 Plus, the plumping serum I can't get enough of.  |  | | It’s officially the holiday season, and I’m leaning into the vibe with Cher’s new Christmas album, fabulous coats (shoutout to Charlotte Simone’s latest shag coat drop), and lots of feel-good festive beauty. Given this month’s party circuit, you may be searching for inspiration as you pull together your own celebratory looks. If that’s the case, look no further than our new Night Moves column, which explores going out through the lens of beauty. Trust that Hunter Schafer has plenty of getty-ready hacks, including being blush-happy (an inclination I co-sign) and a chic solution for tossing your third-day hair back (more on that below). Oh, and do not sleep on her favorite getting-ready tracks, either. 'Tis the season to turn the dial all the way up on your speakers—and glamour! | | — Lauren Valenti, InStyle Beauty Director | | | | | | BEAUTY TIP OF THE WEEK | | | “If you don’t have time, throw your hair in a bun, and if it’s in good enough shape, leave a couple of strands out that look purposeful.” | | — Hunter Schafer, ‘The Hunger Games’ star and face of Mugler’s Angel Elixir | | | |  | | PHOTO: LAUREN VALENTI | | TREND TEST | | Makeup artist Niko Maragos recently gave me a soft, shimmery violet eye look; it was inspired by Biba, the famed London boutique of the Swinging Sixties known for its richly textured fabrics and jewel-toned palette. We both agreed it was a fresh, modern alternative to traditional festive makeup. “Winter looks can often be too conspicuously vampy or scream 'holiday party’ in a way that doesn’t feel considered and cool, which, to me, is the essence of Biba makeup,” says Marago, who used Makeup by Mario’s Ethereal Eyes palette and Crystal Reflector in Quartz for the most gorgeous wash of iridescence. | | | | | EMPTY OF THE WEEK | | Pomegranate Peptide Firming Serum | | I’m in my early 30s, so I’ve slowly started incorporating more targeted lifting and plumping treatments into my skin care routine—but only ones that are as gentle as they are efficacious. Glow Recipe’s Pomegranate serum is powered by the antioxidant-rich fruit, plus hyaluronic acid and polypeptides to firm and hydrate. Over the past few months, it has consistently given my complexion a more lifted and tightened appearance. I’m also obsessed on a sensory level, thanks to its subtle sweet-tart scent and sinks-right-in milky oil texture! | | | | |  | | PHOTO: Getty Images | | Q+A with Lauren | | Q: How can I contour my face so that it looks natural without harsh lines? | A: When it comes to contouring, I prefer a “soft sculpting” approach, which, as the name suggests, is a more pared-back take on the makeup technique. To get that soft-focus effect, blending is always key. As makeup artist Katie Mellinger, who works with Sofia Coppola (need I say more?), says: “If there are hard lines, then the contour will be extremely obvious, completely ruining the effect.” After applying cream contour, like Fenty Beauty Match Stix Matte Contour Skinstick or ONE/SIZE Made for Shade Bronze and Sculpt Trio Palette, “use loose powder to blend out any edges that catch on to creamy areas you may have missed,” says Mellinger.
Read More on InStyle.com | | Contouring 101: How to Lift and Sculpt Your Face → | | The 13 Best Contour Palettes of 2023 for Natural-Looking Definition → | | | | | For more, follow Lauren on InStyle, Instagram, and TikTok. | | | | | | | We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. | | | | | | | | |  |
