This year’s holiday season will look unlike any other, but according to makeup extraordinaire Peter Philips, that’s no reason to skip indulging in a touch of glamour above the neck. “I don’t think people should let go of makeup,” the creative and image director of Christian Dior makeup declares on an afternoon in Paris, as models Amrit, Assa Baradji, and Jade Rabarivelo—their complexions adorned with a light-catching glimmer or a sweep of jewel-toned pigment—shine brightly on the set nearby. Rather, he continues, “It’s more about subtle beauty.”
With light-as-air foundations, shimmering glosses, and quietly chic palettes spread before him, Philips has just dreamed up a handful of holiday makeup looks for our new socially distanced era. Gone are the perfectly drawn pouts, the out-to-there eyeliner etchings, and the faces seemingly dipped in glitter. Here, instead, is beauty for beauty’s sake: There’s rich, glowing skin; luscious lips; and lids layered with mesmerizing shades of shadows—all topped off with a bit of whimsy, of course. (It is still the merrymaking season, after all.) “Makeup is one of the little pleasures in life,” Philips muses with a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye—and who are we to refuse some joy?
Welcome to Artist Spotlight #32 series on my blog.
Below, six holiday makeup looks for an instant winter pick-me-up.
“I wanted to bring in some shine,” says Philips, who treated runway regular Amrit to a touch of shimmer at eye level and an ultra-shiny pout, courtesy of Dior Addict Lip Maximizer in Shimmer Nude. Take note: “Festive makeup doesn’t always have to be a red, dramatic lip,” he says.
Nevertheless, a crimson-color mouth is a holiday classic for a reason. Pair Rouge Dior Lipstick in color 743, Rouge Zinnia, with metallic shadow and a sweep of complexion-perfecting powder, as shown by newcomer Jade Rabarivelo.
While the season’s Champagne-fueled celebrations are on an indefinite hiatus, you can still channel your inner party girl with a dramatic swipe of sapphire-hued shadow (found in the 5 Couleurs Couture palette in color 279, Denim, and seen here on Assa Baradji) befitting of a spot on the Studio 54 dance floor.
Nudes need not mean boring, especially in the hands of Philips, who complemented a fresh-faced complexion with shades of russet and gold, and Dior’s limited edition shimmer-inflected bullet in color 070, Dazzling Beige. Consider it no-makeup makeup—with a requisite festive twist.
“I call it effortless glam,” Philips says of this two-toned eye shadow look, which can be achieved with a flick of the wrist and Dior’s palette in color 089, Black Night, of bold burgundies and coruscating charcoals. A layer of light-catching lip gloss will seal the deal.
Door knocker earrings meet their match with this baby pink pigment, which was drawn over and around the eye to head-turning effect. Word to the wise: Skip the mascara. “It’s the unexpectedness that makes it new and cool,” Philips says.
Featuring: Amrit, Assa Baradji, and Jade Rabarivelo
DP: Alexandre Hertoghe
Bookings director: Felicity Webb
Bookings manager: Morgan Senesi
Hair: Joseph Pujalte
Makeup: Peter Philips
Set design: Sylvain Cabouat
Movement director: Jordan Robson
Dancer: Daniil Philippenkov
Production: Kitten
Graphics: Alice Gavin
Music: “Be Honest” by Kiddy Smile
Kassy Rose Makeup Artistry 