Party Face Of The Day (FOTD) featuring NYX Jumbo Lip Pencil

One of the most fun preparations for my party was creating a hostess-worthy makeup look. For this look, I was inspired by the vibrant red in my dress (a J Crew dress I got at Buff Exchange for $20 -- score!) and the fantasy ideal of a perfectly put together mid-century hostess à la Betty Draper (i.e. this version, not this one).

As a side note, have you seen MadMenYourself? This is the one I created with a hairstyle that I love but would have no chance of ever being able to do. I think it would involve a hair piece and I'm sure I would have no idea what to do with it even if I even had one. Anyway, you should try it because it is mad fun and an excellent way to waste time.

At any rate, back to the FOTD. In the pre-party pics, my skin was a sweaty, shiny mess from all the frantic running around. So, this morning I got up and re-created the look for The Beauty Couch readers.

Here is the final result:

The star of this look is definitely the red lippie, a relatively new acquisition. It is a Jumbo Lipstick Pencil in Hot Red ($4) from NYX Cosmetics. I decided to try a NYX red after reading this blog post on the preferred reds of a gorgeous vintage gal. With a price so cheap, who could resist? Although I'm not the connoisseur of red lipstick, I think that this one is quite good in terms of color saturation and pigment. The name "Hot Red" was a bit intimidating at first and I worried that it would be too dark, but it turns out to be a lovely shade and just perfect for this vintage-inspired look. The fatness of the Jumbo Lip Pencil creates a smudgy line, so I would definitely recommend using a nude lip liner to get this one right. The finish isn't complete matte, but a semi-gloss which I think is preferable on thin lips.

Here is the complete run down of the look...

• Complexion: tarte Peaches and Cream Foundation (for a matte vintage complexion)
• Eye shadow: By Lauren Luke My Vintage Glam - Petticoat Pink Eyeshadow on the lid up to the crease, - Silver Slippers as a brow highlight
• Eye Liner: Prestige Cosmetics Liquid Eye Liner in Black Brown
• Mascara: L'Oreal Extra Volume Collagen Mascara
• Cheeks: By Lauren Luke My Smokey Classics Blush in Peach Glow
• Lip Liner: NYX Lip Liner in Natural
• Lipstick: NYX Jumbo Lip Pencil in Hot Red

Anyway, the blush doesn't show up very well in the photo, but it is there. It is important to remember at least a little blush when wearing a dramatic red lip because otherwise you will look completely washed out. I also chose to keep the look kind of soft by leaving my eye brows fairly natural and not severely penciling them in, although you could certainly do that for a more dramatic, Dita-like effect. All in all, I was quite happy with the result and I think that the look reflects my inspirations the way I imagined. It certainly helped me get into the party mood although I had to wait until after the liquid eye liner before having my first glass of Prosecco. Sacrifices, sacrifices...