LOWKEY FESTIVE GLAM

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Is it just me, or has Christmas come out of nowhere in the sea of sameiness that's been 2020? Day fade into weeks, weeks fade into months and suddenly it's festive season, even though it really doesn't feel like it. I've really discovered the fun in makeup this year, given I've not worn it that regularly, and I'm actually looking forward to doing a bit of easy glam over the festive period (however I end up spending it). How sad is that?! Today I'm sharing my top makeup picks to add a bit of festive glam to my quick and easy makeup looks...

Let's start with complexion, and it's obviously all about the glow! A gorgeous product to wear under makeup as a primer or even mix in with your foundation is the Charlotte Tilbury Wonderglow Face Primer* | £39. This is a creamy primer with a warm oyster gold sheen to it; it's not sticky, it doesn't err too far towards being a liquid highlighter, it just gives that gorgeous backlit glow that's subtle and gives the skin a natural luminosity. You can then add more glow with the EX1 Cosmetics Invisiwear Liquid Foundation (Shade 6) | £12.50. I love this medium-coverage foundation that's radiant but not overtly dewy or 'wet' looking (if that makes any sense!) It gives a natural but somehow still pretty flawless coverage that's easy to sheer out or build up. It also lasts really well on my skin throughout the day, which is important for Christmas, because the day itself is usually pretty long! Once I've applied my usual concealer, I like to set under my eyes with the Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder* | £32. How has it taken me all these years to try this classic product?! It's incredibly finely-milled and traceless on the skin but locks things in place to prevent creasing without matting the skin down too much (if you want to dust it over other places, such as the nose and forehead, which I sometimes do to stop makeup sinking into fine lines).

Eyes are always the most fun! The Hourglass Scattered Light Glitter Eyeshadow in Foil | £28 | is a classic for me. This makes glitter eyeshadow quick and easy with no mess; you can apply it with a swipe of your finger. There's no fallout or flaking throughout the day; just gorgeous, long-wearing, grown-up glitter. This is a warm coppery-gold that's perfect for the festive season. A newer discovery has been the Huda Beauty Gold Obsessions Palette* | £27. I do wish this palette contained a few less light frosty shades but the actual golds are stunning; it's up to you if you think it's worth buying for that and the pink-toned and dark brown matte or if it's not varied enough for you. I really like patting on these metallic golds with my fingers to give my eye look a nice little pop. I find these shades easy to work with and long-wearing on me.

I love bronzer - no matter the season - and 2020 was definitely the year of cream makeup for me, so it's probably not that surprising that for this post I've chosen the Fenty Beauty Cheeks Out Cream Bronzer in Hunnie Glaze | £28 | full review. I just use a dense brush and a stippling motion to sort of press the product into my skin. I love this formula; it applies smoothly and evenly with zero effort and it's very long-wearing. It's not overly dewy but definitely doesn't have a matte finish either, it also strikes that perfect balance between being warm but not orange. It's got to be a champagne shade for highlighter, so I like the Nudestix Nudies Glow All Over Face Colour in Bubbly Bebe* | £28. This is a cream stick formula with a dewy, glossy look that's so natural on the skin. I personally don't swipe this directly onto my face, I just swirl my finger around on the surface of the product to warm it up a bit and dab it straight on. This is a warm take on champagne. For my cheeks I actually really enjoy using the Stila Semi-Gloss Lip & Eye Paint in Donatello* | £21. It's multi-use but funnily enough I've found a 3rd purpose! I just dab on the tiniest touch of this burnt red colour and blend it out with my fingers for a light flush of colour that lasts pretty well.

I have a few lip options on the festive menu. The first is my beloved Vieve Modern Matte Lipstick in Power Suit | £19. I've not even had this that long but it's made an impression on me! It's a creamy, non-drying matte lipstick that doesn't skip on application or cling to dry patches. It glides on smoothly and lasts really well. The colour is gorgeous; my perfect warm brown nude lip. For something full-on festive, I like the Victoria Beckham Beauty Pop Duo* (both also available individually) | £54. The Posh lip formula is moisturising but not glossy and won't smudge or transfer. It's long-wearing but non-drying and Pop is that perfect cherry red. The Red Lip Definer helps further with longevity whilst eating and drinking (as you probably do plenty of at this time of year) and keeps a clean, precise finish. Finally, it's my go-to deep lip colour: the Ofra Long-Lasting Liquid Lipstick in Americano | £15.50. This is a comfortable, long-wearing liquid lipstick formula that's not flaky or messy to reapply. I love this deep warm red-brown colour; it's dark but still very low-maintenance.

Are you feeling festive yet? What are your go-to makeup products for the season?

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