Some say it's the party that matters, but for makeup lovers like us, it's all about the pre-party prep. For your office Christmas party to New Year's Eve bash or a simple soiree, here are the beauty buys to get you looking red carpet-ready says editor Trudi Brewer.
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“From a touch of glitter to a summer bronze, and a shot of bright lipstick, these beauty buys will add the glitz to any party look. Here’s our pick of the best makeup to wear this festive season.”
Editor Trudi Brewer shares party makeup ideas on TV3’s The Cafe
Glitter
Glitter is the mark of the festive season, and the easiest and "most traditional way to incorporate glitter into your festive makeup look, is on the eyelids or your lips. First prep your eyelid with an eyeshadow primer or nude cream shadow so the glitter can grip onto the lid, and then apply from the inside out corner along the lash line. So when you blink, it's visible. Or add a dot of glitter gloss to the bottom of the lower lip.
Wet n Wild Star Lux Holiday collection Glitter Highlighter Duo, and Wet n Wild Star Lux Starlighter Brush, both $14.
Wet n Wild Star Lux Holiday collection Glitter Highlighter Duo, and Wet n Wild Star Lux Starlighter Brush, both $14.
If you’re on a budget or want to get a glittery gift for any young girl, this is the best cheeky beauty buy we have found. A multi-dimensional pearl-infused highlighter, and a glitter gel topper you can apply as a touch of shimmer anywhere you like.
Other great glitter buys include Stila Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow, in Molten Midnight $42. OPI Shine Bright Nail Lacquer, in Puttin' on the Glitz, $20. Shiseido Aura Dew 03 Cosmic $55. NARS Lip Gloss in Sweet Dreams, $42.
Bronzer
From self-tan that doubles as a skin serum, to a brush on shimmery bronze or creamy gilt eye shadow. Parties are not the only time to be sporting a healthy-looking tan, with these beauty buys your skin will glow all summer.
ST. Tropez Self Tan Purity Vitamins Bronzing Water Serum, $38.
To keep your skin sporting a healthy tan all summer, this gel-like skin serum, is also a self-tan. Packed with hyaluronic acid (the mighty skin hydrator) and vitamins C, and D to brighten that skin and mimic the feel-good effects of sunshine (without risking your skin to the harmful effects of UV damage). It smells of tropical peach flower and hibiscus - and the best news, the active self-tanner in this serum is 100 per cent natural. Mix with your foundation or moisturiser, and it develops over the day, then all you need to do on party day is top is up the day before the big bash.
ST. Tropez Self Tan Purity Vitamins Bronzing Water Serum, $38.
Other great bronzers include MAC Foiled Shadow Bronzer in Sand Tropez $46. Nude by Nature Highlight Stick, $30. NARS Paradise Found Bronzing Powder, $79. Shiseido 2020 Holiday Collection Kajal InkArtist in Meiji Bronze, $45.
Bright lipstick
A swipe of bright lipstick is the fastest way to perk up your face, and this season any colour goes, from tangerine to fuschia, anyone can wear colour on the lips.
MECCA MAX Gloss Boss Lip Gloss, in Red Hot $20.
MECCA MAX Gloss Boss Lip Gloss, in Red Hot $20.
A bright sheer gloss is a great way to get used to wearing bold lip colours. This gloss is a great price, and it’s nourishing to wear, it’s available in 15 sheer or shimmery shades. Our advice when looking for a lip colour Top heavy lips: apply bright lipstick on the bottom of the lips, and a slightly darker shade in the same tone on the upper lip. Bottom heavy lips: add a dot of gloss right in the centre of the upper lip. Thin lips: avoid dark colours, they will only make your lips look thinner, go for light-reflecting gloss instead. Full lips: avoid frosted light shades and go with glossy pigmented colour.
Clarins Velvet Lip Perfector in 03 Velvet Red, $40. Lancôme L'Absolu Rouge Intimatte Not Flirting, $64. MAC Limited edition Lipstick / Bronzer, in Cote D’Amour - Amplified - Bright fuschia, $38. Yves Saint Laurent Tatouage Couture Velvet Cream in Rouge Tatouage, $69,
Top tools
From curling your lashes to party-ready face gems, or that set of brushes you always wanted, these tools are guaranteed to help you create a polished finish to any makeup look.
Shiseido 2020 Holiday Collection Eyelash Curler, $26.
Our favourite tool is a lash curler, and this shiny red and gold limited-edition gently lifts and curls lashes to give your smallest assets instant va-va-voom.
Shiseido 2020 Holiday Collection Eyelash Curler, $26.
In Your Dreams, Gold Zorya Face Gems, $14. NARS Mini Brush Set $88, available for a limited time. MECCA MAX Brush Over Brush Set, $94. MAC Sparkler Starter Brushes Kit, $115, available for a limited time.