:: Meet the Chicks: Holidays Only ::

For me – it’s all about special occasions. As a freelance writer, full-time mom and occasional actress, I’m just too busy to wear makeup everyday. But if I have a special night out, an audition, or a holiday party to go to then I’ll spend the time to get gussied up!

I characterize my style as classic, but also fun. My guilty secret is the fun I have reading articles in women’s magazines about what’s new in makeup or the latest in “holiday looks”. And then I’ll experiment with Bobbi Brown’s Bronze Shimmer Brick Compact for a July picnic, metallic eye shadow for a New Year’s Even party or a new pink shade of MAC lip gloss on Valentine’s Day. This is especially fun with my teenage daughters, one of whom is a budding makeup artist.

I don’t wear perfume every day – being clean seems to be effort enough as far as I’m concerned. But for a party I will splash a little behind my ears and on my wrists. I like classic scents like Chanel No. 5 or Jivago’s 24K..

COLORS:
My favorite colors are olive green, terra cotta, rich brown, gold, and any shade of purple.

LIKES:
I love to spend time with my family and friends. I enjoy cooking big fun dinner parties or holiday celebrations with our kids, neighbors, family, and anyone who they might choose to bring along!

DISLIKES:
I generally don’t like to go to department stores to look at makeup. It’s intimidating and I wish I could move from counter to counter with one person rather than having to work with a salesperson from only one brand. Drugstores are hard because you can’t try anything out. I love Sephora because the sales people can help you with any brand and find what really works for you.

FAVORITE PEOPLE:
Emma Thompson
Barack Obama
Lyle Lovett
Willa Cather
Anne Lamott
Amy Grant

COSMETICS:
I have big lips (who knew they’d ever be fashionable?) so my lipstick is usually pretty subdued. I only wear lip liner when I’m working and otherwise use a slightly colored lip gloss along with my trusty Vanilla Mint Chapstick!

My favorite way to change my look is with fun eye shadow colors. I love Clarins soft cream eye color and the new Pout eye slicks, along with Laura Mercier’s cake eyeliner. Her flat eyeliner brush is the perfect way to get great eyes with a more subtle look. My favorite mascara is Almay Bright Eyes in Black Plum. Essential concealer for face (I have occasional breakouts) and under eyes (never enough sleep!) is Laura Mercier’s Undercover with a duo of cover-up and concealer. For a bit more light and lift for a special occasion, Too Faced Liquid Light can take at least 5 years off your face.

HOLIDAYS ONLY'S PICKS (click here)