With Christmas and New Year’s just around the corner, the winter festive season is fast approaching. Here are my top tips to stay looking gorgeous and dazzle whether you are attending a Christmas party or just going out for drinks with friends.

Skin

Keep up with your skincare routine: wash and moisturise twice a day and do not forget the number one golden rule… Never sleep with your makeup on. I’m sure we have all been guilty of this beauty crime at some point but try to avoid it as it will do the skin no favours.

Flawless Base

To achieve a nice, bold look with this season’s colours, ensure that you a have a flawless base, as this will help draw attention to your eyes and lips. You can do this by using a foundation brush to apply foundation evenly across the face > Use your finger to apply some concealer under the eye. I would advise you use a concealer one or two shades lighter than your complexion to help hide dark circles > Once that is done, finish your base off with a sheer to loose powder for an effortless matte finish.

Dazzling Eyes

It’s the season for glitz and glamour so let your eyes do the talking when you step into that party. The easiest way to create dazzling eyes is to simply swap the black pencil bottom eyeliner for under eye shadows and coloured/glitter eye pencils. I would recommend trying some from Barry M. Barry M have a great range of metallic colours which are perfect for this season. If you prefer to use eye shadows Sleek also have a variety of different eye shadow palettes to choose from. For the eyelid try using a berry-coloured eye shadow with a hint of gold in the corner of the eye. And to finish use an ink (or pencil) eyeliner across you lash line for a perfect finish.

Statement Lips

Say goodbye to the sensible nudes and flirty pinks we were wearing during spring and summer, it’s time to go for the sexy vampy lip. Simply go for a purple colour or a deep red. For a purple lip I suggest M.A.C Rebel lipstick and for the classic red lip try out M.A.C Ruby Woo as it’s very bold, rich with a matte finish. I think every make up-loving girl should have these two in their collection. You can also get the same shades for a cheaper price at Topshop or Rimmel.

Maintain the Look

My No.1 top tip to for maintaining your party makeup is to use a setting spray. I would recommend the All Nighter – Urban Decay setting spray. It’s weightless, seals in and sets makeup for up to 16hrs. It’s perfect for a night out as it minimises sweat. You can get this spray from Debenhams for £19. You wouldn’t want to spend half of your night touching up your makeup when you should be on the dance floor.

*This article was written by the make up connoisseur and cosmetics fanatic Mariam Miiro. She is my go-to guru when it’s about eye-shadow palettes and all things beauty. Be sure to check out her new blog Sansha Gloss!