3 hot party looks for under $100: here's what to rock - Beauty & Style

There's a lot happening around the holidays--family gatherings, New Year's Eve parties--and you want to look fabulous wherever you go. Camille Daniel, age 15, Diana St. Phard, also 15, and Daniell Washington, 16, show off three great choices for going out.

"I like to be unique. I never want to copy anybody else," says Diana, echoing the sentiments of Camille and Daniell. Eager for a standout head-to-toe look, all three girls let our style team guide them to what's new and exciting. ESSENCE beauty director and cover editor Mikki Taylor wanted to play up the-girls' natural beauty and add a bit of holiday sparkle, while fashion director Pamela Macklin opted for a soft, feminine approach.

"This season we're looking at details such as ruffles, which add a sense of charm without being too sexy, and fabrics like Lycra blends that caress, not cling," Macklin says.

The verdict: Their new looks got thumbs up all around, and some items may make their way onto a gift wish list or two. "The pink made my black dress really stand out more," says Camille. For more on these fast friends' stylish transformations, keep reading.

DAZZLING DO'S great holiday hair

Daniell

MAKIN' WAVES A curling iron and some TLC are all you need to get these individually wrapped spiral curls created by natural-hair expert Derrick Scurry of Derrickscurry.com. Before styling, try a hair nourisher like Luster PCJ Pretty-n-Silky Detangling Spray ($1.78-$2.99, at beauty-supply stores).

Camille

WONDER ROWS These Stevie Wonder-inspired braids are easy to achieve as hairstylist Nene N'diaye of the Khamit Kinks Salon in New York City has done with Camille's hair. Start with three mini sunbursts created from cornrows braided in a curved pattern on the top, and then layer in straight vertical cornrows on the bottom half, leaving the beaded ends free to fall onto your shoulders. "I like the beads in my hair, especially the way the colors complement each other," exclaims Camille. Pro tip: Start off your braided style the right way with a stimulating scalp massage, and repeat once a week to keep your scalp healthy while wearing braids.

Diana

TWIST 'N SHOUT Adding a few bouncy curls and twists in the front can be a great way to transform an everyday look into a holiday do. Kick things up a notch with these vibrant curls. Finger-comb into shape for loose tresses that rock.

Rochelle Jasper of Salon 804 in New York City suggests securing twists with pins and a holding spray like Paul Mitchell Spray Wax ($12.50 for 2.8 ounces, at beauty-supply stores) for extra hold.

"I love the curls and flat twists. They're so unique," says Diana, beaming.

IN THE BAG!

3 beauty buys that give you a glow

1. Create a warm glow with a blend-easy cream blush. The key to blush is keeping it soft, like a whisper of color on your cheek. For a super sheer finish, apply a smidgen of color with a damp sponge. One to try: Rimmel's Colour to Go Blush in #221 On Your Bike for eyes, lips and cheeks ($2.97, at Wal-Mart stores).

2. A sheer lip gloss with a hint of red can quickly add pizzazz to your holiday beauty. Try The Body Shop Lip & Cheek Stain ($10.50, at The Body Shop). The trick is to keep the gloss shiny and sheer, not fire-engine red.

3. Let them know you're ready to party by highlighting clear skin with a luminescent bronzer. Go for a multipurpose stick that you can use on your cheekbones, lips and eyes for an allover radiant, dewy gleam. Check out Wet `n' Wild MegaTwist Bronzzer Stick ($2.99, at drugstores nationwide).

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