It's the one time of year we're allowed to break all the rules… lay on the glitter, brave a bold red lip AND smoky eyes without anyone questioning it. It'd be rude not to. Here are my tips for a sparkling make-up look with wow factor… I'm thinking filmstar inspired glowing skin, red lips, huge lashes and a lil' bit of festive sparkle.
BASE - Since we're blinging up the eyes and lips, it's best to keep the base simple, even and of course, as flawless as possible. Naturally flawless… skip to Eyes (I won’t hold it against you). My foundation choice for such occasions is Laura Mercier Silk Crème (Cream Ivory) for radiant full coverage that leaves skin looking like skin, rather than flat and mask-like. Clarins Instant Concealer (01) obliterates under eye shadows while NARS Creamy Concealer (Vanilla) hides redness and blemishes. Set all of this in place with a light dusting of powder on the T-zone. My favourite is still the talc-free Jurlique Rose Silk powder with a little contouring via the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette. I only use both of these for special occasions, adding the deepest Hourglass shade for subtle warmth around cheekbones, temples, and hairline and the highlight shade on tops of cheekbones. Its ‘soft focus’, candlelit effect still wows me.
CHEEKS - I like to opt for a neutral rose-beige like Clinique Chubby Stick for Cheeks in Amped up Apple. Its creamy formula gives cheeks a dewy, natural looking flush that adds dimension and doesn’t detract from bold eyes and lips. I’ve been wearing this and the coral Robust Rhubarb shade a lot this Winter (full review & swatches here).
EYES - I start by priming eyes to ensure brighter, long lasting crease-free eye shadow, flitting between NARS Smudge Proof and Urban Decay Primer Potion (NARS is longer lasting; Urban Decay is easier to blend over). I like to use a cream shadow base pre-glitter to add intensity and help the product stick around. Max Factor Excess Shimmer Cream Eyeshadows (Bronze) leave a lovely metallic sheen and are easily applied with a finger. I then add a darker matte brown shadow in the crease and then press glitter over the top of my lower lid... I love Bobbi Brown Longwear Gel Sparkle in Sunlit Bronze, which works beautifully over the Max Factor Bronze cream shadow. I’ll then spend 20 minutes (!!) adding a feline flick with Eyeko Eye Do Liquid Liner and lashings of mascara. The new No7 Midnight Lash gives great length, doesn’t clump and has a nicely tapered wand to reach every lash. For extra va-va voom, I like Ardell Demi Wispies false lashes.
LIPS - You just can't beat a red lip for party season. I always start off by lining my lips when I’m wearing a deep shade - the new Bobbi Brown Lip Pencils are great for extra staying power (and also look good worn alone over balm). For a rich dark red, I’ve been loving Bobbi Brown Bordeaux - lightweight, silky and so comfortable to wear. To add volume, top with any clear gloss and press a little pop of highlighter on the centre of your lower lip. If you prefer a long lasting matte lip, Bourjois Rouge Velvet in Hot Pepper is still my go-to, a stunning orange-toned ‘Marilyn’ red.
Do you have any plans for New Year’s Eve - and do you ever plan your make-up in advance?
PS If you read yesterday’s post, the Mint Aero chocolate brownies were awesome. And all gone.
NB The top image, my inspiration, is from Pinterest - click on it to see the original.
