Hitting the town with the hordes this New Year’s Eve? Holing up with a handful of friends at home?
Whether you fall into the innie or outtie category this New Year’s Eve, there’s no reason to be bored or boring. Or to go broke either way.
This is a year of quick pick-me-ups for either contingent, rather than pre-festivity fuss.
The most popular December party-prep purchase for women in a British study was not a little black dress, but lipstick. Also making the top 10 list of priority purchases this year were a handbag, shoes, false eyelashes and nail polish.
That meshes with the low-pressure system moving into the romantic zone, Match.com surveys say. Last year, 20 percent said New Year’s Eve was the most stressful holiday. This year that’s down 4 percent, said Trish McDermott, Match.com’s vice president of romance.
“It’s more about fun and less about The One than in previous years,” McDermott said.
A precedent has been set to make holiday-related purchases later than ever this year, too, according to a study by the National Retail Federation. By Dec. 10 this year, 10 percent of consumers were finished with holiday-related purchases versus 15 percent at the same time last year. “We are a nation of procrastinators,” federation president and CEO Tracy Mullin said.
The take-home (or take-out) message for this final stretch of pomp and purchasing?
Hustle. Don’t hassle.
1. Luxe light
Rings command attention this holiday season. First, the jumbo-jewel cocktail ring was all the rage. Then www.shopping.com, the online market-watcher, reported that diamond-engagement ring purchases in December had gone through the roof. But what we’ve seen everyone oohing and ahhing over at parties are whimsical alternatives–for a fraction of the investment.
2. Treasure hunting
Those who don’t typically shop catalogs or browse at boutiques might want to resolve to start.
For less than the price of a single ho-hum shoe, the Newport News catalog combines two strappy pairs in one: A mule comes with an attachment that slides over the spike heel to create an instant ankle strap. Did we mention they’re $20 for the pair?
A feathery handbag from the new Nuada shop, which specializes in artistry of Irish extraction, gives a new ring to Celtic chic.
3. Cash and carry
It’s a perennial clash between titanic wallets and miniature evening purses: The wallet stays behind, the cash is crumpled inside the cramped quarters.
Chic Clips to the rescue! Founded by two friends in Chicago, Emmy Blume and Diane Hansen, Chic Clips offers a variety of crystal money clips ranging from leopard prints to red martini-glass images.
4. Instant drama
Two looks to try: golden-age-of-Hollywood lips–think colors like Nars’ Bloodwork and Chanel’s Passion–and nod-to-mod false eyelashes.
“Red is fabulous for holiday because it immediately adds color to the face, especially when wearing a black dress or something with delicate sparkle,” said Susan Sterling, Chanel international makeup artist. For marathon staying power, Sterling recommends the classic technique of a bit of foundation and lip pencil over entire mouth, then a light coat of lipstick, followed by a little loose powder and a second light coat of lipstick.
Eyes are set aflutter with false eyelashes. If you’re unschooled, buy two or three pairs for trial runs–they’re inexpensive–or go to a store cosmetic counter for assistance in day-of application. (For morning-after removal of the adhesive, without getting fuzz in your eye, start by moistening a cotton square with water and squeezing it out. Then add eye makeup remover–Sterling suggests Chanel’s Biphase makeup remover, $23.)
5. A midnight thrill
Not for the faint of heart, Lip Venom lip gloss tingles on your lips–weaker women might say it burns. Glossy, not gooey, it has essential oils purported to increase circulation. And the cinnamon-ginger sensation leaves lips bee-stung intense for that New Year’s Eve kiss.
