The ultimate CHRISTMAS PARTY make-up

STEP 1 At this time of year, we often lack sleep and eat badly, which will show on our skin. To perk it up, I used an oil-free hydrating gel to restore radiance and an extra-firming eye cream around the eyes, using my ring finger for a light touch.

STEP 6 When you apply darker eye make-up, you may find bits of eyeshadow drop onto your cheeks. Because I hadn’t yet applied foundation, I was able to simply wipe these away with a cotton bud dipped in some liquid cleanser.

STEP 2 I love primer because it can provide a treatment for the skin while giving the make-up something to grab onto. I gently pressed Ren Perfect

Canvas primer into Alex’s skin – it lifts, tightens and helps to renew the skin’s cellular structure.

STEP 7 As Alex has good skin, I applied only a fine layer of foundation to even out skin tone. To conceal any dark under-eye shadows, I mixed a creamy concealer with eye cream and patted it in gently. I then swept a little powder across her face using a fluffy brush.

STEP 3 Next, I prepped the eyelids to help the eyeshadow last.

I used Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer

Potion, which conceals redness and broken capillaries.

I set this with a little translucent powder so the eyeshadow blends easily on top.

STEP 8 I brushed Alex’s brows to neaten them. Then, with a fine brow pencil, I drew tiny strokes into sparse areas to imitate the look of individual hairs – more natural looking than solid colour. I recommend ashy (rather than reddish) tones for brows.

STEP 4 I brushed a lighter eyeshadow over the inner half of Alex’s eyelids and a darker shade on the outer half and into her socket, blending with a soft eyeshadow brush to create that smokey, sultry effect.

STEP 5 I applied cream highlighter on the centre of Alex’s eyelids and just underneath her browbone. This will be picked up by the twinkly Christmas lights and make her eyes sparkle. I finished off with black eyeliner and mascara.

STEP 9 Finally, I added a tawny blusher to Alex’s cheeks. Apply last and use a little more than you need, as this is the first thing to fade. With my fingers, I patted cream highlighter along the top of Alex’s fabulous cheekbones. The finishing touch was a swipe of nude lipgloss.

‘Dramatic eyeshadow is great for parties, and usually suits brunettes like Alex’