We ask the beauty industry’s most talented people to share their ultimate wouldn’t-be-without tips. Pens at the ready, you’ll want to make a note of these
1. Bronze outwards to inwards
"When applying bronzer, begin at the ear and work forward; wherever you start is where most of the product will settle. And always apply it with a fluffy brush for a diffused finish." Sir John, Beyonce’s make-up artist and L’Oréal Paris ambassador
2. Coat your perfume
"I always spray the inside of my coat with perfume, so that when I enter a restaurant, bar or someone’s house and remove it, there’s a waft of fabulousness radiating from me." Alice du Parcq, award-winning fragrance expert
3. Cover up with cover up
"Clean up any eyeshadow fall out using foundation on a cotton bud instead of make-up remover – the oils within it will lift the fall out and leave you looking seamless. It sounds crazy, but it works." Dominic Skinner, global senior artist at M-A-C Cosmetics
4. Pack compact lens cases for make-up
"Only carrying a small bag? Reusable contact lens cases are perfect for decanting product into for an evening, meaning you can freshen up on the go, without carrying a make-up bag." Ruby Hammer, make-up artist
5. Use powder to perfect your pout
"Take a small, flat brush and dip it into translucent powder to clean up any lines, smudges and mistakes on your perfect pout. Smoothing the powder around the outline of your lips makes it look professional, yet it’s so simple." Amber Asunta, Boots beauty specialist and micro influencer
6. Prep skin with an exfoliating mask
"Perk up skin before a party by mixing an exfoliating cleanser with a clay mask, such as Honest Beauty 3-in-1 Detox Mud Mask. Leave on skin for 2-3 minutes." Dija Ayodele, aesthetician and skin expert
7. Layer your highlight
"Cream highlighters flatter the skin. Use Revlon SkinLights Face Glow Illuminator Sunrise Luster before make-up, then after on the high points of cheeks." Bryony Blake, celebrity make-up artist
8. Keep tabs on your T-zone
"If you want flawless make-up all night with minimal upkeep, focus on your T-zone. If you keep refreshing just this area, your make-up will always look amazing. IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Loose Powder Translucent is perfect to reduce the appearance of oil and help seal make-up in place." Rose Gallagher, skincare influencer
9. Get on board with body oil
"Vaseline Intensive Care Cocoa Radiant Body Oil is the only product you need for the party season. It makes legs and shoulders glow like nothing else – and smells amazing." Gary Thompson, beauty content creator
10. Ready, set(ting spray), glow
"Whether it’s a dab of iridescence on the inner corner of your eyes or a glow-up on the cheeks, help your sparkle and glitter last all night by spritzing your brush with setting spray. This will also intensify the glow." Ela Dugu, Boots No7 business manager
Check out our guide to the best make-up setting sprays to find out how to choose and use one, and more.
11. Keep a quick cleanse close by
"Going to bed with make-up on is bad, but who wants to do a full cleansing routine when they get home? I leave make-up remover pads and micellar water by my bed for nights when the bare minimum is better than nothing." Cassie Powney, beauty journalist
12. Crease-proof eyeshadow with concealer
"To help make eyeshadow last, use concealer as a sticky base for matte shadows and, if using a shimmer shade, apply a bit of glitter glue to the lid first to avoid crumbling." Laura Pearson, beauty creative & media specialist at Boots
13. Choose cream over powder
"For sweaty nights, I use cream shadows, such as Max Factor Eyefinity All Day Liquid Eyeshadow. They won’t crease or smudge, making them perfect for more mature eyelids, too. My favourite shade is Lovely Rose." Caroline Barnes, Max Factor make-up artist
4. Try a darker lip liner
"I love a red lip on everybody. Use a lip liner first that’s deeper than the lipstick – it stops the colour bleeding into fine lines around the mouth – then apply your chosen lipstick. NYX Professional Makeup Soft Matte Lip Cream, glides on and stays put. Try Monte Carlo for a classic red." Adam Burrell, celebrity make-up artist
15. Hydrate before you tan
"Moisturise your knees, feet and ankles before using fake tan. After, wipe the soles of your feet then re-moisturise the tops to remove any telltale signs." Jules Von Hep, founder of Isle of Paradise
16. Layer your styling products
"For fine hair, try layering. I use Arkive The New Form Blow Dry Spray, mousse and plumping cream before drying." Ingeborg van Lotringen, beauty journalist
Credits:
Photography: Bri Johnson/Gallery Stock, Laurence Laborie/Trunk Archive, Fernando Gomez/Trunk Archive and Frauke Fischer/Blaublut Edition