Simple Beauty Tweaks For Holiday

Nails: Wear Them Like Jewelry

One simple trick can turn your manicure into a built-in accessory. “For Badgley Mischka’s show this season, I used a deep aubergine shade called Dark Side of the Moon, $18, and lined with gold shimmer Nefertiti, $18, across the tip,” says celebrity manicurist Deborah Lippmann, of two new polish shades from her eponymous nail line. “A touch of gold or silver across the top looks like jewelry,” she explains. To get your metallic tips to last longer, be sure to apply your topcoat on the sides and underside of your nails, too. Bonus: simply touching up the tips may be all you need to make your mani look fresh again.

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Hair: Simple Is Elegant

In pursuit of a grand party entrance, women can pin and preen over hair all night when in fact it’s simplicity that communicates the most elegance. “During the holiday season, it can be as easy as dressing up a simple ponytail to make it look clean and chic,” says celebrity hairstylist Mark Townsend. For a captivating pony that lifts and brightens the face, Townsend sprays a disposable mascara wand with a clear hairspray like Dove Style+Care Strength & Shine Extra Hold Hairspray, $5, and brushes the baby hairs around the hairline and nape of neck into a crisp ponytail.

Another simple option is the half up, half down style that flatters every face shape. “The modern version is softer and more romantic with just the hair from temples pulled back, leaving the hair above the ears down,” explains Townsend, who adds that where you gather the hair in the back is the perfect place to add an accessory like a pin, brooch or even earring to dress up your style.