The one party make-up product these beauty insiders can’t live without
Ayesha Muttucumaru
Beauty & Skincare
Reading time: 5 minutes
If you’re looking to add one thing to your festive make-up bag this party season, you’ve come to the right place
It’s party season and along with the office shindigs, glasses of mulled wine and mince pies, comes the chance to get creative with our make-up. However, in these financially trying times, quality over quantity is more important than ever, with many of us more conscious of where we spend our hard-earned cash.
So if like us, you’re all about a budget buy that delivers results way above its price tag or investment pieces that are worth every penny, we’ve got you. Here, make-up artists and the Health & Beauty team share the one thing they’re adding to their festive make-up bags this year that will take their look to the next level. From the glow-boosting blusher that never fails them to the glitter eyeliner that turns heads and the statement lip that stays put no matter what, these are the fail-safe party essentials they swear by to see them through the festive period and beyond.
The glitter eyeliner
Rose Gallagher, make-up artist
Try: Collection Glam Crystals Gel Eyeliner in Funk
"Although it’s always a TikTok viral brand, I really feel that Collection is one of the most underrated brands on the market. The prices are so affordable and yet the formulas really deliver. What I love about this gel-like glitter is that it’s really easy to apply and allows you to enjoy some festive sparkle without it all ending up down your face.
"For a soft, subtle shimmer, simply apply it to dry lids, either right by the lash line or even all over the eyelid. If, however, you want added drama, you could layer it over a darker eyeshadow like I’ve done here and create a winged shape. This pop of colour will really catch the light, both IRL and in your photos, and the darker base makes it even more noticeable. You could also use it to gently frame a classic black liner flick and add a bit of sparkle to your wings – the options are endless! Plus, it’s a total steal at under £3."
The viral lip gloss
Ayesha Muttucumaru, Health & Beauty associate digital editor
Try: Fenty Beauty Heat Gloss Bomb in Hot Chocolit Heat
"This lip gloss has been all over my TikTok For You Page and, after trying it myself, I can say it’s definitely worth the hype. A sheer, rich brown that drenches lips in a high-shine veil of glossy colour, just a quick slick of this gloss makes me switch onto night mode, helping me shake off the frump of the day in an instant. What’s more, its formula – containing shea butter, ginger root oil and capsicum fruit extract (try saying that five times fast) – makes for a lip-tingling treat that’s gently warming and plumping. The light peach scent provides an added dose of enjoyment for the senses, too.
"It’s great worn solo (like I’m doing here) or layered on top of more muted lipsticks – the little something extra to make any party look pop. Here, I’ve paired it with a bronze eyeshadow, a snug line of liquid eyeliner and a couple of coats of mascara, but it works equally well with a smokey eye too. Lush, smooth and refreshingly non-gloopy, it’s make-up at its most minimal but impactful."
The quick brow fix
Amelia Jean Hershman-Jones, Health & Beauty writer
Try: Maybelline Express Brow Fast Sculpt Eyebrow Gel in Clear
"Doing my make-up used to be my way of starting the party early, with a glass of wine in hand and an “out out” playlist to set the mood. Then kids happened. Now, with getting ready punctuated by cuddles, breastfeeding and toddlers asking to try my heels on, my routine has been pared back. Now there’s an emphasis on looking polished and fresh, and as if whatever sleep regression we’re going through isn’t happening. Enter this brow mascara that tames and shapes in a couple of upwards swipes without the worry that they’ll look too “done”, dark or bold and the hold lasts flawlessly all day and night.
"I use the “Clear” formula because I have dark hair and regularly DIY tint the baby hairs at home to make them appear fuller, but it also comes in a range of shades for added depth. The result? I look a lot more “put together” than a four-month-old baby and toddler will allow. Now get me an espresso martini and let’s get dancing before I have to relieve the babysitter!"
The statement red lip
Rachel Cramond, Health & Beauty account director
Try: 17. Matte Lip in Chilli Red
"I love the look of a matte lip, but on chilly days my lips can get a little dry. This 17. lipstick feels super creamy and moisturising, thanks to the castor oil in the formula, while giving a long-lasting, classic red lip effect.
"It’s also incredibly easy to apply, even for someone like me – the shape of its bullet hugs my upper and lower lip lines perfectly and its pigment serves up a saturated colour in seconds! This means I can keep my eye make-up simple – intricate eyeshadow looks tend to be beyond me, so a quick swipe of red lippy is the perfect party look."
The volume-boosting mascara
Emma-Jade Stoddart, Health & Beauty writer
Try: L’Oréal Paris Pro XXL Lift Mascara
"In my eyes (ahem), no party make-up look is complete without lashings of mascara. My wand of choice? The L’Oréal Paris Pro XXL Lift Mascara.
‘With a curved brush at one end and a straight brush at the other, this dual-ended mascara delivers next-level volume and lift. First, I use an eyelash curler to create my preferred shape (I find this helps separate my lashes, too), before going in with the straight chunky brush to build volume at the root. Next, I wiggle the curved brush, from root-to-tip, to add lots and lots of lift. The final look? A thicker, fuller flutter that adds instant drama to my make-up look. Pair with a merlot matte mouth and feline flick to really make a statement."
The flushed from within blusher
Aarti P, award-winning make-up artist
Try: Max Factor Crème Puff Blush in Alluring Rose
"This marbled, finely milled powder blush is my go-to for an effortless flush of colour and the perfect festive glow. My favourite shade, Alluring Rose, suits a range of skin tones, and its multitonal pigments provide the most flattering of finishes – it looks radiant but natural looking, which is a rare combination.
"My top tip would be to use a blusher brush with a smaller head for more targeted application. Sweep across the cheeks (starting slowly and building it up gradually) and apply a little on the chin and on the tip of the nose for a warm wash of colour that helps skin look flushed from within. It instantly lifts any make-up look."
