didn’t look too “done,” gently blended everything together by going over it all with a skunk brush. Then, to set the foundation and bring down the shine, I dusted powder on my oily areas.
- To kick up the color content a little more, I applied a shimmery golden bronze eyeshadow on my lids (COVERGIRL Eye Enhancers in Golden Sunrise, $2.99), a nude blush (COVERGIRL Cheekers Blush in Soft Sable, $3.99) on my cheeks and a nude lipstick (COVERGIRL Outlast All Day Lipcolor in Forever Fawn, $8.49) on my lips.
- To finish the look, I filled in my brows, curled my lashes and added three coats of COVERGIRL LashBlast 24HR Mascara in Very Black ($7.99).
- With the couple extra minutes I had left, I ended with a quick hairstyle. I gathered my mop into a low ponytail, sprayed a small amount of hairspray (in this case, Pantene Pro-V Stylers Shaping Extra Hold Hairspray, $5.99) on my fingers, and then used them to guide my bangs and tame flyaway and stray hairs on the top and sides of my head.
A casual 15-minute makeup look
Got a few more minutes to play? If you do, you could start with the 10-minute look above, and incorporate a few extra touches in step 3 to take casual to the next level.
- To softly define my eyes, right after applying the golden bronze shadow in the previous look, I patted a dark brown shadow, COVERGIRL Eye Enchancers in Brown Smolder ($3.19), along my upper and lower lash lines.
- Then, to highlight my face and give it some glow, I swiped a shimmery, peachy pink blush (I like $3.99 COVERGIRL Cheekers Blush in Natural Shimmer) on my upper cheekbones, down the bridge of my nose and along my brow bones.
- And for even more color, I went with a brighter rose lip, COVERGIRL Outlast Lipcolor in Dusty Rose ($6.99).
A dressy 5-minute makeup look
Who says that getting ready for a big New Year’s Eve bash has to take two hours? Here’s a classic, soft look that only takes a few minutes.
- After applying foundation, concealer and powder to even out my skin tone, I patted a shimmery, neutral eyeshadow on my eyelids. Here, I mixed two shades, COVERGIRL Eye Enhancers in Minx and Tapestry Taupe ($2.99 each).
- Then, to give depth to my eyes, I applied a black gel liner to my upper water and lash lines in a cat eye shape.
- To finish the eyes, I applied a few coats of mascara (here I’m wearing COVERGIRL LashBlast 24HR Mascara in Black Gold, $7.99).
- Next, I blended a soft peach blush (like $3.99 COVERGIRL Cheekers Blush in Pretty Peach) on the apples of my cheeks.
- Finally, for one last pop of color, I applied something peachy and pink on my lips (COVERGIRL Outlast Lipcolor in My Papaya, $6.99).
A dressy 10-minute makeup look
Having a full 10 minutes means more time to play up my eyes and lips. This look builds on the previous look but adds purple and red flair.
- After doing steps one and two above, to better define my eyes, I took the same black gel liner that I used to line my upper lash and water lines, and used it to line my lower lash line.
- Next, I patted a thin line of $2.99 COVERGIRL Eye Enhancers in Purple Pop (or another purple shadow that you like) along my lower lash line.
- Then, I loaded a flat eyeshadow brush with the same shimmery neutral shadow I used on my lids, and ran the tip of the brush along the edges of the purple eyeshadow to soften the line.
- For this look, I kept the same peach blush I used in the 5-minute version, but because I had a little more time to spend on my lips, replaced the peachy pink lip color with a shimmery dark brick red, COVERGIRL Outlast Lipcolor in Eternal Flame ($8.49).
A dressy 15-minute makeup look
This look is basically the deluxe New Year’s Eve party version of the 10-minute look.
- After following the first two steps above, I dusted a shimmery light pink eyeshadow (COVERGIRL Eye Enchancers in Pink Chiffon $2.99) in the inner corners (the sides closest to my nose) to brighten my eyes.
- And then to open up my eyes even more, false lashes! 🙂
- Since I had some extra time for a quick hairstyle, I flat-ironed my bangs and a few layers around my face, and to keep my hair looking sleek all night long, I rubbed Herbal Essences Touchable Smooth Anti-Frizz Crème ($4.29), an anti-frizz styling cream, on the ends.
And if your plans fall through…
…do like I’ve done more than a few times, and ring in the new year doing something you like.
