FESTIVE SEASON MAKEUP

 

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Party season is upon us! Whilst I tend to lean more towards lighter makeup, it's so much fun to get glammed up for an occasion, and this is the perfect opportunity. This is how I like to do festive glam that's still pretty unfussy...

Let’s start with skin; a foundation I’m really enjoying at the moment when I want a fuller, more flawless coverage is the MAC Studio Radiance Serum-Powered Foundation* (NC20) | £39 | full review. This is a more hydrating alternative to something like Studio Fix Fluid with hydrating tremella extract, nourishing jojoba oil, glycerin and hyaluronic acid as humectants to pull moisture into the skin. It feels lighter and more moisturising on my skin and I love how easily it glides on. Just be sure to get shade-matched as this formula's tone doesn't match up with my Studio Fix Fluid equivalent. I really like how long-wearing this is; it doesn't break up or become shiny, and the coverage is very buildable. I personally like to go in with a sheer layer to begin with and just build it up in the areas I want from there. It works perfectly for those of us who want something that evens things out and gives a more perfected finish without covering the skin too much or feeling overly heavy.

Another great product on the base makeup front is the Merit Beauty Minimalist Complexion Perfecting Stick* (Suede) | £40 | full review. This is a multi-tasking stick product that can be used as a do-it-all complexion perfector on its own, or as a concealer. It has a satin finish that's long-wearing and crease-resistant, offering a medium coverage that works but never looks heavy. It's also great for popping into your bag on Christmas Party Day to touch up with after work. Then we obviously need something to set it all in place and - for me - the Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder* | £46 | full review | is unbeatable. This is a super-fine near-enough traceless setting powder that prevents creasing and excess shine in problem areas without being at all heavy or matte. It's the least powdery powder I've ever tried!

Moving onto cheek products, festive season calls for a bit of a glitzy highlight and I love the Rare Beauty Positive Light Liquid Luminiser in Outshine | £24 | full review. This has that dewy, liquid-metal look without having chunks of glitter and it just looks unreal when it hits the light! This shade is a lovely light gold that I really like on my skin tone, though there are four other shades available if one of those suits you better. A great two-in-one cheek and lip product that can be thrown in your bag for on-the-go touch-ups is the Nudestix Nudies Bloom All Over Dewy Colour in Rusty Rouge | £30. This feels like a 'safe' take on a red lip; it's nothing too bold, it's easy to maintain throughout the night and it's just easy and 'pulled together' when you can use the same shade on your lips and cheeks. This is a great formula that's easy to apply, lasts on my lips and cheeks and feels hydrating. 

Let's finish off with eye makeup. I love the Huda Beauty Empowered Eyeshadow Palette* | £62 | full review and swatches | because it's wearable glam. The shades tie together beautifully and the quality is unbelievable; they're easy to work with, long-wearing and the mattes are opaque, and the shimmers bold and metallic. You get those basic nudes that you need in here, alongside pops of purple and gold that really up the glam. Or, if you prefer a quick glitzy cream shadow then the Victoria Beckham Beauty Lid Lustre in Honey | £33 | is perfect. It gives you that dimensional, glittery finish without the fallout and allows you to create a glam eye look with just a few swipes and dabs of your fingers. It lasts really well on my lids without creasing and the warm light gold shade is beautiful with a red-toned lip. 

I always like to use the Huda Beauty Creamy Kohl Eye Pencil in Very Brown* | £19 | to tightline, and it can also be used to create a smudgy smoky eye if you blend it out before it sets. Once it does, it really won't budge or transfer and I find this chocolate brown soft and flattering. To go with this, for special occasion makeup days, I use the Fenty Beauty Longwear Liquid Eyeliner in Big Truffle | £19. This is a fine, sharp liquid liner that lasts really well on me, doesn't smudge and is really precise. Again, I opted for a warm brown colour as I find it a bit less harsh than black, and it works beautifully with the eyeshadows I've included in this post.

Let me know: what are your makeup must-haves with party season's arrival?

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