When you live in the southern hemisphere and can’t don an ugly Christmas sweater, it can be a little difficult to look the part.
However, one thing you can do with very minimal effort, is shake up your everyday makeup routine.
While this probably sounds like it’s easier said than done, have no fear- I have five simple tips and tricks that make the whole process a piece of cake (or mince pie).
1. GLOW UP
Fresh, glowing skin is always the most flattering choice when it comes to any makeup look- especially when you’re going all out.
One of the most foolproof ways of creating the perfect glowing base, is mixing a tiny bit of liquid illuminator into your foundation. Not only will this make your skin look extra healthy, it will also help your foundation to apply super smoothly.
If you have oily skin or wear powder/mineral foundation, I recommend blending a good amount of the illuminator across the tops of your cheekbones, down the bridge of your nose and on your cupids bow before applying your foundation. After you powder, spritz with a good setting spray to melt everything together and bring out the glow (this is the method I usually use).
Top Product Picks
- I’m wearing MAC Strobe Cream in ‘Pinklite’ ($56)
- Maybelline FaceStudio Master Strobing Liquid in ‘100 Light’ ($15.95)
- NARS Illuminator in ‘Copacabana’ ($44)
2. THE EYES HAVE IT
If you’re not one to create an elaborate eye look each and every day, a great way to spruce up your look is to add a little bit of shimmer.
Any shimmery eyeshadow will do the trick, but one of my favourite techniques is to dab a little loose glitter or loose face highlighter over my finished eyeshadow with my ring finger for that extra bit of oomph.
If you want to REALLY step it up a notch (like I’ve done today), spritz your eyeshadow brush with a touch of setting spray before you apply your glitter- this will really amp up the colour payoff as well as the glow it gives off!
Top Product Picks
- I’m wearing Kylie Cosmetics Ultra Snow in ‘Let it Glow’ ($14 USD) (Limited Edition)
- Kylie Cosmetics Ultra Glow in ‘Santorini’ ($14 USD)
- Colourpop Supernova Shadow in ‘Constellation’ ($7 USD)
3. LASH OUT
LASHES. LASHES. LASHES.
I definitely don’t recommend wasting precious time applying false lashes every single day, but if you do want to kick your look up a notch, giving them a go is a great way to do it.
Start by trying out a heavier mascara, or if you do want to brave the falsies, I have some super easy everyday picks for beginners below.
Top Product Picks
Mascaras:
- I’m wearing Too Faced ‘Better Than Sex’ Mascara ($33)
- L’Oreal ‘Paradise’ Mascara ($24.95)
- Maybelline ‘Colossal Big Shot’ Mascara ($19.95)
Falsies:
4. GLOW SOME MORE
Now that everything else is done, it’s time to create the money shot!
This is pretty straightforward, but slap on (and blend) as much highlighter as you can on your cheekbones, nose bridge, brow bones and cupid’s bow. Glow baby, glow!
Top Product Picks
- I’m wearing MAC Mineralise Skinfinish in ‘Soft and Gentle’ ($54)
- Fenty Beauty Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter in ‘Trophy Wife’ ($50)
- Colourpop Super Shock Highlighter in ‘Fire’ ($8 USD)
- Colourpop Super Shock Highlighter in ‘On The Cusp’ ($8 USD)
5. GIVE ‘EM SOME LIP
If you only try one tip from this post, let this be it.
Changing up your lip colour is the simplest way to Christmasify your look, and it literally takes no additional effort.
I always love a good red at Christmas time (or any time, really), but bright pinks, purples, maroons, and even a metallic nude can give your face a festive feel.
If your workplace doesn’t allow you to wear bold colours, you could always add a glittery lip gloss for a bit of extra fun!
Top Product Picks
- Basically anything from the Kylie Cosmetics ‘Holiday Mini 8 Piece Lip Set’ ($42 USD) (Limited Edition). I’m wearing ‘Under The Tree’
- Kylie Cosmetics Super Glitter Gloss in ‘Snow Sparkle’ ($15 USD) (Limited Edition)
- Colourpop Ultra Satin Lip in ‘Rêver’ ($6.50 USD)
- Mecca Max Pout Pop Lipstick in ‘Popstar Pink’ ($20)
- MAC Lipsticks in ‘Lady Danger’, ‘Russian Red’ and ‘Heroine’ ($36 each)
And there you have it fam- it really is that simple!
If you give any of these tips a try, don’t forget to share a selfie on Instagram or Facebook and tag me (links below) so I can shower you with compliments.
Until Saturday 😉
