Party Make-up for the festive season

If you can’t add a bit of glitz and glamour at this time of the year – when can you?

Your party face needs a good base, which means skin that is exfoliated once a week and very well moisturised.  The next important tip is to use a primer on top of your moisturiser as this helps seal all that lovely moisture into the skin.

Many brands now offer long-wear make-up and as the name suggests it has been especially formulated to last - and so treat yourself to a long wear foundation at the very least.  Apply your foundation with a brush and don’t be afraid of adding several light layers if you feel your skin needs it.  Putting on a powder also helps the foundation to stay put.

Having applied the perfect base coat now comes the fun part – adding the drama on the eyes and lips.  The smoky eye is still on trend – but feel free to move away from black.  We like burgundy, grey and wine shades, but experiment with colours that work for you.

One really big look this party season is glitter – the trick is to use sparingly.  Go for eyes or lips - not both.  We absolutely love a glitter lip and there are lots of brands offering glitter lip products – just make sure it is kiss proof.

Glitter can also be used on the eye area – either on the lid, in the corner of the eye, under the brow or even a little sprinkle underneath the eye.

We always advise having a run through of your party face before the big night so that you get the look just right. 

Have fun and stay safe.

It's all about moisture for a winter proofed skin

Winter means cold air and freezing temperatures outdoors - while indoors we have cranked up the central heating to keep us nice and warm.  However, the combination of extremes can play havoc with your skin and leave it parched because of a lack of moisture.  Add in the indulgences of the season, too much food and drink, and it’s no wonder winter skin can be crying out for a bit of extra TLC.

Moisturising all year is really important for all skin types and all ages – we don’t recommend any in particular but you could change your moisturiser in the winter to a cream rather than a lotion.  And although you may not be able to feel the sun, UV rays are still around and so don’t forget to have a moisturiser and a foundation with an SPF.

While exfoliating the skin is a good idea, it can dehydrate skin and so we recommend using gentle exfoliators no more than once a week – try coconut oil and sugar or fine oatmeal and honey.

Our lips are also prone to dryness in the winter – and when that happens we have a tendency to lick them which just makes them drier in the long run.  Always have lip balm with you in winter and apply it regularly – we like ones with honey or shea butter.

Before applying any foundation remember to moisturise thoroughly – or mix some moisturiser with your foundation on the back of your hand and then apply.  If there is a dry skin patch – add extra moisturiser and if possible, take a small tube of moisturiser out with you so that you can keep on top of problem areas.

Your hair can also dry out in the winter which can make it looking limp and dull.  Always use a conditioner after you have shampooed but try using a specialist overnight conditioner once every couple of weeks too.  A regular trim will also keep your hair in good condition.

Finally, remember to look after your hands too.  Do wear gloves when out and about in the cold and moisturise, moisturise, moisturise.