Achieve Star Status: Your Ultimate Guide to Celebrity-Inspired Makeup Looks for 2014 and Beyond

Just because the festive holiday season has wrapped up doesn’t mean your makeup routine has to lose its sparkle. In fact, it’s the perfect time to elevate your beauty game and embrace glamorous looks inspired by your favorite celebrities. We’re talking about the kind of captivating styles we admired on stars like Selena Gomez, Rihanna, Miley Cyrus and Taylor Swift, whose impeccable beauty choices graced red carpets and stages in late December and continue to influence trends. To help you channel your inner star and maintain that radiant glow throughout 2014 and beyond, we consulted with beauty and makeup specialist Amanda Gabbard, from the prestigious Guerlain Spa at the iconic Waldorf Astoria in New York. Amanda shared her invaluable expert tips on how you can effortlessly achieve a celebrity-inspired look, making every day feel like a special occasion.

New Year’s 2014 — Makeup Tips To Look Like A Celebrity

Amanda told HollywoodLife.com:

“Our outfits and accessories get a bit more bedazzled [during the holidays] — so why shouldn’t our makeup? Properly placed champagne/nude colored shimmer/sparkle is an easy way to turn up the holiday shine. Shimmery powder can be lightly applied over any shadow color and tapped onto the inner eye corner to jazz up eye makeup. Also, dusting a shimmer on the temple, upper cheekbone, down the middle of the nose, as well as sprinkled all over the shoulders and décolleté is incredibly festive!”

Amanda’s insight highlights a fundamental truth about celebrity beauty: it’s all about strategically placed radiance. The use of champagne or nude-colored shimmer is particularly effective because these shades are universally flattering and add a sophisticated luminosity without appearing garish. To truly master this technique, opt for finely milled shimmer powders or cream highlighters that blend seamlessly into the skin. For eye makeup, after applying your base eyeshadow, use a small, fluffy brush to gently press shimmer onto the center of your eyelid to create a spotlight effect, making your eyes appear larger and more captivating. The tap of shimmer on the inner corner of your eye is a classic trick used by top makeup artists to create an instant eye-opening effect, perfect for those long days or late nights when you need an extra boost of freshness.

Extending shimmer beyond the eyes to other high points of the face, such as the temples and upper cheekbones, creates a cohesive, ethereal glow. This technique mimics the natural play of light on the face, enhancing your bone structure and providing a healthy, youthful radiance. When applying shimmer to the body, particularly on the shoulders and décolleté, ensure the product is finely milled and blendable to avoid a glittery, rather than shimmering, appearance. This subtle body glow is a favorite on the red carpet, adding an extra layer of sophistication and luxury to any ensemble.

I personally love a sparkly smokey eye all year round! This enduring trend demonstrates that a touch of shimmer isn’t just for holidays; it’s a versatile tool for adding dimension and glamour to your makeup look at any time. For a modern sparkly smoky eye, consider using deep bronze, charcoal, or plum eyeshadows infused with subtle glitter particles, paired with a shimmering gold or silver in the inner corner for maximum impact.

Effortless Day-to-Night Transitions: Celebrity Style on the Go

Although the holiday party rush may have passed for now, the need for adaptable makeup looks remains. Whether it’s for birthday parties, spontaneous dinner plans, or any event beyond a casual day out, you can still easily transition your daytime look into an evening masterpiece without a complete overhaul. The secret lies in smart product selection and strategic application.

Amanda’s expert advice emphasizes efficiency: “No need to bring 12 more products in your purse to switch from your day look to an evening on the town. All you need is the same eyeliner you used in the morning, a small duo eye shadow, face powder and lipstick or gloss,” she advises. This minimalist approach is not only practical but also incredibly effective.

To execute this flawless transition, start with your eyeliner. If you wore a subtle line in the morning, thicken it slightly, extend it into a soft wing, or smudge it gently along the lash line for a diffused, smoky effect. For your duo eyeshadow, use the darker shade to deepen the crease and outer corner of your eyelid, adding intensity and definition. The lighter shade can be used to brighten the inner corner or lightly sweep across the brow bone for a lifted look. A quick touch-up with face powder will mattify any shine and set your makeup for the evening, ensuring a fresh, polished finish. Finally, elevate your lips. Swap your nude lipstick for a vibrant red, a rich berry, or a deep plum to instantly transform your face. Alternatively, a high-shine gloss over your existing lip color can add instant plumpness and glamour, perfect for an evening out. This simple yet effective strategy allows you to maintain a polished, celebrity-inspired look with minimal effort and maximum impact.

