Ready, set, dazzle! Put your best face forward this season with these four glamorous looks—to fit any style or mood

Shape, Dec, 2004 by Valerie Latona

When it comes to cosmetics, not just any color will do this holiday season: This year, red, gold, silver, ballerina pink and various shades of velvet (think: charcoal black, deep violet and midnight blue) are taking center stage. The inspiration: vintage fashions and accessories reminiscent of the 1960s. To stay true to this look (which works for any skin tone), the key is to avoid mixing and matching hues; instead, opt for just one color palette and choose among different shades in that family. Here's how to get a dazzling look in time for the holiday party circuit.

Garnet Infusion

Red is synonymous with the holiday season-but the newest tones (everything from the classic shade to deeper colors) on lips and nails give holiday crimson a fresh take. How to wear it On lips: Layer products. Add a coat of supersaturated lip color-in shades from muted rose to deep cherry red. Then top with a high-shine gloss; many of the newest ones also come with added shimmer. On nails: Use at least two coats of high-shine color to add intensity, or for instant glamour, try press-on nails that come pre-painted. Favorite cosmetics On lips: NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Cruella, a classic red, used as both a liner and a lipstick, $22; and Vincent Longo Velvet Riche Lipstick in Ravish Sin, a rosy auburn, $23. On nails: CoverGirl Continuous Color Nails in Crimson Crystals, a deep shine-infused red, $3; and Revlon NailStay Maximum Wear Glue-On Nails, a classic garnet, $8. Fashion note Steal the night in a glamorous gown. Maria Bianca Nero silk charmeuse dress, $330.

Metal Head

Think tinsel when it comes to festive sparkly makeup: these eye shadows and shimmer powders all contain color infused with a touch of silver or gold glimmer. How to wear it Don't go overboard; a hint of metallic, on eyes, cheeks, lips, nails and decolletage, works well. (Complement it with earrings, necklace, even an evening bag.) Favorite cosmetics On eyes: Clinique Touch Base for Eyes in Icy Blue, a creamy silvery-blue color that doesn't crease, $13.50; and Revlon Eye Shadow Duo in Get Platinum, two shades of silver and gray, $4.79. On lips: Opt for M.A.C's Lipstick in Lust, a silvery violet, $14, topped with M.A.C Tinted Lipglass in shimmery Fleur De Light, $13.50. Fashion note Accessorize with metallic hues that dazzle. Shoshanna sleeveless dress, $255; Mia & Kompany 18k diamond chandelier earrings, $3,040; Kazuyo Nakano quilted "Kate" bag, $291. Opposite: The Midas touch: A swipe of gold on eyes, cheeks and lips can add instant glamour to your look. Favorite cosmetics Try Revlon Shimmer Powder in Get Golden, $10, on eyes, cheeks and decolletage; Estee Lauder Pure Color Crystal Lipstick in Vintage Frost, a shimmering sheer gold, $22, and OPI Glitter Bit of Music clear Top Coat, with gold glitter, on nails, $10. Fashion note Claire's stacked bangles, approximately $9 per stack.

Pink Passion

When it comes to this classic pastel, only the softest ballet pinks will do. How to wear it Shadows should be applied with a light hand, although deeper pink liner and black mascara can be added for more drama. Keep lips soft and sheer with glosses that offer a kiss of color. Favorite cosmetics On eyes: e.l.f. Shimmering Facial Whip in Lilac Peddels, $1. On cheeks/all over: Jouer All Over in Peony, a subtle pink, $18. On lips: Mark Juice Gems lip gloss in Juicy Papaya, a sparkling pink, and Juicy Cassis, a pale pink nude, $6 each; and Rimmel Vinyl Stars Lipgloss in Liquid Asset, a sheer berry pink, $6. Fashion note Polish off a subdued look with rhinestones, pearls and beads. Miguelina silk charmeuse dress, $415 Jewelry.com earrings, $399 and gold strand necklaces, $200; Claire's faux-pearl bracelets (worn stacked), $6 each; Rafe "Steffanie" clutch, $325.

Velvet Redux

No holiday season would be complete without velvet: In beauty, it translates to a softly smoldering eye (shades of black, indigo, violet or charcoal shadow, liner or mascara). How to wear it Apply shadows, using a shadow brush for intensity (if desired), along the crease of the eye, smudging liners instead of leaving them sharply defined, and adding mascara. Be sure to curl lashes beforehand for added impact. Favorite cosmetics Maybelline New York Expert Wear Shadow Trio in Catty Eyes, shades of charcoal, violet and vanilla, $5.86; Prescriptives Glimmer Eye Cone, a liner, in Coal, $17.50; and Joey New York Super Duper Lash Tips mascara in deep Purple, Green, Plum or Blue, $15 each. For extra vamp appeal (and to complement your eyes), add a deep, matte lip color in any shade along with a rich nail color in velvet hues. Fashion note Highlight sultry beauty with captivating details. Nicole Miller lace trim dress, $290. Eugenia Kim hat with silver chains, $285. See Buyer's Guide, page 194, for retail information.

Photography by Peter Buckingham