It’s a long day and a challenge for any make up to keep looking fresh and in place. The fuss of extra family (much as we love them) squeezed into tight dining spaces and the constant blast in the face of opening oven and dishwasher doors.
So how to keep the gloss to go with the gúna?
Spend time on your base. It’s not easy to fix a foundation and the tendency to ‘powder up’ will leave you looking like Barbara Cartland . So do use a primer, it gives your foundation something to adhere to . I have a few favourites: Laura Mercier Foundation Primer is the classic: a lightweight gel that keeps make up fresh all day.
If I’ve been up half the night making stuffing, I need to bring out the big guns: Clarins Beauty Flash Balm is like a mini face lift and fakes that sleep missed out on; a word of caution: use sparingly or the foundation that follows will look like a mask. (PS: there’s a version for eyes too!)
As the day progresses, I certainly haven’t time for anything but a quick fix and I’ve a few secret weapons which I stash in the downstairs loo (who has time to run upstairs to the bedroom?)
YSL’s Touch Eclat, a magic pen that instantly freshens up the under eye area and makes those droopy lines either side of my mouth disappear. Instantly better! Optrex Refreshing Eyes Drops are excellent for soothing and brightening up eyes.
MAC Blot Powder takes down shine without adding any texture, a brilliant touch up product.
Lip gloss is great for lifting your look without adding too much colour; Chanel have some gorgeous ones - go on, treat yourself, its Christmas!
Pick of the Palettes
Compact chic
The six flattering shades for eyes, lips and cheeks blend seamlessly for a chic, sophisticated look in this double-layer palette digitally stamped with a graphic lace pattern.
Nars Laser Cut, €45
Neutral territory
This sleek palette includes matte, satin and pearl textures in an array of blendable natural tones. The all natural ingredients will appeal to those with sensitive eyes.
Clarins Mineral Eye Make-Up Palette, €43
Get the party started
Containing 12 jewel-toned hues infused with shimmer, they are easily blendable for looks from a sultry smokey eye to a pop of statement colour.
Smashbox On The Rocks Photo-Op Eye Shadow Palette, €33.
Colour play
The 12 shades are a rainbow of inspiration, long-lasting for those party nights ahead – just look at that price.
Sleek i-Divine Palette, €9.99 at Boots
A touch of class
Presented in a golden case complete with silken red bow, the selection of shades are designed to warm up eyes and cheeks in perfect harmony.
Guerlain Petrouchka Eye and Blush Palette, €77
Airport alert
Flying out before Christmas? Check out this travel set containing eye, lip and cheek shades – the shimmering clutch bag is a bonus accessory.
Lancôme Travel Chic with clutch, €56.30 at theloop.ie
Flexible friend
This versatile two-tiered tortoiseshell case contains effortless neutrals and a choice of matte, shimmer and metallic finishes. Takes a classic daytime look to party sparkle in jig time.
Bobbi Brown Mini Eye Palette, €34.50
