Sparkle This Season -- Holiday Beauty Prep Tips

MISSION, KS--(Marketwire - Dec 3, 2012) - (Family Features) While looking your best and feeling confident are important throughout the year, it's especially crucial during the holiday season, as you gather with loved ones and pose for that annual family photo. Look your best this season using these beauty tips.

Keep it fresh. While you may go for bright colors and sparkles in terms of your attire, make sure to keep your makeup fresh-faced. If you choose to wear a bright lip color, keep the rest of your makeup neutral. If you go for a neutral lip, feel free to play up the eyes or cheeks. But remember to highlight just one with a bold color -- eyes, lips or cheeks -- rather than all three. Ensure your makeup stays in place all night by using a primer before applying your liquid or powder foundation and eye shadow.

Go for a classic 'do. Sleek, shiny hair swept back or pulled to one side work well for holiday parties. Deep-condition your hair in advance of the holidays and be sure to schedule a haircut so your locks are easy to manage, no matter how you decide to wear your hair.

Keep 'em fresh and clean. Following that warm mug of hot cocoa, make sure your breath stays fresh. Carrying a toothbrush and toothpaste might not be convenient, but you can stash a Colgate Wisp mini-brush in your purse or pocket. Available in four flavors -- MaxFresh Peppermint, MaxFresh Spearmint, Optic White Coolmint and Icy Bubble -- this convenient single-use mini-brush is a better alternative than gum or mints, which only temporarily mask bad breath. The liquid-filled bead offers a burst of freshness, with no water or rinsing required, so just brush and go anytime, anywhere. Learn more at www.colgatewisp.com.

Add some sparkle. The holidays present the perfect occasion for pulling out your fun accessories. Play with color combinations and sparkling jewelry. Start with a bold dress -- black will work as well -- and play up the accessories by introducing complimentary colors and glittering jewelry. If you wear your hair up, opt for sparkling earrings and a bracelet. If you wear your hair down, pick a statement necklace with a dress and cardigan.

Get a manicure. Just as you coordinate your hair, makeup and wardrobe, consider your manicure as well. For bold outfits, opt for a simple manicure with clear nail polish. If instead you wear black or neutral colors, pick out a festive bright red or berry polish.

Clutch-Worthy Beauty Tools
 When packing your evening clutch for a night of holiday celebrations, make sure to keep the following on hand:

Pressed powder - 'Tis the season for taking photos -- make sure you're camera-ready and shine-free with a compact of pressed powder for quick touch-ups.

Bandages - You likely don't wear your dressy shoes every day. Make sure to pack some bandages in case you develop a blister from those fancy heels.

Mini toothbrush - Ensure your breath is fresh and clean by packing a mini, single-use toothbrush, such as Colgate Wisp -- perfectly sized for clutch purses or pockets for quick use following dinner or drinks.

Mini comb - Give your locks a once-over to re-set your style part-way through the evening.

Concealer and lipstick - Your makeup shouldn't require any further touchups than a quick concealer and some color to your lips.

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