The Biggest Holiday Makeup Trends — Transcending the Season

Just as we saw on Rihanna and Miley, the old Hollywood look is still totally trendy, especially a bold lip look! This classic aesthetic continues to captivate because it embodies timeless glamour and sophistication, making it a perennial favorite for anyone wanting to emulate a red-carpet presence. It’s a look that speaks of confidence, elegance, and undeniable allure.

“This year’s New Year’s trends are without a doubt going back to the old Hollywood look! For a simple yet glamorous style, sweep sheer-colored eye shadow over the entire lid, extend eyebrows with a matte brow pencil, and finish off with a black velvety-liquid eyeliner and thick black mascara. This year, adding a few individual false lashes at the ends of the lash line is a popular trend, and certainly perfects the look! Last but not least, what would a Hollywood siren be without her trademark red lip? Tap concealer all over the lips, outline with a matching liner, and then apply the lipstick.”

Crafting the Classic Hollywood Eye

To achieve this iconic eye look, begin with a sheer-colored eyeshadow. Opt for shades like soft peach, delicate taupe, or a champagne shimmer that brightens the lid without adding heavy color. This creates a clean, sophisticated base. Next, focus on your eyebrows. Defined brows are paramount in Old Hollywood glamour. Use a matte brow pencil, powder, or pomade to extend and shape your natural brows, creating a refined arch that beautifully frames the face. Precision is key here; well-groomed brows elevate the entire makeup look.

The essence of the Hollywood eye lies in its liner. A black velvety-liquid eyeliner, applied with a steady hand, is crucial for creating that sharp, elegant line along the upper lash. Extend this line into a classic winged shape, often referred to as a cat-eye, which adds drama and elongates the eye. Follow this with several generous coats of thick black mascara, focusing on both length and volume to make your lashes full and fluttery. For a truly professional finish and an extra touch of allure, consider adding a few individual false lashes to the outer corners of your lash line. This technique provides a subtle lift and density, perfectly completing the glamorous eye without appearing overdone or artificial.

The Signature Red Lip: A Timeless Statement

No Old Hollywood siren look is complete without a bold, perfectly executed red lip. This is arguably the most recognizable and impactful feature of the aesthetic. To ensure your red lip is flawless and long-lasting, begin by applying a thin layer of concealer over your entire lip area. This step neutralizes your natural lip color, allowing the red shade to truly pop, and also creates a smooth, even canvas for application, preventing feathering.

Next, select a lip liner that precisely matches your chosen red lipstick. Carefully outline your lips, paying close attention to your cupid’s bow and the outer corners. This liner acts as a barrier, preventing the lipstick from bleeding and ensuring sharp, defined edges. Once outlined, fill in your lips with the matching red lipstick. For optimal precision and intensity, use a lip brush to apply the color, building it up in thin, even layers. Blotting your lips with a tissue after the first application and then reapplying helps to lock the color in place and extend its wear. Whether you choose a matte, satin, or slightly glossy finish, the red lip is a powerful statement of confidence and elegance, instantly transforming your look into that of a Hollywood star.

Beyond 2014: Integrating Celebrity Beauty into Your Routine

The beauty wisdom shared by Amanda Gabbard and the enduring appeal of Old Hollywood glamour offer far more than just seasonal trends. These are foundational techniques that empower you to create stunning, sophisticated makeup looks year-round. Whether you’re aiming for a subtle shimmer for a casual gathering or a full-on red-carpet transformation for a gala, these principles are adaptable to your personal style and any occasion.

Remember that the canvas for any exquisite makeup look is healthy, radiant skin. Prioritize a consistent skincare routine that includes gentle cleansing, targeted serums, moisturizing, and diligent sun protection. A well-cared-for complexion not only enhances the application of makeup but also ensures your natural beauty shines through. Don’t be afraid to experiment; makeup is an art form and a powerful tool for self-expression. Use celebrity inspiration as a starting point, then adapt the colors and techniques to best complement your unique features and personality. The goal is to feel confident, beautiful, and utterly star-worthy in your own skin, every single day.

Are you planning on switching up your makeup look in 2014 or even incorporating these timeless celebrity-inspired techniques into your regular beauty routine, HollywoodLifers? Share your favorite glamour tips and what makes you feel like a star!

— Dory Larrabee

More Celebrity Beauty News:

1. Rihanna’s Super Sexy New Year’s Eve Beauty — Pretty Pink Lips
2. Miley Cyrus: Stunning Hair & Makeup On New Year’s Rockin’ Eve
3. Ariana Grande’s New Year’s Eve Beauty — Long Lashes