Beauty

The Art of Holiday Party Style, According to Kendra Bailey

It starts with a spritz (and not the kind you think).

The Art of Holiday Party Style, According to Kendra Bailey
Kendra Bailey

Everyone has their own unique way to get into the holiday spirit. And for Kendra Bailey, model, actress and one of our favorite social creators, a few strong sensory cues always work like magic. For instance, it’s a spritz of her timeless Chanel N°5 Eau de Parfum and the fantastic holiday lights that line the streets of New York City that help kick off the festive season for this fashion icon.

Heading into this year’s celebrations, we caught up with Kendra as she prepped for a holiday fête in the city. “I’m spending some time in New York City this holiday season, then heading home to be with family at the end of the month. I’m looking forward to doing all my favorite family traditions with my daughter: playing in the snow, eating, baking, and opening presents!” After showing off her perfect blowout (seriously, she’s a pro), Kendra walks us through her go-to makeup and beauty care routine for her evening out. Ahead, her take on how to achieve a holiday look that feels distinctly you.

@kendrabailey_ #CHANELpartner Glamour for the holidays with the classic CHANEL N°5 Eau de Parfum Spray. A beautiful, iconic fragrance that reminds me of old Hollywood. My feature is up on @Coveteur with all of my @chanel.beauty favorites. #welovecoco ♬ original sound - Kendra Bailey

1. It All Starts With a Signature Scent

Kendra Bailey

“The first thing I like to do out of the shower, after body care, is spray my fragrance. I want to start the evening smelling good, so we're going to go there first,” says Kendra. Her signature scent of choice? Chanel N°5 Eau de Parfum. “I chose Chanel N°5 because it evokes classic Hollywood glam for me, and that is absolutely what I was feeling this evening,” she says.

2. A Dewy Glow Works Any Time of Year

Kendra Bailey

There’s no need to save that gorgeous sun-kissed glow for summer’s golden hour. In fact, a dewy complexion works just as well in the winter—if not more. Winter can be a challenging season for the skin—the alternation of outdoor cold with indoor heat tends to make it look dry and dull, but a youthful makeup look is the best antidote. "I'm doing a very, subtle, dewy look," explains Kendra as she reaches for her Chanel palettes. Pro tip: Be sure to start with hydrating skincare and don't be shy about blending.

3. When It Comes to Outfits, Create a Mantra

“I always go for the classics, but with a twist,” says Kendra. “Dressing for my color palette is also something I recently discovered makes me feel my best, and wearing clothes that are complementary in every way. I like to wear what makes me feel my best.”

Kendra shares that she also gravitates towards a new outfit instead of repeating looks. “I always love a new outfit—it’s exciting to style something new and feel good in it.” However, she does come back to basics for the finishing touches. “I also have my basics, like a black blazer and my Chanel quilted handbag, because no one needs extra stress around the holidays.”

The final step? One last spray of her favorite fragrance and she's off. Shop Kendra's signature scent below.

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