Holiday makeup ads would have you think that you need to dash through the snow to find yourself a purple smoky eye palette and learn how to use it stat because Christmas dinner will simply not be the same without a completely transformative beauty look. But what if a smoky purple eye just isn't...you? It's great and all, but it's not for everyone. And if you can't even recognize yourself in your new and improved Christmas Eve makeup, how in the world is Santa going to recognize you? Ever think about that?

Instead, consider pulling out your greatest makeup hits for whatever remaining events the month has in store. Trying out new makeup can be tricky because, as they always say, Instagram is forever. Cate Underwood, the Ukranian model/photographer above, demonstrates just how impactful your standby cat eye and red lip can be—hers are done with MAC Ruby Woo and Diorshow Art Pen. Her thoughts:

' Ruby Woo is a classic—super matte, very beautiful. And the Art Pen makes a great line. I don't usually wear mascara, but this makes the perfect accent. Even a little line makes the face, I think. To be honest, I don’t play with makeup that much. All I do is stick to a very natural look and so for me it’s very clean, glowing skin, highlighter to show your bone structure, eyeliner to have an accent on your eyes, and lipstick to make your lips pop. It's very simple and it always works.”

Great—just what you needed.

Cate Underwood photographed by Tom Newton.

Next up: the perfect festive red manicure. And click here for more of ITG's take on the holiday season.