Sugar Plum Fairies

The season of magic and nostalgia is officially upon us. In December, anticipation is in the air. Life feels full of promise and love seems just around the corner. And, every decorated tree reminds us of a time when we were young enough to get away with giving finger-painted presents.

Thus, time moves on and we’re now expected to step up our holiday game a bit. Alas, we’ve grown up, just when we weren’t looking. But still, notions of dancing sugar plum fairies and snowflakes that stay on our nose and eyelashes will never feel beneath us.

So this year – in the spirit of everything magical and fairyesque – try mixing some soft mauves, lilacs and plums into your makeup regime as an alternative to the seasonally expected reds.

Bi-coastal makeup artist Elke Von Freudenberg says, “Cool skin tones look best with shades on the cool purple and lilac side, while warmer skins look best in burgundy.” For day into evening, try MAC’s Plum Dandy lipstick as a perfect medium plum (available at MAC Pro Robertson). With a hint of light bronze, the hue is graceful with simple eyes and light rosy winter cheeks.

To pair lips wit a more shimmered snow eye, go with a glossier crème such as Henry Beautiful’s Liquicolor in Lenny (www.henrybeautiful.com). With pigments that blend the depth of lipstick and the shine of gloss, this shade creates a lovely rich lacquered lilac.

For an ideal assortment of plum washes and shimmers, try Bobbi Brown’s lip palettes chock full of romantic holiday color. The palettes are available in both gloss and lipstick formulations.

“To glam up the look, pair it with a soft silver or gold shimmer on cheeks,” suggests Freudenberg. Tarte’s Cloud 9 Cheek Stain is a sweet sheer pink lilac with a touch of shimmer that works well dabbed on alone or with a bit of bronzer underneath.

Freudenberg says, “A pretty look is the hot cherry lip with a wash of lilac on the eyelids and under the eyes, with lots of mascara on top and bottom.” So, if you still covet the classic red lip this season, try a silvery mauve lid, such as Becca’s Eye Colour Powder Shimmer in Lamé or Bobbi Brown’s Long-Wear Cream Shadow in striking pewter Galaxy or subtly lavender Orchid.

To bring in more plum, try blending Tarte’s Via del Moro eye shadow duo in deep bronzed purple and lilac silver shimmer. All available at Nordstrom or Sephora.

Whether you make an entrance in cherry or plum this season, may you be unforgettable. Because, unlike the visions of sugar plums that used to dance only in our heads, our dear friends now capture photos that will last for all to see forever. And we must be ready. Timelessly ready.