Follow these makeup tips to keep your look lasting

Now that you've chosen your outfits for the holidays, you need to focus on your beauty regime.

The News offers some great suggestions to keep that holiday glow going throughout the holidays.

The most important first step is your skin.

We all know that keeping hydrated, watching alcohol intake, getting a good night sleep and exercising can help you put your best face forward.

But what if you indulge too much during those back-to-back parties, with little sleep in between?

"No matter how tired you are during the holidays really stick to your cleansing regimen every night . your skin will thank you for it," said Angela Reddy, of Lacquer Beauty Bar.

At night, take a few minutes to apply a really good hydrating masque to your face before you go to bed.

"It will make your pores appear smaller and smooth out your skin tone so your face looks refreshed," added Reddy.

"During an evening out, carry a water spritzer and spritz your face over the course of the night to revitalize your makeup."

If you do indulge a tad too much and the lack of sleep has created bags under your eyes, you can minimize them with a quick pick-me-up.

Place cucumber slices on your eyes and lay back for 10 minutes.

"Cucumbers cool and soothe the eyes and therefore diminish the look of bags under your eyes," she said.

Another great bedtime tip is to smother your hands and feet in a good moisturizing cream and then wear gloves and socks to bed.

"Your feet and hands will feel and look great," added Reddy.

When it comes to manicures, gel polish has exploded onto the scene because busy, working women don't have time to head to the spa every week.

Gel polish lasts longer than a regular manicure; prolonging your manicure five to seven days more than a regular polish.

"You also don't have to deal with chipping," added Reddy.

As far as colour goes,

dramatic dark tones will make a statement. There's a wide selection of dark grey, brown, navy, plum and ruby red to choose from.

"There are also metallic colours that are particularly festive," added Reddy.

A manicure with nail art will certainly dazzle your friends and put a little sparkle on your fingertips, said Shabnam Goto, owner of Papillon Paradise Spa.

"It's really fun and festive . women are asking for snow, Santa faces and holly leaves on their nails," said Goto.

"Some women are even asking to have different parts of Santa on each nail."

"Colour is also more festive at this time of year so we see lots of different reds and champagnes. As well, many polishes have a little more glitter and shimmer to them."

For those ladies who are more conservative, bold red is always a great holiday favourite.

However, Goto said the holidays are a perfect time "to dare to be brave and change it up a bit."

"Adding a little subtle white edging on those red fingertips will look beautiful."

Another craze this holiday season is eyelash extensions.

"As women age, their eyelashes aren't as thick or as long," said Goto, adding the lashes only have to be refilled every three weeks.

"Today's technology has really improved fake eyelashes, they look real."

With that, you are ready to party.