I sat down with makeup artist Corianne Cowan from The Spin Style to talk all things holiday and to see if she would give me a peek into her makeup bag! Corianne relocated to Atlanta from Texas to continue her career as a hair and makeup stylist and joined the Spin team 6 years ago. I was also signed to the agency then, and that's when our paths crossed. I still remember our first encounter on set when she came up to me with her signature gentle voice and introduced herself. I quickly realized that she was soft-spoken, and she was clear I was not. But that didn't matter; we instantly hit it off, and our quiet laughter throughout the day while we worked became something we both cherished for years. Corianne is a powerhouse in the Atlanta creative industry and specializes in commercial beauty and creative hairstyling, which she utilizes in fashion photoshoots and editorials.
When I asked Corianne about her favorite Christmas tradition, she replied with a huge smile, "Hot chocolate and watching The Polar Express with my son Darion!" This has been their tradition since he was a baby, and she said she has no plans of changing that one; it’s the most special to her.
With the holiday season fast approaching, it's time to start thinking about creating the perfect makeup look for all the festive parties and events coming up. There are so many beauty industry trends to choose from, from bold lips to shimmering metallics— I asked Corianne to weigh in and share her top picks for this season's stunning, classic looks and the products she can't live without.
Powder Foundation
Powder foundation is a must-have in her makeup bag, and she says it is essential for normal to oily skin. It's perfect for creating holiday makeup looks that require additional coverage for a more glamorous look and is ideal for touch-ups throughout the evening. However, if you have dry skin, it would be best to use it only for touch-ups. Her favorites are Make Up For Ever HD Skin Matte Velvet Undetectable Longwear Blurring Powder Foundation (for oily skin) and Laura Mercier Smooth Finish Powder Foundation (for dry skin). For darker skin tones, she goes for Fenty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Powder Foundation due to the wide variety of colors that are not too red and provide buildable coverage.
Bold Lip
When it comes to holiday parties, a bold lip can really make a statement. Even if you usually opt for a more natural look, spicing things up with a brighter shade can add some fun to your makeup routine. If you typically wear a nude lip, try a classic red to add some pop. On the other hand, if you're already a fan of red lipstick, experiment with a deep berry shade for a change. While I know professional makeup looks are her thing, I asked Corianne the secret to making a bold lip stand out. “Lip liner. Just be sure to choose a shade slightly different from your lipstick to create more depth.” Start by lining your lips with the pencil, then smudge the line inward slightly before applying your lipstick. Here are a couple of bold reds she loves! Hourglass Confession Ultra Slim High-Intensity Refillable Lipstick and Tom Ford Liquid Lip Luxe Matte.
Metallic Liner
If you want to add a little sparkle to your look, metallic eyeliner gives holiday vibes every time. This option can be added to full glam but also works for those who wear minimal to no makeup. Ensure you give yourself time to perfect the liner—Corianne recommends you allow 10 minutes for liner and false lashes to avoid frustration. She added, “Metallic eyeliner is a beautiful and festive way to enhance your look, whether you prefer a winged liner, kitten liner, or a simple line along your upper lid.” Try Urban Decay Moondust Liquid Glitter Eyeliner or Danessa Myricks Beauty Colorfix Foils for a look that sparkles all night.
Micellar Water
Corianne, a self-proclaimed skincare junky, shared one of her absolute favorite tips to keep your skin merry and bright all season (and all year round). “It's common to feel exhausted after a long day and just want to go to bed without bothering to remove your makeup, sunscreen, dirt, and other impurities from your face. However, taking care of your skin is essential, especially during this busy time of year. So, no excuses!” For those late-night makeup removals, keep micellar water and cotton pads beside your bed. She recommends Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water Makeup Remover Cleanser, which is gentle and effective.
The Christmas season is the most wonderful time of the year, and it's the perfect time to try out new beauty trends or some of the timeless classics that we all know and love. You can wear a bold red lip and sparkling eyes or rock a radiant glow. Whatever you decide to do this holiday season, Corianne says to make sure not to miss the opportunity to watch The Polar Express!
Photographer - Ray J Rich
Hair and Makeup Artist - Corianne Cowan with The Spin Style Agency
ERIKKA HART
Although her name may be new to this side of the creative industry, storytelling has always been a part of her DNA. Erikka has written poetry, blogs, short stories, and journals for as long as she can remember and worked as a trusted makeup artist in the entertainment industry for two decades. She worked with clients like Nike, Adidas, Cartoon Network, Netflix, Hulu, and entertainment giants like Shaq (pun intended). While being a makeup artist was creatively fulfilling, Erikka always knew that writing was her true passion. The year 2020 forced her to pause and reflect on her life; it was just the motivation she needed to return to school. Writing has always been her calling, and she knew it was her destiny to pursue it as a career. Her experience as a commercial makeup artist helped develop her eye for detail, which still serves her in her current profession. That, combined with her love for storytelling, allows her to create compelling content as a professional copywriter.