This year, all the restrictions are gone and it’s time to go big or go home. We show you how to pull off a fabulous festive look for the party season. Embrace the sultry summer warmth and go for glowing skin, pops of bright colour and even a touch of glitter.
There’s an extra air of excitement about 2022’s festive season. Last year we were still in the throes of serious Covid restrictions, with large gatherings and end of year celebrations well and truly off the cards. However, this December is shaping up to be much more like the glamorous, event-filled month we’re used to. So why not go big – amp up the shimmer and shine and hit the party circuit ready to toast a huge year and dance the night away.
Nars Hardwired Eyeshadow
The ultimate high-pigment glitter shadow that can be worn alone or with a smoky eye.
Tartelette Full Bloom Amazonian Clay Eyeshadow Palette
The perfect limited edition palette with a mix of matt, metallic and shimmer shades.
Once you’ve picked your outfit and popped on a party playlist to set the mood, it’s time to start your make-up. Embrace the sultry summer warmth and go for glowing skin, pops of bright colour and even a touch of glitter – nothing screams glitz and revelry more than sparkles. It all starts with good skin prep, with optimum hydration creating a fresh, bouncy complexion that make-up not only sits perfectly on, but stays put till the wee hours. Massage in a nourishing moisturiser and wait until it absorbs a little, before applying a hydrating, luminising foundation. These lightweight formulas give skin a dewy, glowing finish that’s ideal for summer, as opposed to a heavier, powdery matt one. Look for silky, light to medium coverage liquid foundations that promise a boost of hydration and radiance. These are also particularly suitable for mature skin, as they don’t tend to settle into lines. Buff it on with a large foundation brush, focussing on the areas you need coverage.
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
An award-winning make-up artist favourite that creates a filter-like effect on the skin and works perfectly for all skin types.
Charlotte Tilbury Cheek to Chic
Incredibly easy to apply and creates a flattering flush with subtle shimmer.
Now that your foundation is in place, it’s time to illuminate the high points of your face with glow products and blush. Forget complicated heavy contouring with stripy bronzer and instead, create dimension and a flattering, lit-from-within glow with highlighting products. Doing this will also have you looking fabulous in photos. Beginners can swirl on a peachy blush that has a subtle shimmer, focussing on the apples of cheeks and sweeping up to the temples. For a professional-looking glow, use a small brush with powder highlighter, or a small amount of cream highlighter on your finger, and apply it sparingly to the tops of cheekbones, down the centre of your nose, to your cupid’s bow and under your brows.
Play up your eyes with metallic golds, glimmering champagnes and deep sunset hues – these shades help create a modern, summer-inspired take on the classic smoky eye. Start with your base shade, then apply a darker colour to your crease and as eyeliner below your lower lash line. You don’t need to go full glitter if you don’t fancy it, as just a touch of sparkle in the centre of the eyelid and in the inner corner will really make your eyes pop. Finish with lashings of deep black mascara. If you’ve focused on your eyes, keep your lips polished but understated with a simple slick of nude or coral lip gloss. However, if eye make-up feels too complicated, a pop of punchy red or hot pink lipstick is an incredibly easy and glamorous option.
Aleph Hybrid Eye Pigment in Atmos
A beautiful nude with a shimmering effect, this powder/cream/pencil hybrid can be worn however you like on your eyes.
No matter whether you decide on a chic pony, a half-up-half-down do, or your hair loose and out, curling it first gives an instant polished look. Even if your hair is shorter, creating waves and texture makes it super modern. Curls are very versatile and give great volume, plus they frame your face and accentuate your make-up. Curling with a wand takes a little practice, but once you have it nailed, your life really begins! Start with dry hair and create two sections, top and bottom. Wrap 3cm sections of hair around a medium-barrel tong and hold for 10 seconds, always winding hair away from your face. A key tip is to wait until the curls are all completely cooled to brush through, this helps them set and stay in properly. If your hair is already curly, define and tame them with a shine serum or balm.
Tronque Fully Ripe Vitamin C Body Oil
A potent, fast-absorbing body oil that hydrates, slows skin ageing and restores radiance.
Another way to take your look to the next level is by accentuating any bare skin with body shimmer – think subtle shine and not full disco ball. Depending on where your outfit allows, apply dust with a fluffy brush to your collarbones, back and shoulders. If this is too far out of your wheelhouse, opt for a body oil to get the glow. They don’t just smell great – oils provide long lasting hydration and skin benefits. The final step is to spritz with a suitably luxe, evening fragrance, so choose one that boosts your confidence and sets the mood. These generally feature deep, spicy, musky notes that linger on the skin for hours. Applying it fresh out of the shower, while skin is still damp, is believed to help it last longer, as is not rubbing your wrists together once you’ve sprayed or dabbed fragrance there.
Prada Paradoxe 50ml EDP
Brand new and perfect for summer – sweet but sophisticated with a mix of bergamot, neroli and vanilla.
