Festive makeup probably isn’t really that different to any other party makeup but I like any excuse to dig out the best of the best as well as those luxury beauty products I reserve for “special occasions,” and no time like the present. I normally use a slap dash approach most mornings as I value my sleep that much more during the working week, but isn’t it great when you have a party or somewhere glam to go to in the evenings and you can really take your time to get ready? Everything is in slow motion and sometimes there’s more joy in getting ready than the actual event……or is that just me! So, if you are looking for some inspiration or just an insight into some of the products I think you should be getting your hands on this festive season, I’ve done a little round up of my go-to’s:
If it’s the eyes I’m looking to emphasise then nothing does it better than the By Terry Ombre Blackstar in Bronze Moon and Brown Perfection. I’ve raved about these a lot and as they are formulated with Tahitan Black Pearl, they give a gorgeous light-reflecting finish on the lids. These two colours are great for creating a smokey eye or to line the upper and lower lash line.
Charlotte Tilbury is like the queen of eyeshadow palettes and of course The Luxury Eyeshadow Palette in Dolce Vita is just perfect for this time of the year. The colours, especially that rusty brown and golden bronze glitter pigment speak all out glamour to me. Another Charlotte Tilbury staple is the Eyes to Mesmerise Cream Eyeshadow in Jean (see my post on this here). This works beautifully on its own or as a base to layer on another eyeshadow. I’m also loving the Kevyn Aucoin Eyeshadow Duo in No 210 Sugared Peach and Rust Brown and one can’t go wrong with the Urban Decay Naked Palette, I can create so many eye looks with just this alone.
Mascara is an absolute must and at the moment I’m trying out the Chantecaille Faux Cils Longest Lash Mascara. I’m not normally one to splurge on luxury mascara but this one promises to lengthen your lashes at the same time. I need to test it a bit more to see if that claim is true but it does make my lashes look super thick, it’s smudge free and it’s extra black. So far so good.
Contouring is something I reserve for the really special occasions and for that nothing beats the Nars Bronzing Powder in Laguna. Whilst it looks very dark in the pan, it adds the right amount of depth and shadow without looking chalky or too harsh provided I go in lightly and blend, blend blend. To add a bit of colour to the apple of my cheeks the Tarte Amazonian Clay 12 Hour Blush in Exposed is ideal as it’s not overbearing and works wonderfully with any lip colour. You also know how I love my highlighters and this is when a sweep of the golden champagne highlighter from my Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze and Glow comes out.
I can’t have a night out with a bold lip and the Bobbi Brown Art Stick in Harlow Red, the YSL Rouge Pur Couture Glossy Stain in No 9 Red Flash or the Inglot Classic Lipstick in No 127 are my go to reds.
Lastly, I’ve gotta paint those nails and yes, red would be my preferred colour of choice such as the Ciate London Olivia Palermo Nail Polish in Hutch, the L’Oreal Paris Color Riche Vernis L’Huile in Rubis Folies or the Christian Louboutin Nail Colour in a classic red. Or for a neutral, goes with anything option I would choose the Marc Jacobs Enamoured Hi-Shine Nail Polish in Funny Girl.
So there it is, some of my festive makeup and beauty essentials. What about you? What makeup do you use to glam yourself up during the festive season? x
