Festive season glow-up
With another year whizzing by, the festive season is well and truly here. And with it, of course, a social calendar that’s buzzing with holiday parties and end-of-year celebrations. Naturally, we’re excited about the prospect of shifting our beauty routine up a gear, focusing on techniques and products that get us looking and feeling merry and bright!
From glossy, gleaming skin to sparkling shadows, read on for some of the formulas we’re reaching for over the holidays, and how to use them for the ultimate glow.
FOR SKIN THAT SPARKLES
The holiday season presents the perfect opportunity to indulge in makeup with a sparkling finish, from eyes to lips and body.
For beginners, the easiest place to start is with the eyes. Try pressing a super-fine glitter onto the lid, such as the Hourglass Scattered Light Glitter Eyeshadow. The fine pigments mean there’s minimal risk of fallout, while the finish reflects light beautifully. Either wear it alone or add a smudge of complementary eyeliner.
For cheeks, a sweep of shimmering blush is the perfect way to instantly illuminate your complexion and inject glamor into your look. To avoid looking like a disco ball, choose a pressed powder with superfine pigment, such as the Lancôme Blush Subtil Shimmering palette. Swirl it across the apples of your cheeks, extending up towards the temples.
And lastly, don’t forget to show the skin beneath your neck some love, especially if you’re indulging in the micro mini trend. Tom Ford Beauty’s Soleil Blanc Shimmering Body Oil is party-season perfection. Not only does it smell like a vacation, but will leave you sparkling without transfer or greasy residue.
FOR SKIN THAT SHINES
Fresh, illuminated skin is something we strive for year-round, but even more so as the festive season approaches — especially with all those late nights and celebratory glasses of champagne.
When it comes to your skincare routine, focus on thorough cleansing, regular exfoliation and hydration to ensure a smooth, plump canvas. From this point, you can add in tailored treatments and products to boost glow.
A rich daily moisturizer is a great place to start, as it will not only prepare the skin for makeup but correct signs of dehydration and fatigue. Augustinus Bader’s The Rich Cream is full of nourishing plant oils, as well as the brand’s signature Trigger Factor Complex, to promote clarity and luminosity.
A weekly treatment mask is another festive season must-have. Look for something that transforms a tired, lackluster complexion in minutes, such as Clé de Peau’s Illuminating Concentrate. This three-step system works to exfoliate dull cells, before the essence floods the skin with vital nutrients. Finally, the mask is applied, ensuring optimal absorption for an unmatched glow. Trust us when we say it’s the next best thing to a professional skin treatment — but results are visible in under 20 minutes from home.
Illuminating primers with skincare benefits are another effective way to achieve a glossy finish while preparing your base for a big event. Reach for La Mer’s The Hydrating Illuminator to brighten and awaken the skin. It contains a blend of the brand’s proprietary Miracle Broth and antioxidants, while the smoothing consistency fills in pores and fine lines for a flawless base.
