With the holiday season in full bloom and regardless of what you do and don't celebrate, chances are you might have at least one festive gathering or event to attend to this year. Over the years I've attempted all sorts of looks for said events, and have now got my favourite products and tricks down to a bit of an art. Here are some of my must-haves and must-tries for a gorgeous party pretty look this season.
Be Base Ready
This is the time when you want to bust out that primer that you might be normally too lazy to bother with. If you're stuck in a hideous hotflash-inducing holiday sweater, have had too many glasses of nog, or plan on doing some smooching under the mistletoe you'll be thankful you popped on some primer to help your makeup last through the night. My special occasion favourite is Illamasqua Hydra Veil, which is ultra hydrating (have no fear, there is a matte version as well!) and has my skin in its best condition before I even need foundation.
Opt for Coverage
This is the time when you might want to err on the side of more coverage, especially if photographs will be taken. Pick something that has no SPF in it (this causes flashback) and has a super smoothing effect on the skin, like Illamasqua Skin Base. Using a fuller coverage will help if you tend to get a little rosy after a glass (or ten) of wine, or plan on rocking around the Christmas tree into the early morning hours.
Sculpt
It's amazing what a little contouring can. You'll never hear me advocating taupe shaded racing stripes down your face for that Kim K look, but a little depth here and there looks amazing in photos and might just have nosy Aunt Sally asking what you're doing differently these days as you've clearly gotten in shape. Feel free to tell her the classic supermodel line, "I just have a really fast metabolism" as you scarf down another butter tart. For fool proof sculpting and highlighting, the Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze and Glow has the perfect neutral shade (it comes in two different versions now!) that adds a little depth and warmth and is near impossible to overdo.
Waterproof It
You might laugh till you cry, you might sweat, you might just plan on waiting up all night for Santa and if that's the case it's time to choose waterproof when it comes to your eyeliner so it doesn't end up in your eyebrows and half way down your face. My all time favourite is the Laura Mercier Tightline Cake Eye Liner in Black Ebony mixed with Make Up For Ever Aqua Seal for the blackest matte winged liner of life. It isn't going anywhere until you want it to!
Sparkle
It might be tempting to douse yourself in glitter this time of year, and by all means do it if your fearless and are ok with finding glitter everywhere for the next month. If you want some sparkle minus the fallout, garish risk or disco-esque vibe, then I suggest opting for the Dior Mono Fusion Shadows that can be patted on top of your finished shadow to add some glitz that catches the light and twinkles.
Lips That Last
I've never been a fan of uber matte or long-wearing lipsticks for the dryness factor and the fact that they look horrid wearing away throughout the night. What I do love is a product like the YSL Glossy Stains that go on like a opaque glossy lip, and leave a nice even stain behind as they wear away. No nasty lip goop in the corners of your mouth, no flaky lips where the colour has worn away, and above all else: they actually wear for several hours without reapplying.
