Party season is upon us, and perhaps you’re short on inspiration when it comes to your make-up look. Whether you’re aiming for classic elegance or looking to experiment, it’s surprisingly easy to add a fun and festive touch to your usual beauty.
Here, make-up artist and founder of KJH.brand, Katie Jane Hughes, and make-up artist Mata Marielle, the pro behind Sheila Atim, Tems and Jourdan Dunn’s party-ready looks, reveal their top tips and techniques.
Shimmering lips and beyond
“I’m seeing a lot of brands come out with products like this,” shares Hughes. “It’s giving Studio 54 and it’s so beautiful. Isamaya Ffrench has a few shades like metal that are great for this kind of look. Use this kind of shade over a nude colour to make it a little more ash – the grey tone inside of it will neutralise any pink in the lip and therefore make it more nude.” Don’t have a shimmering lipgloss in your make-up bag? Try mixing a clear lipgloss with a glittery highlighter. “Mix the lipgloss with the pigment on the back of your hand, then dab into your skin. It creates a beautiful glow, and if you use it on your skin, go heavier with it.” As Marielle says: “Theres something quite ’90s about it, it’s noticeable and isn’t too complicated.”
Dazzle on the eyes
To bring on a “euphoric” effect that “brings the vibe to the party”, Marielle suggests simply dabbing your finger tip into your favourite pigmented glittery eyeshadow and swiping it onto the eye. “It is an easy trick as it stands out and pops.” If you’re looking to up the ante with champagne, gold, pink or cherry red shimmer, don’t be afraid to bring a little down onto the cheeks, for “an extra pop of colour”. For shimmering long-wear eyeshadows with impeccable pigment, Marielle recommends the Patrick Ta Multi-dimentional Palette, NYX Cosmetics Ultimate Glow Shots, and the Pat McGrath Labs Mothership II Sublime Eyeshadow Palette.
Blush overload
“Reds, oranges and pinks are good places to go when it comes to blush,” shares Marielle. To achieve the best results, Marielle says to “apply the blush directly to the cheeks and use the residue on the brush to dress the tip of the nose”. The best products to try? Refy Cream Blush, Merit Beauty Flush Balm Cream Blush and & Other Stories Burnt Cinnamon Cheek & Lip Tint. Hughes, meanwhile, encourages experimentation. “Play with placement and don’t be too shy to apply lots, especially when it’s the hero product of the look. If you feel like you’ve applied too much, use a saturated foundation or concealer brush to take down the colour.” Her personal favourite blush? Tower28’s Beach Please in Happy Hour.
Bright lashes
“A nod to the ’80s but with a modern twist,” to Hughes, coloured mascara is the easiest way to be creative with your make-up at Christmas. “I think the YSL Lash Clash mascara in blue is something to try – the pigment is very bold. To make it even bolder, try a white primer underneath, and don’t be afraid to get messy with it because it leans into the look.” Marielle loves 3INA coloured mascaras. “They have pastel colours that work beautifully against darker skin,” she says. “On lighter skin tones, I would go for pinks, blues and even yellows,” Marielle shares.
@uchjn #AD – BLUE MASCARA ON BROWN EYES non intimidating but gorg way to elevate any look, so subtle I’d wear this in the day time! @Maybelline New York sky high mascara in blue mist