Whether you stay in or go out, maybe some of these drugstore accoutrements can help you get ready…
- Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Deeeeep Conditioner ($3.99)
- Clairol Natural Instincts ($7.99)
- Head & Shoulders Damage Rescue Shampoo ($5.99)
- Head & Shoulders Damage Rescue Conditioner ($5.99)
- Head & Shoulders Green Apple Shampoo ($8.49)
- Head & Shoulders Green Apple Conditioner ($5.99)
- Herbal Essences Honey I’m Strong Shampoo ($5.99)
- Herbal Essences Honey I’m Strong Conditioner ($5.99)
- Herbal Essences Tousle Me Softly Mousse ($3.99)
- Simply Olay Body Wash ($2.97)
- Pantene Pro-V Damage Rescue Silky Moisture Whip ($6.99)
- Secret Outlast Deodorant ($3.99)
- Gillette Venus Embrace ($10.99)
- Gillette Venus + Olay Razor ($8.99)
In my case, that’s often involved doing my nails, applying a face mask (or two) and a rich hair mask like Herbal Essences Honey I’m Strong Rinse Out Treatment ($4.97), and eating a tub of ice cream while I wait for the ball to drop.
However you spend your New Year’s Eve, have a safe and happy one, and I’ll see you soon in 2013. 🙂
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
I’m sick this week, and it looks like I’ll continue to be sick through NYE. I’ll most likely be staying home, putting a clay mask on myself, watch a couple of movies, and sleep before midnight so I wake up to a new year 😀
Hi Mel,
That sounds like a great time. 🙂 What’s your favorite clay mask?
So far, the plans are to go camping at the desert. So, we will be in bed way before midnight. I love the morning desert! And, so many fun activities planned! Makeup will be at home and lots and lots of creams and balms will be slathered on.
Hi Michelle,
That sounds pretty cool. It’s kinda cold in the desert this time of year, isn’t it?
I’m in Palm Desert, CA and it’s like 45 degrees at night.. brrr!! And about 62 during the day which isn’t too bad as it’s warm in the sun.
At Joshua Tree, CA it’s 45 during the day .. we decided to go to JT in March 🙂
Monica
Yikes, that’s cold!
I like your quick makeup tips, Karen! They all look so easy and importantly, still look good. I have no plans for the New Year – I usually avoid the crowds – but who’s to say I can’t get dolled up anyway eh? 🙂 Happy New Year to you. Its been a wonderful 2012 reading your blog even if I don’t comment too much, but I wish you an even more successful 2013 ahead 🙂
I wish you lots of luck and success in the new year, Paris! Thank you for always being a sweet and kind person. 🙂
Love your quick tips! I’m especially loving the purple on the lower lash line. And I am intrigued by the CC Cream too. Wonder when they’ll cross the border!
Happy New Year to you and Tabs and El Hubs and everyone else! I’ll be re-watching Firefly while ringing in the New Year!
Firefly?!! Tracy, you are SO awesome!!! 😀
Sounds like a blast, Tracy! Woo hoo, Captain Tightpants!! 😀
Love your quick makeup tips Karen! Can you please tell me what the make of your frames are, I just love that style!
Hi Sandy,
My glasses are by Paul Smith, and the name of the frame is the 429. Here’s a link: Paul Smith 429.
Okay I really like the ‘A dressy 15-minute makeup look’. It’s so easy to achieve.
Sarah
Thank you! Happy New Year!
Gorgeous Tutorial Karen! I loved your dressy 5 minute makeup look the most!
Thank you, Richa! What are your plans for NYE?
I’ve pretty much perfected my makeup routine over the years. It takes me about 20 minutes to do my full face makeup. It’s pretty much my signature look with the same products. Every time I try to tweak it, I end up going back to my original look because I like it so much. You look wonderful.
Sounds like you’ve got a great system that works, Marla.
I hope you have a wonderful New Year!
In your dressy 10 minute look you look a lot like Robin from HIMYM. It was the moment when Barney proposed 🙂
Happy New Year and thanks for being so lovely and inspirational!
Hi Nicole,
I had to google your reference! I’ve only seen that show a handful of times…Robin is cute, so thanks for the compliment. 🙂
Happy New Year to you, too!
I didn’t realize you hair had gotten so long, Karen–it looks great! Love how sleek and gorgeous it looks straightened! And great tips too! Hope you have a very happy New Year!! 😀
Thanks, Becca. Happy New Year!
You look beautiful with straight hair. What did you think of the Olay CC cream? I have had it for a while but I only used it a few times and it didn’t do much for me…
Thanks, Agata!
I like that the CC cream feels super lightweight, although, I do wish it covered a bit more.
Got any plans for NYE yet?
U look amazing with straight hair!!! xox
Thank you, Jess! Happy New Year!
Girl! Your straight hair is so fierce!
I love all the dressy looks, because after all, I love makeup. You look beautiful Karen.
I usually spend NYE with family watching TV, but this year I’m doing some home partyin’ with girlfriends. I’m really looking forward to it.
