Whether you're heading to a work Christmas party, summer wedding, music festival or reigning in the New Year, planning the perfect makeup looks to accompany the dazzling outfits you have in store is a must. While 2023 makeup trends have seen a resurgence in natural, fresh looks, the festive season calls for slightly more intense eyes and lips.

Here we’re focusing on simple, glam makeup looks that are super easy to achieve at home, and the skincare essentials you need to keep holiday skin feeling fresh. After all, when it comes to the festive holiday season, who would say no to maximising the glitz and fun whilst minimising any additional stress or effort?

All day lipstick

We’re often on the go throughout the festive season, so finding a lipstick that works hard and lasts the day can be a gamechanger. Bold red shades were made for the festive summer months, but who has time to reapply all day long? Pair your chosen shade with a lipliner to really make your colour last the day. Start with clean, fresh skin and a dab of concealer and a touch of bronzer, then add a bold red lip for instant festive glam. If a big red isn’t your jam, try a brown or mauve shade for a similar dramatic effect. Try INGLOT, David Jones M.A.C Cosmetics and Sephora.

Source: INGLOT

Eyes that sparkle

Less is often more when it comes to party eyes, so a pared back shimmer can be just enough to take your everyday makeup to the next level. Whether you go for a light shimmer or opt to add serious drama with a graphic liner, you can’t go wrong with a festive sparkle. Think about what you’re wearing and find shades that work with your overall look. For a monochromatic ensemble, pick a shade from your outfit and use that as the base colour for your eyes. If you prefer your makeup to 'pop' against you outfit, choose a contrasting colour instead. Check out MECCA, Myer and INGLOT.

Source: INGLOT

Skincare essentials

Great makeup starts with good skincare and a glowy base which will also help keep your look staying fresher for longer. Before you layer up your usual products, consider the event setting. Is it indoors or outdoors, air conditioned or will your makeup be battling some heat? This will help you decide how much hydration you'll need, whether to pop on some SPF and what products to bring in your bag for touch ups.

Find a primer that suits your skin type. For oily skin babes, a mattifying or pore-refining one will keep your skin balanced and shine-free. For our dry skin gals, look for a primer with moisturising qualities to seal in hydration and avoid tightness and your make up from creasing. To give your skin a luminous boost, mix a couple of drops of liquid or cream highlighter into your foundation. Book a treatment at Ella Baché or find all your skincare essentials at L'Occitane, Priceline and MECCA.