GLITZ ’N’ GLAM:
When it comes to getting glam, these beauty looks are tried and true, but it doesn’t mean they’ve lost any of their impact,
classic beauty looks for the festive season
If you enjoy it, putting in a bit of extra effort with your make-up for a special event can make you feel like a million bucks. The trouble is, sometimes it feels as if buying the products to create that special look costs about the same! That’s why this season we’ve chosen to highlight three classic looks that won’t date quickly. It means if you buy one new item – say, a lipstick or an eyeliner – you’ll be able to use it for any future special events, as well as it being versatile enough for more casual occasions. Each item can be easily sourced at a range of price points too.
Smoke signals
A truly timeless look, a sultry, smouldering, smoky eye is the LBD of your make-up repertoire. The problem is it can seem like one of the hardest looks to perfect! There are a few ways to make things easier. The first is to book in at a beauty counter to get your make-up done for a special event; ask lots of questions about their technique and products, and then try to copy it next time.
Secondly, start simple. Use a shimmering shadow in a neutral shade all over the eyelid, then run a dark shadow or eye pencil along close to the lash line and use a cotton bud to gently smudge until it’s softly blended.
If you’re confident with eyeshadow brushes, another tip is to buy an eyeshadow palette. The pre-selected shades make matching easy. Use the lighter shades across the lid. Blend the deepest shade into the crease of the eye, starting from the outer corner, using a fluffy eye brush in a windscreen wiper motion. Start with very little product on your brush, then build colour slowly.
A hydrating foundation that won’t settle in lines is a great option for skin. Don’t be tempted to over-powder – fresh, real-looking skin is more youthful than a thick dry mask of colour.
Defining your eyebrows by running a soft brow pencil through them can help create a more put-together look.
Lastly, choosing a berry or brick shade of red lipstick can be slightly more understated than a fire-engine hue when wearing a strong eye look.
TIP: You don’t have to contour your eye with multiple colours. For a simple smoky eye, use a single colour lightly over lids, then go back and intensify it in the outer corners. Then use an eye brush to blend, blend, blend. →