CHRISTMAS PARTY LOOKS TO ROCK NOW
I’m really sorry (not sorry) to be using the C-word already, but Christmas is a-comin’ and there's simply no escapin’. The shops are already awash with party frocks and finery, so we've put together a couple of seasonal make-up looks to start practising now, to perfect come December...
{THE BIG SMOKE}
A smoky eye always smoulders but this season, the usual blacks, greys and browns were usurped by shades of navy, violet, plum and... burgundy (as seen at Gucci, right). Although colour for many is daunting, and the thought of applying red eyeshadow instantly conjures images of Watership Down-meets-Twilight (sexy rabbit vampire?), the effect IRL (#inreallife) can be über-flattering and make an arresting alternative to your typical Christmas make up
Prime lids with Face Stockholm's {Eye Fix} to keep shadow crease-free and pristine 'til dawn, then choose a shimmering cream or powder shadow to give lids a glossy, slightly lived-in (slept-in) look that's totally of-the-moment. If you're using powder, a dot of balm such as {Pommade Divine} applied to the centre of the lid will make the effect more modern - this trick was used backstage at almost every AW show you'd care to mention... eye spy a trend
Anastasia's {Lavish Palette} has two shades perfect for emulating the gorgeous, winged, Christmas party-appropriate look sported by Sigrid Agren (above). Apply {Truffle} all over the upper and lower lids - including the inner corner - then blend {Pink Sapphire} along the crease, and from the outer corner in a v-shape up towards the temple, extending underneath the eye and stopping just beneath the pupil.
Alternatively, Jason Wu provided a breathtaking party make up idea (left). Again, it's all about the eyes - with perfectly glowing, semi-matte skin, nude lips and bold brows creating the backdrop for colour-pop peepers. Try Jouer's {Creme Eye Shadow Crayon} in {Avant Garde}, Belmacz's {Eye Shadow} in {Midnight} or for extra glitz and glamour, invest in ELLIS FAAS {Lights Metallic Eye Shadow} in {Lilac} to make Christmas make up sparkle and ensure you're the belle of the New Year's Eve ball.
Christmas party make wouldn't be complete without some shine, which is why the lacquered lips at Marc by Marc Jacobs present the perfect make up look to mirror. Vibrant, festive and as glossy as a brand new Cadillac, these lips are guaranteed to get you noticed (and secure you a queue beneath the mistletoe)
A glamorous New Year's Eve make up idea (that you can start rocking now), try OCC's {Lip Tar} in {Psycho} or {Super NSFW} for a maximum impact pout that won't come off on your champagne glass
Alternatively, Stila Cosmetics' {Stay All Day Liquid Lips} comes in a spectrum of hot reds and fuchsias to brighten up your winter face, or try Julie Hewett's {Noir Collection Lipsticks} which have velveteen finishes that can be amped up with a quick coat of clear gloss.
And there you have it! Two easy-as-pie Christmas make up looks to try now. These picture-perfect party make up ideas will ensure you never look anything other than gorgeous throughout the festive season... and eternity on facebook, instagram and all the other blurry photos that you're tagged in. Don't let it be said we're not good to you.
Cult Beauty’s Content Editor and a Cult Beauty OG, Verity loves nothing more than the marriage of language and lip balm. A quintessential Libran, she’s a self-professed magpie for luxury ‘must-haves' and always pursuing the new and the niche — from the boujee-est skin care to cutting-edge tech. Balancing an urge to stop the clock with her desire to embrace the ageing process (and set a positive example for her daughter), Verity's a retinol obsessive and will gladly share her thoughts about the time-defying gadgets, masks and treatments worth the splurge...
