Get the look: dramatic holiday eyes

Multiple Metallics

This look, as seen at Gianfranco Ferré, combines silver and coppery shades for a look that's lustrous, modern and a little bit mysterious.

Step 1

To Do: When using multiple colors, choose three shades, maximum, says makeup artist Kimara Ahnert, who recommends starting with a dusting of the lightest shade over the entire eye.

Bonus Tip: To help eye makeup stay put, pros say it's smart to start a primer; try Sonia Kashuk's Extreme Wear Eye Base.

Step 2

To Do: Apply the medium shade along the crease of the eye.

Bonus Tip: Daniel McFadden of Privé Salon says, "Silver shadow works best on light green or blue eyes, while gold and bronze shadows look amazing on brown eyes."

Step 3

To Do: Finally, use the deep shade in the outer corner and as eyeliner to the top and bottom lash lines.

Bonus Tip: To really make eyes pop, add a light dusting of a silvery-white shadow just along tear ducts.

Up In Smoke

The classic smoky eye never goes out of style, as seen here at DSquared.

Step 1

To Do: "The fail-safe way to get the classic smoky eye is to first apply a medium tone shadow to the entire eyelid,” says Ahnert.

Bonus Tip: Stila eye shadow in Dune is a great neutral tone for most women.

Step 2

To Do: Use black eyeliner on the top and bottom inside rim of the eye and follow it up with the same medium shadow for the bottom under the lashes. 

Bonus Tip: Makeup artist Sonia Kashuk suggests using an eyeliner brush to "smudge it out." Add on layers of liner, shadow, then powder until you've achieved the perfect look.

Step 3

To Do: McFadden suggests finishing your look with a frosted white, like his Platinum eye shadow in Glacier.

Bonus Tip: White shadow is a hot runway trend, and McFadden says, "It looks gorgeous under the brow when doing smoky eyes."

Meow!

Flirty cat eyes—as seen on this model at Issa—offer a playful retro flair.

Step 2

To Do: Next, Ahnert says you can extend the line straight from your outer lashes and then add a quick flick upward to create the classic cat-eye look.

Bonus Tip: Keep each eye slightly open during application so that you can achieve the right placement. 

Step 3

To Do: With this look, the liner creates all the necessary drama—there's no need for shadow—just finish with a coat or two of black mascara. Finally, use a cotton swab dipped in makeup remover to clear away excess liner.

Bonus Tip: Pack a few extra swabs in your purse to smooth any smudges that might appear under or in the inner corner of the eye throughout the evening, says Ahnert.