Bring on the margaritas.
As much as we love Christmas party season, there's no denying December is fraught with perils when it comes to maintaining good makeup. Drinking, dancing, a drunken snog under the mistletoe - there's plenty of ways to put our makeup through its paces.
That being said, there are ways and means to ensure you look like a queen on the party circuit, whatever the night brings. So if you want prolong the life of your makeup, wise up with our tips and tricks below.
Prime like a pro
First up, proper preparation. "A lot of people skip primer and apply foundation straight onto the skin," says celebrity makeup artist Justine Jenkins. "However, it gives longevity to your make up, so for party time, make it a must have product in your beauty routine".For a foolproof primer that will create a smooth and even canvas for you to apply your products, check out the Hourglass Cosmetics Veil Mineral Primer, or Inika Organic Certified Pure Primer. "Apply with the Ecotools Classic Foundation Brush and buff over the skin with Ecotools Blending and Bronzing Brush".
If you want to avoid the dreaded panda eye, remember to use an eye primer too, like the Marc Jacobs Perfecting Coconut Eye Primer. "This one magically hydrates eye lids, whilst forming a long lasting base for some festive sparkle," says Justine.
Just a dust
Dancing the night away under the party lights is a one-way ticket to sweat and shine, so if you want your foundation to stay put, you need to powder. Dusting a small amount of a finely-milled powder like the Marc Jacobs Perfecting Coconut Setting Powder or RMS Beauty Un Powder will keep oil under control and combat the dreaded makeup melt.Lip love
When it comes to long-lasting lipstick, matte is the only way to go. Opt for Vice Comfort Matte Lipstick from Urban Decay and Everlasting Liquid Lipstick from Kat Von D, and if you don't want your lips to bleed over your lip line, blot. It may be an old trick but it works, so after applying one coat of lipstick, take a tissue and remove the excess. "Whilst the tissue is still on the lips, press powder over the lips and then apply another coat of lip colour," adds Justine.Go waterproof
Waterproof mascara is the only way to go when the possibility of drunken, end-of-the-night crying rears its head. And if you're loathe to sacrifice your favourite mascara, there's a clever way to beat the blur. "If you find it too heavy, clunky and almost impossible to remove, the NYX Cosmetics Proof It Waterproof Mascara Top Coat lets you use your favourite mascara whilst giving it that extra stroke of protection". Bring on the margaritas.Set in style
For a flawless finish, setting spray is a must-have in your makeup arsenal. "The Body Shop Make Up Setting Spray will keep makeup locked in and looking fresh all night" advises Justine. 100% vegan and enriched with aloe vera, you don't have to compromise your skin to party hard.
