Style : LOOKS : Party Favors

Subdued makeup is fine for career women at work but not much fun for blithe spirits at play. Casual wear--often in vivid colors and whimsical designs--tends to draw attention away from the face. Plus, table lamps and candles throw off less light than bright overhead office fixtures and can actually make the “natural look” face appear washed out. To fight these party poopers and help any woman stand out in a crowded room, several cosmetics companies have introduced special holiday lines that include dramatic colors and a little festive sparkle. Estee Lauder, for example, offers After Hours Liquid Eyeliner and More Than Mascara in basic black to create deeper, darker eyes and lashes. Lauder’s matte metallic shadows give neutrals soft shine, while Germaine Monteil’s Ornaments offer richer colors such as olive green to smoky plum. In relaxed social settings, lip colors are more vivacious than no-nonsense, like Monteil’s Poinsettia and Garnette. And Max Factor has lightly frosted lipsticks and nail enamels, aptly named Champagne Pink, Party Rose and Raspberry Punch.