Makeup Hacks That Instantly Upgrade Your Holiday Look

The secret to every holiday makeup look is in the application-and it doesn't need to be complicated. The proof is in these brilliant beauty hacks:

To look instantly radiant, grab a gold powder with a hint of shimmer-that's what catches the light-and apply it to the one facial feature you want to accentuate. (Yes, one!) If you want to make your eyes look bigger, apply gold to the center of your eyelids. Or, give your cheekbones a lift by blending the pigment along the highest points to help bring them forward. For full and cushiony lips, first apply your favorite bold lipstick (like the Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Red Carpet Red, $32, charlottetilbury.com). Then, using a shadow brush, dab the powder onto the center of your upper and bottom lip. (For more radiance-boosters, check out these beauty products that act like an Instagram filter.)

A smokey eye is glam and sophisticated, but it's not always the simplest look to master. Streamline the process by adopting the hashtag (#) trick. Just take a blendable, grey or black eyeliner pencil and draw the symbol on the outer corner of your upper eyelid. Then, using your fingers, gently blend the pigment along your outer crease until there are no harsh lines. Repeat on your other eye.

When you need your lipstick to stay put-no matter how many holiday cocktails you have-the trick is to apply multiple super-thin coats, blotting with a tissue after each swipe. Doing so will help soak up any excess oil that could cause your lipstick to slip, so your color looks brighter and lasts longer.