STYLE

No matter if your next bash is virtual or you're celebrating IRL with a couple of your closest friends, party season is the perfect excuse to be extra.

HOLIDAY BASH FOR SCHOOL

image: @zendaya

It's the final time you'll see your classmates before the new year starts, so go big. Celebrity hairstylist Larry Sims created Zendaya's winning messy high-bun updo by first doing a blowout with a rounded brush for mega volume and shape. Starting at the nape of the neck, Sims then worked forward, wrapping each curl in a roller to cool as he worked. After piling everything into a high bun, he added faux bangs by securing a ponytail to waterfall down on the top of her head. Golden.

Try: Flawless by Gabrielle Union Smoothing Blow Dry Cream, $10, amazon.com

DINNER WITH THE FAM

image: @elle_orlyboutique

Instead of opting for megawatt lids or a bright lip, bring on the bling with a flashy mani. Let your fingertips sparkle as you dig into Gram's signature gingerbread cookies (add negative space to make your tips ultra-graphic, too).

Try: Orly Nail Polish in Holy Holo!, $10, orlybeauty.com

GIFT EXCHANGE WITH YOUR BFFS

image: @kdeenihan

Your little get-together might be mini, but let's be honest, you're going to take pics to share with the rest of the world. So opt for something daring, like a sparkly, jewel-toned statement eye. We bet your besties love bright hues just as much as you do.

Try: HipDot Glitter Deco Eyeshadow Palette, $30, hipdot.com

SOCIALLY-DISTANCED CAROLING

image: @tach.j

Venturing out into the cold to bring some cheer to your neighbors from the sidewalk? Keep your curls protected and your ears warm with a gorgeous animal-print headscarf. Pretty and practical.

Try: Wrap Life Snake Skin Head Wrap, $24, thewrap.life

NEW YEAR'S EVE WITH YOUR COUSINS

image: @janellemonae

Masks are off (hello, pod!) but, sigh, your crush is nowhere in sight (goodbye, midnight kiss). We say start 2021 with a power red. A matte shade will last all night long.

Try: Uoma Icon Matte Lipstick in Sade, $24, uomabeauty.com

TREE DECORATING WITH YOUR SIBLINGS

image: @mykitsch

Who says ornaments are only for the tree? Deck your tresses with the prettiest (and sparkliest) accessories. Then make your sister snap a pic of you #twinning with the evergreen. Can you say snow queen?

Try: Kitsch x Justine Marjan stacker sets, $29, mykitsch.com

CATCHING UP ON ZOOM WITH THE CREW

image: @randco

You try to see your friends from camp or your old soccer team every year around the holidays, but this you're going virtual. Add a little holiday hair cheer in the form of some vibrant streaks. Clip them in wherever you want a peekaboo of color. Festive!

Try: Pastel Blue & Pink Ombre Faux Hair Clip-In Extensions 2 Pack, $6, claires.com

BIG LASHES GO WITH EVERYTHING

image: @malikaberube

Intimidated by fake lashes? Not anymore. Here's your no-nonsense step-by-step.

Line your eye. Give yourself a guide for where to apply the strip of lashes by lining your upper lash line first. Use pencil liner for a softer look (we love Pixi Lash Line Ink, $14, pixibeauty.com) or a liquid liner for a more dramatic vibe.

Curl your lashes. Give your real fringe a little oomph by curling lashes then applying a coat of mascara (they'll blend better using a natural look, fluttery lash like LA Colors 3D Faux Mink Lashes in Tristan ($4, walmart.com).

Apply the glue. Make sure the lashes fit your lid (cut them from the inside if they're too long) then apply a thin line of glue (try Huda Beauty Sticky Tack Lash Glue, $14, hudabeauty.com) to the strip. Wait 30 seconds until the glue is tacky. Pro tip: Apply a little extra to the corners to make sure they stick down.

Place your lash. Using a lash applicator (we like Sephora Collection Bulls Eye Lash Applicator, $12, sephora.com), line up the lash strip to the glue, place it down and press in the center first—then the ends. Use the applicator to lightly attach your natural lashes to the falsies for max hold. Wink!

Hey, girl! Just wanted to let you know that a version of this story originally ran in our December/January 2021 issue. Want more? Read the print mag for free *today* when you click HERE.

Slider Image: @niasioux/Instagram. Edited for digital by Erin Sargent.

by Erin Reimel | 12/14/2020