This Christmas the look is pretty, not gory. Even for the night, light makeup that makes you look like yourself, only prettier is the way to go.

Just because you're going to a party at night, it doesn't mean you have to pile on heavy makeup to look glamorous.

Overdone make up makes you look older, not prettier. Light make up makes you look younger and more inviting to the opposite sex.

Stars like Halle Berry and Scarlett Johanssen sparkle with their bare, yet ultrachic look. Understated makeup is glam if you know how to pull it off. The secret lies in the strategic placement of color and the choice of color used.

* First invest in a set of makeup brushes. The free ones that come with the compact just won't do. Sure, those would be fine for touch ups but not when you're actually putting on your face.

* Next, get a foundation that matches your skin tone. Not too light, not too dark. Get a shade that is just right. Or get two shades of the same foundation, one darker, one lighter and blend them together until they match your skin perfectly. Or you could use a tinted moisturizer close to your skin tone if you don't need much coverage.

* Forget about the goth girl heavy eyed look. Be daring. Bring out the natural beauty of your eyes with a soft shimmery eye shadow and use eye liner sparingly. Use your mascara to define your lashes but separate the lashes immediately with a clean mascara brush or comb.

* For your lips, this Christmas, forget about garishly bright lips or deep wine lips. Those are so passe. Go for something nude. A shimmery nude lip gloss would be perfect. It is subtle, chic and naturally pretty.

* Even with light makeup, you need blusher for radiance. Instead of bright rosy cheeks, go for a golden glow. Forget about fuschia, red, or anything that might make you look like an old fashioned doll. Go for the healthy glow. Cheat by using a caramel blusher. You get a glow that looks so natural they'll think it is real.

Now you look Fabulous, go out and have a great time!

This article is courtesy of www.cosmeticsonline.info