Happy New Year to you, El Hub and Tabs. TABS!
Love,
Arianne and Scherbs
Hi Arianne,
Thanks, my friend! I hope you have tons of fun with your girlfriends. Do you have your hair/makeup/outfit planned yet?
What are you doing to your lashes, because WOW! They look incredible, Karen.
Hi Teri,
I *wish* they looked like that naturally! I’m wearing false lashes. 🙂
Karen, you look SO GOOD in that red dress and with red lipstick! 🙂 So elegant and classy. And I love that last photo of yourself…hehe! It really shows off your fun personality.
Thanks, girlie! Got any fun plans for NYE yet?
No plans for the spouse and me. But I like the home spa treatment idea .. why not? New Year – New Me!!
Monica
Sounds good, Monica! Happy New Year!
I love your dressy and casual looks, and I also love how you highlighted drugstore products. Drugstore products have come a long way since I started using them as a teenager, and there are now very few that I would say do not live up to their claims. I won’t be doing much for NYE, I am sick, and have to work New Year’s Day. I will probably be doing some fun makeup for work on New Year’s Day – Mom got me a great Ulta eyeshadow palette (which came with 40 plus eyeshadows, 5 kohl liners, a few brushes, and 4 gel cream liners. I have yet to try the set out but Ulta brand makeup has usually been pretty good). I will be playing with that set a lot because it has a lot of different colors and is divided into separate palettes (romantic, golden glow, neutral matte, brights, etc.). Have a happy New Year’s 🙂
Hi Katherine G,
Bummer that you’re sick; hope you feel better soon. 🙂
BTW, your Ulta palette sounds like so much fun! Are you liking the quality of the shadows?
Happy New Year to you!
You are such a pretty lady, and you look so good in so many different looks and styles!
Thanks, hon. I hope you have a fun and safe New Year’s Eve!
Love all these tips! For me it’ll likely be “au naturel”. No plans, hubby is sick. Watching a movie with my daughter, we may do our nails. 🙂
Hi Icaria,
A night in is always fun. 🙂 How old is your daughter? That’s so cute that you do your nails together, awww.
She’s 13. So far so good, no weird teen behaviour. She’s the best! Hope you have a great New Year’s Eve! xoxo
Hi Karen! I love your hair in that top pic, so sleek and purrrty! Have a great New Year! Hope El Hub surprises you 😉 My hub, my pugs and I will be cuddled up on the couch in comfy robes.
Hi Angel,
That sounds like a lot of fun. Hugs to the pugs (hey, I made a rhyme) and Happy New Year! 🙂
I’m actually quite partial to the minimal 5 minute makeup, on you!
xxkarima
Hi Karima,
Thank you! 🙂
Kudos on a great post and some great ideas, for drugstore finds and quickie fotd looks! love them all! i have only a couple of covergirl products in my stash but I have to say that gold eye enhancer shadow is one of them! I love it to pieces. and pretty puh-lease a tutorial on how to do false eyelashes fast? I want to try them but I am thinking it will be too hard or take too long or not remove easily. but if you can do it within the 15 minute time frame, you need to share your tips.
Hi Lorraine,
Thank you! With false lashes, I think the trick to doing them fast is practice. I did a how-to post a while back:
https://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/makeup-tipshow-to/how-to-apply-false-eyelashes-and-fake-a-fabulous-fringe/
I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any other questions. 🙂
Karen, look gorgeous! I don’t have any makeup plans for NYE yet =) I love your 15min casual look.
Thanks, Kerker. Happy New Year! 🙂
Karen, you always wow and amaze me with your makeup tips amd witty humor. You look stunning in all the looks! Happy New Year!
Happy New Year! Love CG blush in Golden Pink, can’t wait to try Olay CC cream.
Happy almost New Year!
We’re going to a masquerade-themed party at the home of some friends! We just made our masks (mine is glittery emerald green with tiny stick-on golden faux pearls along the top and outlining the eyes, his is glittery black with googly eyes outlining the eyes, LOL!). It’s somewhat dressy, so I’ll have fun doing makeup! I’ll be loading up on shimmer/glimmer/glitter, because it’s rarely acceptable to wear as much as I like! I bought some falsies (I’ve never worn them before!) but I might skip them because the fiance finds them creepy :p Not like Le Volume de Chanel doesn’t give me great lashes on it’s own anyway!
You look lovely, as always! That dress is made for you! Lovely hair too!
I love cheekers-rather nice for that price point!
You are incredible in this red dress! Perfect hair and makeup too!
We went to a restaurant for the New Eve… Perfect “fat” time!!! LOL
Happy New Year!
Love your tips..what is the tone of the Olay CC cream, does it go well with yellow undertones too?