Party season, whatever that means, is upon us. Are you ready, you exhausted-yet-glamorous city-dweller? More pertinently, is your make-up bag ready?
Listen. Party make-up doesn’t mean more make-up. That’s a rookie error. It’s been a long year and everything is insane, so slathering on layers of slap is somehow going to look more Baby Jane than usual. I would advise lightness of touch this Christmas. But not at the expense of glamour and joy. Never that.
Here’s my shortcut — and it’s not a black eyeliner, or anything obvious. I want you to look lit from within. I want you to harness some winter glow. I want you to find getting ready super-easy. There is plenty to worry about and make-up should be a relief rather than a burden.
Charlotte Tilbury does a line of small pots called Eyes To Mesmerise. This is eyeshadow democratised. Maximum impact, minimum time and effort. I’m using Rose Gold, which is a gentle, warm, radiant metallic that you just smooth on with a finger. At the end of a long day, the formula has a cooling effect on screen-shattered eyes and it also contains soft-focus pigments to blur any creases or crinkles. Powder eyeshadow will tend to be less forgiving. I also use this on my cheekbones as a highlighter and dot in on lips under a gloss. It all comes together for a kind of golden goddess situation. And that can’t be bad, now can it? Eyes To Mesmerise, £22 (charlottetilbury.com)
