4 Tips for Flawless New Year's Makeup

Ready for the ball to drop? 2012 is just around the corner, and there’s no doubt you’ll be putting on your prettiest face to celebrate the occasion! Sure, glittery eyes and red lips are the go-to holiday staples, but why not try a new look for the year-end bash? "A lot of girls are getting their party makeup inspiration from fashion campaigns these days," says Chanel celebrity makeup artist Kate Lee (her clients include Anne Hathaway, Sienna Miller, and Keira Knightley). “This season, I’m creating a lot of stylized cat-eyes and colorful lips.” If you're stuck in a rut, Kate advises to choose one facial feature and perfect it. "Pare it down—ask yourself what your favorite beauty icon would've done," says Kate. "Sometimes the chicest look is about what you didn't do rather than what you did!"

SUBDUE THE SPARKLE

Afraid of overdosing on the glitter? "Don't be afraid of experimenting with glitter, but avoid placing it anywhere you have deep expression lines," says Kate. "Think about how you look from every angle and how the glitter will pick up the light. You may need only a small dab in the center of the lid or your inner corners to achieve the desired effect."

Beautylish recommends: NYX Cosmetics Ultra Pearl Mania

PUCKER UP

Champagne toasts and midnight kisses ensure your lips get the most traction of the evening, so choose long-wearing formulas when selecting your ideal party pout. "I love glossy, glittery lips, but no one wants to deal with sticky, messy gloss—or wear it second-hand," says Kate. "I prefer velvety matte, moist formulations."

Beautylish recommends: Hourglass Aura Sheer Lip Stain in Scarlet

COVER YOUR BASES

Since you're probably wearing more makeup than usual—and sweating on the dance floor—you'll need to take extra complexion precautions. "Durability is all in the prep," explains Kate. "Lightly exfoliate your skin prior to application, then use a primer to hold your base and powder. Pop a purse-size pack of blotting papers in your clutch for touch ups.

Beautylish recommends: Tatcha Evening Aburatorigami Blotting Papers

DON’T FORGET ABOUT FASHION

Bad makeup can ruin an amazing outfit, so paint your face with your attire in mind. Wearing a sequined shift? Kate advises to keep it simple with black liner and nude lids. Staying classic with an LBD? You have freedom with color, but focus on what’s fitting for the venue. And what if you're wearing a sassy red cocktail number? "Definitely avoid matching your lip to the dress," advises Kate. "Emphasize bone structure and sculpt your face with a neutral blush—there should be little to no color in the cheek."

Beautylish recommends: Chanel Joues Contraste Blush in Tempting Beige

Thanks to her natural ability and years of experience, Kate is now firmly established as one of the most in-demand make-up artists in Los Angeles, working regularly on-location and on the red carpet with clients including Anne Hathaway, Sienna Miller, Keira Knightley, Rooney Mara, and Penelope Cruz. Kate has worked for Vogue, InStyle, Bazaar, Elle and Marie Claire as well as acclaimed photographers Annie Leibovitz, Ellen Von Unwerth, Paola Kudacki and Terry Richardson on a regular basis. For more beauty tips, follow

Kate on Twitter at @makeupkatelee.