The finishing touch to any party outfit is an after-dark beauty look. Now’s the time to vamp up your winter cosmetics bag with smokey shades, velvety textures and a dusting of sophisticated sparkle. If you’re in need of some festive inspiration, look no further – we’ve asked make-up artist, Emma O’Byrne, to share her expert tips for cocktail-ready looks using the Chanel 2019 Holiday collection.
THE SOFT SMOKEY EYE – The trick to mastering a smokey eye at home is to keep colours soft and lines smudgy. Start by lining the upper lashes with a brown eyeliner or eyeshadow, winging it out at the outer corner to create a cat-eye shape. Run a little along the lower lash line to create intensity, then smudge everything with a small, angled brush. Next, sweep a deep bronze shade over lids, from lashes to socket, then add a pop of gold to the middle of the lid to highlight. Finish with volumising mascara.
THE LUXE NUDE LIP – When creating drama on the eye, keep lips subtle with a soft, blush tone in a velvety matte finish. Emma used Ink Fusion Intense Matte Liquid Lip Colour, which offers intense pigment and has ultra-long lasting power – perfect for cocktail o’clock. