Drugstore Holiday Glam (Recommendations for Party Look Essentials)

Thanksgiving Day is nearly here, and then before you know it, the slew of family get-togethers, office parties, Christmas lunches with the girls, and every other Holiday-themed festivity will be upon us, not to mention New Year's Eve. For all of these events and more, we want to not only look our best but also perhaps add a little touch of glitz and fun to our looks. I have put together a list of some of my favorite pieces of makeup that give me that extra polished feeling, and as a bonus, they can all be found at your local drugstore or discount store!

Cover Girl Clean Foundation: Rarely do I ever wear a traditional liquid foundation, tending more to use creamy concealers or mineral powders. If I ever want a fuller coverage (for example, when I know I will be getting my picture taken), Cover Girl Clean is one foundation I know I can count on. It starts out pretty sheer but can be layered nicely without getting cakey or heavy-feeling. I love that it gives a dewy, satiny look to the skin without ever looking greasy. In fact, I think think this foundation would be a great option both for those with drier skin and those with an oily skin type who want coverage and a bit of a reduction in shine without looking totally matte or powdery. I really also appreciate the broad shade selection on both the light and deep ends of the spectrum. Overall, it is a lovely, easy to wear foundation with good coverage and a pretty, glowy skin effect.

Neutrogena HealthySkin Blends Blush: When going for my boldest looks, I tend to play up either the lips or the eyes and leave the cheeks more understated. If this is your preference too, then the Neutrogena blushes are a beautiful option. My personal favorite is the Healthy Skin Powder Blends in Pure, which is a multi-tonal mosaic of petal pink tones, but any of their blushes I've tested are stellar quality. Smooth and finely-milled, these soft-textured powders glide on like a dream with sheer but somewhat buildable layers of natural-looking colors that blend seamlessly in with the skin. The finish of these blushes are neither matte nor shimmery, just a perfect soft sheeny finish that mimicks healthy, hydrated flushed skin. And just as with their skincare and all other makeup formulas, Neutrogena products are fragrance-free and with dermatologist- approved ingredients that are lovely choices for sensitive skin.

Milani Eyeshadows (of any kind): Whether you find a powder or cream single shadow or fall in love with one of their more-recently released palettes, Milani is truly an extraordinary maker of eyeshadow at the drugstore, especially when it comes to both glimmery and colorful eyeshadows. For extra special pizzazz, check out their Hyper-Pigmented Eye and Face Palettes, which include 9 richly-colored eyeshadows as well as two face highlighters (which can double as more eyeshadows if you'd like). The Eye & Face Palettes are currently sold in three selections Gilded Embers (an array of rose,plum, and amber sunset tones), Gilded Jade (a spread of emeralds, teals, and golds), and Gilded Violet (a collection of blues, purples, and pinks). Or else, for evern more eyeshadow variety check out either the Gilded Noir (a multi-tonal collection of grungy, glimmery jeweltones) or Gilded Rouge (an array of crimson, amethysts, and earth tones). Both of these palettes contain 16 beautiful shades and offer even more textures and variety of finishes. No matter which of these you pick or any of the eyshadows from the brand, Milani is truly one of the best of the best in pigmentation, finish, and blendability, especially when it comes to putting on the glitz.

Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara: This is one mascara that really lives up to its name. This is a volumizing mascara, but the thickness it provides truly makes the lashes look fluffy and decadent and touchably soft, not all spidery or plastic-looking. These are truly the lashes any princess would want, and that makes this mascara truly the best finishing touch for any dramatic wintry evening looks.

Revlon SuperLustrous Lipsticks: Dating all the way back to the early 1950s, Revlon SuperLustrous Lipsticks have remained among the world's bestselling for a reason. They truly are incredible, comfortable, and so plush and sumptuous and longlasting on the lips. With 3 different finishes available and over 80 colors to choose from, you will truly find the perfect, if not several perfect, shade for your every event. Of course, my tastes at the Holidays, along with every other time of the year, lean most to the reds, and the Revlon SuperLustrous line makes some truly iconic reds. If you want a warm,bright poppy red, look no further than the iconic Fire and Ice. For something deeper and a bit more neutral in undertone, go for the stately Certainly Red, and for the cooler, more blue-based pinky reds, give the vintage classic Cherries in the Snow a try.

For Thanksgiving dinner, Christmastime, New Year's, and any other special time, these are some of the products that I turn to the most when I want to look my extra polished. Additionally in the spirit of the upcoming gift-giving these products would also make a wonderful beauty goodie bag if you wanted to treat someone to a full face of glamour. Whatever products you pick or gifts you choose to give, may you all have a blessed and special start to this Holiday Season.