Kate Demolder: The makeup artist’s guide to your perfect festive party look

Thu, 21 Nov, 2024 - 18:14

Kate Demolder

Tinsel, sequins, and mince pies. It can only mean one thing: Christmas – and Christmas parties – are upon us.

This means it’s time to start considering your ultimate party look. And who better to ask than makeup artists who paint faces for a living?

A festive event is always a good excuse to go a little bit more out there than you usually do, beauty-wise.

Whether it’s adding some glitter, a bold eyeliner or any other style you’ve been eyeing up but are afraid to try.

Step one: Focus on something new

“My top tip for elevating your makeup look for the festive season is to focus on an area of your face that you want to really pop and add an element that is new to you,” advises Carly Utting, Global Senior Artist, M.A.C Cosmetics.

“Never worn a winged eyeliner? Always fancied trying a red lip? Now is the time to do it! You will instantly feel special and people will see the immediate difference in your makeup.”

Try M.A.C’s new M.A.Cximal Sleek Satin Lipsticks (€29.45, Look Fantastic) in festive shades such as Guessing Game or Del Rio, or a classic like Ruby Woo to take your makeup from great to major.

“[Ruby Woo] packs a punch and suits every skin tone and lip shape,” Utting says.

Step two: Add glitter

For KASH Beauty founder and makeup artist Keilidh Cashell, it is all about the glitter.

“A simple way to elevate your party look this season is glitter, glitter and more glitter,” she says.

KASH Beauty’s own Glitter Glazes (€12.95, Brown Thomas) are an easy way to do this.

Makeup artist Keilidh Cashell, founder of KASH Beauty

Simply pat them on the centre of the eyelid using your finger to take any look to the next level.

“If you’re afraid of applying too much product, I would suggest applying the product to a brush first, as opposed to directly onto the face.

This allows you to add small amounts and build up the product you want without going overboard,” Cashell says.

Step three: Embrace darker shades

“To elevate your look when going straight from work to a party, I would change my lip to something darker and add a lip oil,” Cashell says.

“Again, adding glitter is the perfect way to add some extra glam, and if you want to go the more smokey route, adding a dark gel pencil to your water line will take any look from day to night.”

“Statement lips will be the quickest way to elevate your festive beauty look,” Asta Jurksaite (@makeup.by.asta) agrees.

“Pair your eye makeup with a bold lipstick — red, deep burgundy or berry shades are great choices for a festive pop of colour.”

The main thing is to give yourself the opportunity to take pleasure in crafting your perfect party look, instead of the slapdash, utilitarian approach that many of us can slip into as per the nature of our busy lives.

‘Tis the season, after all.

Create the look

1. Statement lip