You know a holiday makeup look when you see it. Maybe there’s a sparkle of glitter across the eyes, a pop of lipstick against bare skin, or a shimmer of highlighter accentuating the cheeks. And now that party season is in full swing, your social calendar is chock full of invitations to end-of-year bashes and summer soirees; your work Christmas party, your ‘girls-only’ cocktail night and your partner’s festive drinks. And it doesn’t stop there. There’s also Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve to worry about, oy!
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But don’t worry gf – we’ve got you covered! From how to embrace this summer’s prettiest hue to looking uber chic at that all-day BBQ, here’s our pick of the best hair and makeup looks to try this party season.
FELINE FLICK
We love timeless black winged eyeliner, but this season there’s a new way to wear it: Swap black for an intensely pigmented jewel tone and bring your look to life. For green or hazel eyes, amethyst is a perfect tone to compliment your peepers. Sapphire is a surefire eye-popper for brown eyes, and a garnet or coppery bronze gives impact to blue-eyed babies. If you want to give it additional oomph, add a coloured mascara, and prepare to be noticed.
bh recommends: STILA Got Inked Cushion Eyeliner in Amethyst Ink, Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Pencil in Abyss
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NO-PART HAIR
Along with wet-look hair, swept-back, off-the-face hair is BIG this summer, and we’re not just talking about the volume! This smooth, futuristic style frames the face, and puts the centre-versus-side hair part debate to bed for the holidays. Just like Gigi Hadid at the 2016 AMAs, you too can be an early adopter of this brushed-back style that’s both practicable (hello, sweat-proof!) and party-ready. Wear it wet or dry and high, this is one ‘do we can do!
bh recommends: KMS California ADDVOLUME Root and Body Lift, Avon Advance Techniques Styling Liquid Spray Wax, Fudge Big Hair Push It Up Blow Dry Spray, Schwarzkopf Extra Care Styling Body & Texture Styling Primer, Moroccanoil Boar Bristle Round Brush 35mm
PRETTY IN PINK
Haven’t you heard? Pink is THE COLOUR of the moment. No longer for “mean girls” on Wednesdays, the colour is experiencing a long overdue revolution. This year makeup artists have been sending pink lips and eyes down the runways. We’re vibing romantic soft pink hues, illuminated skin and baby-doll lips. From pastel pink or a rosy flush to candy pink and more, pink equals girl power and it’s going to be your secret weapon this season.
bh recommends: NARS Dual-Intensity Blush in Adoration, NARS Blush in Gaiety, By Terry Ombre Blackstar Cream Eyeshadow in No17. Bubble Glow, M.A.C Nutcracker Sweet Lipstick in Flamboyish, Yves Saint Laurent Blush Volupté
GILDED LIPS
Glitter lips have been a beauty trend for months, but this pared-back movement we’re calling the glitter-lined lip is gaining serious traction. To tackle the gilded look yourself, trace your pout with an ultra tapered brush dipped in some metallic pigment, or try a glitter eyeliner. Whichever way you approach it, one thing’s for certain – the coolest beauty-look-of-the-night award goes to you.
bh recommends: Artiste Angled Eyeliner Brush #27, Eye of Horus Liquid Metal Liner, e.l.f. cosmetics Essential Glitter Eyeshadow, ulta3 Glitter Liquid Eyeliner, Bodyography Luster Lux Glitter Pigments
NUDE AND SUBDUED
Understated makeup has just as much impact as a bright red lip, without being the centre of attention. Remember spring’s tea-stained lids? Good, because there’s a lot more of it coming your way. To achieve this look, use the same palette for your cheeks, eyes and lips (FYI, bronzer works a treat!). Cap it off with a coating of black on your lashes, a clear gloss finish on your pucker, and some illuminator for a healthy glow.
bh recommends: BAREMINERALS 5-in-1 BB Advanced Performance Cream Eyeshadow in Soft Linen, Barry M After Glow Bronzer, Physicians Formula Bronze Booster Glow-Boosting Season-to-Season Bronzer, Bobbi Brown Crystal Lip Gloss, Mirenesse 4D Secret Lash Evolution Mascara
Have you got a particular party look you’ll be flaunting this season, or are you inspired to try one of the above?
Some of these beauty looks are different, not things I would try. The no part hair is a style I have tried when younger.
No part hair is easy for me.