So, when I posted about a great Hollywood day trip to Vegas – I promised the makeup lovers amongst you that I would chat with my celebrity makeup artist friends to ensure you always look as glam as possible.  Here is part 1 in this series.  I checked in with red carpet makeup artist Kenetia Lee on her favorite looks for a night out in the town in Vegas. (BTW, I took that photo on my iPhone before the Diddy’s White Party last year – this was taken in Kenetia’s suite in the London Hotel, West Hollywood.

Maxine:   How do you think Vegas makeup differs than “regular makeup?”

Kenetia: Well, I think there is no better place to lose your inhibitions than in Sin City, so why not go all the way and add a little flare with your makeup too?   You can’t go wrong with a smoky eye because it’s a signature nightclub look (and Nightlife is everything in Vegas!).  It’s all about the bright flashing lights and being just a tab bit showy, so instead of the usual black smokey eye, opt for some eye popping show stopping color to smoke out around those eyes.

Maxine:  A colored smokey eye?  That sounds hard to pull off.

Kenetia: Not really.  Choose a color that compliments your eyes, here are some guidelines:  Brown eyed girls (this includes hazel) can work with any color.  Blue eyed babes should look for hues of peach and orange.  Green eyed gals? Lavenders and purples will look great.

Maxine:  And what about the lip?  With all that going on with the eyes ..

Kenetia: Totally right. If you are going to play up those eyes, go with a nice nude lip to bring it all together.  But again, don’t be afraid to play with color...especially in Vegas. It’s only makeup, it washes right off.  And speaking of that … I don’t care how late you stay out. Wash off your makeup.  The best makeup needs a great palette to begin with.

Some of Kenetia’s Favorite Products to achieve a great smoky eye:

Urban Decay’s Fishnet (appx $17):

L’Oreal’s HIP Duo Eyeshadow #224 Showy (appx $1.29)