In the Philippines, December isn’t just a month. December has its own culture; We dress differently, our moods and playlists also feel different. For makeup addicts (presumably like you who found your way to this article), that also means using different products and trying out different looks. 

But what kind of looks should you try? If you’re looking for statement but wearable makeup, GRWM’s December suggestion is to highlight one part of the face and tone it down everywhere else. 

Bold brows, red lips

A strong red lip is a classic, and we already know you have your perfect shade on hand – a la MAC’s Ruby Woo. What you shouldn’t forget when doing your makeup are your brows. When the lip is too forward, you have to balance it out with the perfect frame. 

Try out the brow products from Stroke’s Premium Brow Kit bundle. Our favorite in the set is the surprisingly beginner-friendly Microblade Pen Perfector.  

As for the rest of the face, if you’re not going for that fashion-forward look, keep the cheeks toned down by applying bronzer only or opting for a toned-down matte blush. 

Dazzling eyes

For eyeshadow newbies, a brown palette with different textures is the way to go. With a palette like the Clio Professional Pro Eye Shadow Palette in Street Brick, you can create glittery or matte looks all while keeping it neutral. (But is it really Christmas if you don’t choose glitter?)

For those that want to dazzle, try a couple of shades out from SACE LADY Metallic Liquid Eyeshadows. Metallic shadows are a good in-between when you can’t decide between shimmer or glitter shadows.  

Rainbow lids

If you’re looking for an affordable rainbow palette so you can look like a Christmas tree (or the angel on top!), the Beauty Glazed Color Fusion palette will be the best Christmas gift you can give yourself. 

The other Beauty Glazed palettes are largely inconsistent formula-wise, but the mattes in this palette are spectacular, especially for how much you’re shelling out. Prepare for a bit of kickback, and remember that in creating colorful looks, blocking is key. Your typical approach to a neutral palette might make your eyes look muddy. 

High-shine highlight

You can also opt for neutral lips and eyes, and blind them with that highlighter instead. The locally loved EB Advance Glow-out Highlighter should do the trick. 

If you want to put more contrast, carve your cheeks with the blk cosmetics Universal Multitasking Color Stick in Cocoa before you put on your highlighter. Afterward, blend it to perfection. 

For lips, try out any of Revlon’s Kiss Cloud Blotted Lip colors. IMHO, this formula is criminally underrated. 

Metallic lips

Another way of going with a bold lip isn’t just with color, but also with formula. 

Try out Careline’s Melted Metallic Lipstick. The formula can be a bit drying but with that pay-off? Do it for the gram then take it off just in time for noche buena. 

Looking for more makeup suggestions? Send us an email at stories@rappler.com with the subject line “GRWM” followed by makeup suggestions. We’d love to hear from you. – Rappler.com