There’s something about December that invites a little more sparkle into our lives. The calendar

fills up with gatherings, the sequins come out of hibernation, and suddenly makeup feels less about

routine and more about celebration.

Party season is the perfect excuse to add glamour, but in a way that feels chic, flattering and grown

up.

Lets be honest, it isn’t about replicating what we did, (or didn’t do even) in our twenties. Back then

we could get away with a dusting of this and a dab of that, (and no coat on a freezing night out and

live to tell the tale!)

Today, it’s all about sophistication with impact, makeup that flatters, products that last (and

techniques that are not too complicated!)

Here’s how to achieve a simple but polished party look, with just the right amount of sparkle -

Perfect canvas

Skin preparation plus the right texture foundation is key to beautiful makeup. Layer your skin prep

and foundation textures for a lasting and natural finish to enhance the rest of your makeup. Even

out any redness with a yellow-based foundation and conceal under the eyes with one shade lighter

than your foundation. Stop any shine by applying a pressed powder just down the t-zone. You want

to stop any shine, but keep the glow.

For a seamless and fresh complexion try Jones Road What the foundation, (£44) available to purchase from Liberty London or Jones Road Beauty - https://www.jonesroadbeauty.com/products/what-the-foundation?country=GB

The eyes have it

Swap chunky glitter for refined shimmer. A cream or satin finish eyeshadow in champagne, bronze

or soft pewter gives the eyes luminosity without emphasising fine lines. If you want extra drama, a

sweep of deeper shadow on the outer corners creates instant definition and lift, (just remember to

blend well). And for more glamour? apply a half strip of false eyelashes on the outer corners,

without having to fiddle about with a full set.

For a touch of sparkle that lasts without creasing try RMS Beauty eyesights cream eyeshadow, (£29)

Available to purchase from https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=L&ai=DChsSEwj-2Pex4_GQAxVNgFAGHScZBMcYACICCAEQCRoCZGc&co=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_tj3sePxkAMVTYBQBh0nGQTHEAAYASAAEgKXdPD_BwE&sig=AOD64_3I9W4h2gOcVL50cJBLz81bCCai7w&q&adurl&ved=2ahUKEwjxmPKx4_GQAxWqUUEAHfOFKvoQ0Qx6BAgLEAE

Statement lips, simplified

Few things feel as instantly festive as a bold lip, especially in a classic red or berry. The secret to

staying powder is preparation. Smooth the lips with a little balm, blot, then line and fill in the lips

with a lip pencil before applying lipstick. This prevents feathering and means your colour will

outlast the canapés. You can even apply a nude lip pencil here for ease.

If bold lips feel daunting don’t dismiss them. Pairing a matte, strong lip with minimal makeup

creates a polished balance and you may be surprised by how chic and modern it looks. You can

even mix a bold lip colour with your lip balm for a more sheer finish.

Try Delilah cosmetics Colour Intense cream lipstick in Floozy, (£27.50) with their Pout lip liner,

(£22.50) Available to purchase from https://delilahcosmetics.com/products/colour-intense-cream-lipstick?variant=32320804126816&country=GB&currency=GBP&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22298025338&gbraid=0AAAAADpZ5BBViNVFRG0t3ai_KXpZlSLqx&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIsZzq7-PxkAMVIZxQBh3fHijNEAQYASABEgJ2ffD_BwE

Radiance, not shine

Highlighter can be beautiful, but restraint is key. Rather than sweeping it across the entire

cheekbone, apply just a touch to the highest points of the face. Think tops of the cheekbones, the

bridge of the nose, (not the tip, as this has Tin Man vibes), and a whisper on the Cupid’s bow. This

creates a glow without veering into full disco-ball territory.

Try a couple of drops my new TLC (Tina Loving Care) Organic Super Nutrient Facial Elixir, (£35) available via my Online store - https://tinabrocklebank.co.uk/online-store/ or this can be mixed with a couple of drops of your usual cream highlighter.

A flush of Festivity

Using a cream blush in a rosy or coral tone brings warmth and vitality to the complexion, keeping

skin looking fresh and lively throughout the evening. This is really one of the most underrated

products. Apply lightly and blend upwards towards the hairline for a natural lift. You can even pat

your lipstick and then apply onto the apples of your cheeks for a pop of colour that unifies

everything. Try Bisou blush from Violette-PR (£37) available from - https://www.violettefr.com/cdn/shop/files/VFR_BISOU_BLUSH_MARYAM_PDP_1500x1872_1.jpg?v=1741031714&width=823

The finishing touch

A fine mist of setting spray is your best ally during party season. It locks in your makeup so you

can raise a glass, dance and laugh without worrying that your carefully applied makeup is doing a

Cinderella and slipping away before midnight. To prime and waterproof your makeup, try Charlotte

Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting spray, (£32).

This December, think of makeup as the finishing detail to your festive look, not a mask, but an

enhancement. The best party makeup doesn’t just make you look radiant, it makes you feel

confident, comfortable and ready to enjoy every moment. Wasn’t it the great Karl Lagerfeld that

once said, “Trendy is the last stage before tacky”!? Remember, less is more.

Beauty at this stage in life isn’t about turning back the clock, its about stepping in the room with

poise, polish and just a touch of sparkle.

Thank you for subscribing to and reading my blog and I wish you all a wonderful Christmas and a very Happy New Year. I look forward to catching up next year with more makeup tips and recommendations.

Love,

Tina x

www.tinabrocklebank.co.uk