A Modern Way to Sparkle and Shine

After the sumptuous and dramatic flair of Autumn the festive season sees make up take on an altogether different approach to Christmas glamour.

The party season of 2008 is all about sophisticated sparkle and grown up glamour turning the traditional glitter trends on their head and making it accessible for women of any age.

Sparkling eyes and highlighted skin infused with light-reflecting particles ensures that winter no longer means ‘pale and disinteresting’, with delicate hues of antique bronze and rose gold adorning the catwalks. On the A/W catwalk peepers were packed with glitter pigments and bejeweled sparkle, especially in the French capital where show stopping makeup was marked with the return of the eyeliner in all its glamorous and glittering form.

A beauty classic; liquid highlighters are the simplest way to impart the skin with subtle radiance. Make -up artists at cult couture designer John Galliano let loose this year to create flashes of sweeping liner across the upper lid.

Recreating the trend isn’t as tricky as it seems and is perfect for Christmas parties. Take a liquid liner with fine glitter particles, and whilst keeping an arm on a steady surface sweep the liner across the upper lid in three even strokes, covering the outer, centre and corner of the lid. Complete the look with lashings of back mascara to frame the eyes, providing the perfect contrast to the fine glitter particles in the liner.

This Christmas, the No7 make up brand has given highlighters and bronzers the starring role in the season’s beauty collection, and it’s easy to see why. An impactful way to add some sparkle to your party make up is by using a subtle highlighter across the cheekbones, collarbones and d?collet?. Try the No7 Highlighting Star Palette for full effect, as powder highlighters provide an easy way to recreate the trend and add a shimmering glow. Simply take a large kabuki brush and swirl in the powder, then dust lightly over any skin you wish to see sparkle.

For the ultimate in Christmas glamour and a look that never goes out of style, apply a classic red lip, as seen on the catwalks of Milan this season. Rustic reds with flecks of subtle gold are perfect for the party season; or if you are a brunette keep close to the cooler, blue hues of red. It’s often tricky to find your perfect shade of red and rather than buying several different lipsticks why not invest in some of the great beauty gifts around at this time of year? Make up starter or selection kits often provide a selection of lip and eye colours, giving you the chance to try before you buy the full size.

But, whatever trend you decide to recreate this Christmas, one thing is for sure; this is the time of year to have fun – so go sparkle and shine.

Victoria Cochrane writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.