It might only be November, but I am freely admitting that there’s just a hint of festive feeling now. My walk home is brightened by Christmas lights, and Wilkos have been playing “Stop the Cavalry” for four whole weeks. With this in mind I thought I’d start a little cheery feature to celebrate my favorite time of the year. First up is what I’m guessing will be my party look this festive season.
Makeup wise it’s a pretty classic combination, made perhaps a little bit ‘on-trend’ by the brown-toned lipstick. Flawless base, courtesy of Rimmel Lasting Finish, with a combination of
concealers and a powdering of Java Rice Powder. An added glow and sculpting from my
current two favorite products, and my base is looking pretty good and ready to dance the night away. Or attend university awards, like the night I took these photos. Yep, no staging here, I was actually getting ready! Base done, it’s time to wriggle into my tights. Once I’ve got them on unladdered (with the two laddered pairs thrown across the room in despair), it’s time to dance around the room curling my hair and burning my fingers. I must be the only girl my age who is so drastically unskilled in hair styling. I can’t put it up, I can’t straighten it nicely, and adding proper curls seriously risks my fingers. I’m hoping for some heated rollers this year, but failing that? A new set of hair please!
Onto the eyes, and my go-to party look is far heavier than usual. Smudged eyeliner (brown or gray seems far more flattering on me than black), and a selection of the darker tones from Naked 2. I love this palette, buying it discounted from
Cohorted was definitely a wise decision! So easy to blend, and everything goes well together making it pretty damn foolproof. Well, I can apply it anyway. Some heavy duty mascara, and I’m almost good to go…just need to add a dress!
I’ve had a nightmare finding a party dress this year, and this is the only one I’ve found that looks half decent. I’ve had to go up two sizes and down a length (Next really do know how to make a girl feel attractive) but eventually I’ve found a figure hugging dress, a little daring without being revealing. I can’t say red would be my first pick of colour, but it’s not horrifically bright. And bright is better than sequins (that will come off before I’ve left the house) any day. Bonus – this is still available to buy online at£50, but it was in a local discount store as a ‘second’ for £25. And I get a company discount in the discount store. So yep, pretty cheap dress right there.
A quick spray of L’Oreal Elnett (I don’t think you can get a better hairspray) and black accessories later, it’s time for the finishing touch. A good lipstick is something I hardly ever go without. Now, either I have a dodgy skintone, or I’m wearing the wrong colours, but I never seem to like the ‘popular’ MAC lipsticks. Velvet Teddy? I went to buy it and despised it. Creme in Your Coffee was what I went for instead and I haven’t been disappointed. Creamy and pigmented, this has just enough dark brown to look a little vampy, without seeming like I don’t own a mirror. It’s neutral enough to be pulled off alongside smoky eyes, and long lasting so I don’t need to top up constantly.
I’m gutted I don’t have any photographs of the finished look. I put off taking my own as I was running late and knew they would be an official photographer at the dinner. And typically, we missed him. But I’m probably wearing this exact same thing (unless I can find a dress on Saturday…any suggestions?!) for my twenty-first
next week so I’m sure it won’t be long before you get a glimpse!
Are you feeling festive yet? Brought a new dress for the party season – I need inspiration?! Have a lovely weekend!
