When it comes to preparing for a Christmas party, we spend so much time thinking about finding the perfect outfit that sometimes we forget the fact that makeup can really enhance and accessorise a party look.
I tend to be one of those people who’s always in a rush and thinks a slick of red lipstick will cut it as a ‘party face’, but this month I’m going to try and follow my own advice and embrace some of the trends around this winter. From catwalks to celebrities and blogs to influencers, these looks are big news this season – so it’s time to put down your age-old smoky eye palette and get the glitter out!
Voluminous lashes
Understated, barely-there eyelashes have been a trend over the past few seasons, but the good news is, just in time for the festivities, bold, lush lashes are back in. To achieve this look, use a lengthening mascara and apply multiple coats, combing in between each to remove clumps. Keep going until you could give a 60s supermodel a run for her money!
Coral lips
Red lips are the go-to at this time of year, but switch up your regular rouge for a pop of coral instead. Because there are so many shades of coral ranging from orange-tinged to pinker hues, it’s a universally flattering look that works well with most skin tones.
Glitter eyelids
This season it isn’t about playing it safe with soft bronze or silver hints: glitter is big news for party looks – and more really is more. If you’re going heavy with the shimmer, choose muted tones for your lips and cheeks to really give the glitter full impact.
Bronze glow
If you’re going to go for bronze then the key is to go all out. As well as copper eyelids, apply bronze to cheeks, forehead and even to lips. This look is all about the maximum glow, so don’t be afraid to really go for gold!
Glossy lips
Another 90s trend that’s made its way back into our makeup bags for the party season is the glossy lip. From bold berry hues to subtle shimmers, it doesn’t matter which shade you opt for, as long as you go for maximum shine.
Coloured eyeliner
It was a thing in the 90s and now bright shades of eyeliner are back for this Christmas. Try electric blue to really make a statement, or jewel shades of red, green or yellow work really well for the festive party season.
Peach palette
Got a lot of parties to go to? Hide that fatigue with an all-over peachy glow – we’re talking lips, cheeks and eyelids all in the same shade. Not only does this create a healthy flushed look, it also really stands out against a little black dress while staying understated.
…And how to avoid any party panics
Top tips for last-minute slips:
1 Deodorant marks on your LBD
Got white marks all over your party dress and no time to change? Don’t stress – rubbing a sock over the deodorant mark will make it invisible in seconds! (I know it sounds mad but trust me, it works.)
2 No safety pin
For gaping necklines and mysterious holes that appear halfway through the evening,
just use a stud earring to hold everything in place. More stylish than a safety pin, and
more likely to be on you in a time of crisis!
3 Red wine spillages
It happens to the best of us (some more than others!) but if you happen to spill red wine down your outfit, find some soda water and soak the stain – it’ll be lifted out in no time.
