Festive Make Up Ideas

Christmas is coming - and with it comes the onslaught of Christmas Parties! Work drinks, office parties, family get-togethers and nights out with friends...the festivities are endless! So I thought I would throw together a little something to try and help with the make up side of things. 



Glitter

Christmas is as good of an excuse as any to get glittery. Obviously I wouldn't recommend a glittery face, unless your name is Edward and your favourite drink is blood, BUT a glittery or shimmery eye when done well can be absolutely gorgeous.

L-R (Clockwise): Revlon Colorstay Foundation (180 Sand Beige); L'Oreal Color Riche Extraordinaire (Nude Vibrato); L'Oreal Superliner Ultra Precision (Black); Maybelline Color Tattoo (Eternal Gold); Rimmel Stay Matte Powder (Translucent); NYX Glitter Cream Palette; Mac Sheertone Blush (Pink Swoon)

I have this NYX mini palette with some cream glitters which are super sparkly and easy to apply. Mac obviously do some great pigments which are seriously glittery but unfortunately I don't own any of those at the moment. Urban Decay also have some great shimmers and glitters - if you own any of the Naked Palettes (see my review on all three here), there are some awesome glitters in there. I recommend pairing a glittery eye with a mostly matt face and a neutral lip, to avoid shine or colour overload. Disco Ball is not the look we are aiming for!

Red Lip 
Whenever I think of Christmas makeup, I always lean towards a red lip. It just seems extra festive somehow! And of course, all kinds of glamorous. Whether glossy or matt, a red lip is a sure fire way to get noticed. 

L-R (Clockwise) Revlon Colorstay Foundation (180 Sand Beige); Max Factor Miracle Touch Cream Blush (Soft Copper); MUA Luxe Velvet Lip Lacquer (Reckless); Urban Decay Naked Palette; Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick (Pleasure Me Red); Ardell Demi Wispies False Lashes; MUA LUXE Velvet Lip Lacquer (Atomic); Rimmel Exaggerate Lip Liner (024 Red Diva); Rimmel Apocolips Lip Lacquer (Big Bang); L'Oreal Superliner Ultra Precision (Black)

To make sure your lipstick stays on all night and withstands eating and drinking, there are a couple of tricks to help your lipstick, well, stick!

• Use a red lip liner to fill in your entire lips before you apply the lipstick. The lip liner acts as a sort of stain, ensuring that even when your lipstick fades, the lip liner will show through and your lips will stay red.
• Apply your lipstick once, blot with a tissue and then reapply. The layering of colour helps to resist the fade.
• If you like glossy reds, consider using a matt stain with a clear or red gloss on top. Matt formulas are often much longer lasting than their shiny counterparts. Doing it this way means you can keep reapplying the gloss whilst the stain beneath ensures the colour lasts and lasts. 

I tend to stick to a neutral blush so as not to clash with the red lips. Also, a fairly muted eye look is probably best when going for a red lip. I think that lips and eyes are rather like boobs and legs - great to show off individually, but they can be a bit much at the same time! My favourite look to wear with a red lip is a light shimmery shadow as a wash across the lid, teamed with winged liner and some false lashes for a bit of bombshell drama - instant old school glamour.


Something a bit different... 

Purple Lip
If you want to buck the trends that are usually the most popular at this time of year, why not go for a splash of colour? Purple lips are one of my favourite looks, and a great trendy alternative to the classic red. 

L-R (Clockwise) Revlon Colorstay Foundation (180 Sand Beige); Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick (Berry Couture); Maybelline The Falsies Mascara; MUA Ever After Matte Palette; MUA Luxe Velvet Lip Lacquer (Kooky); Soap & Glory Multi Colour Blush Brick (Peach Party); L'Oreal Superliner Ultra Precision (Black)

Mac's Heroine is a cult favourite, and Mac's Up the Amp is slightly more wearable as it has more of a pink hue. Revlon's Berry Couture is a good high street option - moisturising almost like a balm, this is a cinch to apply and reapply throughout the evening. If you're a matt lip fan, MUA's Luxe Velvet Lip Lacquer in Kooky is a great colour for only £3. Pair your purple pout with a low key eye such as a simple winged liner to really allow the lips to do the talking (so to speak! Argh, so many puns, so little time...)


Natural Beauty
Or if purple is not for you, why not shrug the glitter altogether and try a more natural look. An all matt eye, with subtle dewy skin is a truly stunning look that will suit most people, and really gives you that healthy glow without the glitter or sparkle. You can go easy on the eyes for a more natural look, or opt for something slightly heavier if you like.

L-R (Clockwise): Eyelure False Lashes (No 116); Revlon Colorburst Lacquer Balm (105 Demure); L'Oreal Nude Magique Foundation (110 Warm Ivory); Maybelline Fit Me Concealer (20); MUA Undress Your Skin Highlighter; MUA Ever After Matte Palette; L'Oreal Superliner Ultra Precision (Black); Soap & Glory Multi Colour Blush Brick (Peach Party)

I have a palette from MUA which consists solely of matt eyeshadows, and cost £4 (yes £4 for a palette, it's not a typo!), Mac obviously have a huge selection, and the Urban Decay Naked Basics are also a good bet. For this look you also want a highlighter that is a subtle sheen rather than megawatt glow. Benefit's High Beam is a great choice; Mac Strobe Cream is great for drier skins; you can also use Urban Decay's Virgin or Bootycall as a highlighter; and MUA Undress Your Skin highlighter is also lovely. Apply highlights on the tops of your cheekbones, down the centre of your nose, under your brow bone, and on your cupid's bow for ethereal, naturally luminous looking skin.


So, I hope you found something for you, or at least some inspiration. Enjoy your parties - don't do anything I wouldn't do ;)