Party perfect

Nov 28 2009 by Liz Lamb, The Journal

Office party season kicks off on December 4. Liz Lamb brings you some key party looks to shine in.

WE all want to dazzle at Christmas and there is plenty on offer to make you look your best for the Christmas party. Here’s our festive guide to looking good.

Eyes/Lips/Cheeks

Bobbi Brown has brought out a special Christmas collection which features eyeshadows, lipgloss and balms to shine in. 1A

Glittery shades are key for this time of the year.

Bobbi Brown’s limited edition chrome palette features icy, shimmering accents on eyes and lips which adds an iridescent glow to the face.

Inside the chrome carton are ten eyeshadows in shades such as thunder metallic, charcoal haze and moonlight sparkle, and there are four lip shades including pink mist and berry glitter.

The palette also contains an eyeshadow brush and a lipgloss brush, making this a perfect buy for those who are going out straight after work. It’s priced £59 and available now. 1

The makeup brand also has metallic long-wear cream shadows in eight shades such as black pearl, goldstone and starry night, which would look great with a sequin party dress.

They come in handy pots and are priced £16. For more information visit www.bobbibrown.co.uk. 2

Clinique also has a special Christmas collection. 3

Taking inspiration from the catwalk, where plums and purples have reigned supreme this season, the Black Tie Violets range features quad palettes of eyeshadows for £22. 4

There is also a shimmering strips, powder blusher in four complementary shades of pearly plum shades. It’s priced £23. 5

To complete the purple haze party look Clinique has also introduced a brush-on cream liner in violet luxe, £12, which comes with an eyeliner brush. 6

Sisley has a handy eyeshadow compact that can easily fit in your handbag for touch ups during the evening. The palette is designed to sparkle, shimmer and shine and feature four pearly colours. For more information see www.sisley-cosmetics.co.uk. 11

Boots is a good one-stop shop for party makeup. Their No 7 range features a Christmas, limited edition, opulence eye palette, £13.50, featuring five dramatic shades, including sparkling mocha and shimmering golds which are perfect for a vintage glamour look. 7

To go with it, No7 has some glitter eyeliners to add a touch of glamour to your lids. They are £9 and come in mocha, mojito and royal. 8

The Perfume Shop also has a great festive offer. The Ed Hardy makeup palette features everything a woman needs for the perfect party makeup and it great for girls on the go.

It features a built-in mirror, stage lights, six eyeshadows, six lipgloss, bronzer, makeup brushes and Love Kills Slowly and Love & Luck solid perfumes.

It comes in an eye-catching box featuring the Ed Hardy skill and heart tattoo design. It’s priced £34.50 and available from The Perfume Shop, which has a branch in Newcastle’s Eldon Square, or at www.theperfumeshop.com. 10

Eyelashes

False eyelashes are also a good way to give you a sexy, party look.

Frontcover Lashes of Lashes kits, features everything you need to flirt and flutter your way through the night.

It contains two pairs of fake lashes, liquid eyeliner, mascara, glitter-effect mascara and a glossy makeup bag to keep it all in.

It’s £18 and available from Boots. For more information visit www.boots.com. 9

Eyesential also have party must-haves to give your eyes a lift before a night out.

Helena Bonham Carter is a big fan of Eyesential Under Eye Enhancer which is a gel that temporarily erases bags, puffiness and dark circles.

It’s priced £39.10 and contains ten applications. 12

Eyesential Lashes is a new product that stimulates longer and thicker lashes, making it an alternative to faking it. Fans of the product include Kate Moss and Danni Minogue . Eyesential Lashes lasts approximate 90 days and costs £69.95 (including postage and packing), call 08704 202 942 for stockist details and mail order. 13

Face/Body

If you have made an effort with your makeup and choice of dress then you’ll want your skin to look just as good.

Chanel Coco Mademoiselle has brought out Shimmering Touch, a scented, glistening, body gel that leaves a luminous glow to shoulders, décolleté and arms. It comes in a great bottle too and is priced £50. www.chanel.co.uk. 14

Sisley also has some great skin products. The radiant glow, express mask gives skin a smooth glow and the impression you have slept for hours. Sisleys eye contour mask (15) is also great for reducing puffiness the morning after, and the express flower gel (16) hydrates your skin – great for those who have overindulged on the drinks the night before. For more information visit sisley-cosmetics.co.uk

Hair

Curls are everywhere this Christmas. Trevor Sorbie’s Beautiful Curls regime is not only designed to embrace natural curls but also to help you create the perfect curls on less wavy locks. Use Trevor Sorbie’s Curl Constructor (16) to create beautiful curls on straight hair. Spray dry hair, tong and clip into sections until cool. For naturally curly hair, after washing with Trevor Sorbie’s Beautiful Curls regime, apply Curl Cream to wet hair and twirl small sections around your fingers to define the curl. 17

If you don’t fancy styling your hair yourself then Gary Hedley salon in Eldon Gardens, Newcastle, has introduced a great service for those on the go. 18

The Blo Dry Bar features four styles for those who are going out after work or want a hair do in their lunch hour.

Crazy Curls: Emphasis on natural curls

Va Va Voom: Big hair like Cheryl Cole.

Sleek and Straight: Blow-dried straight and shiny

Contemporary Curls: Curls using GHD straighteners.

Prices from £14. For more information call Gary Hedley Eldon Gardens (0191) 232-5152.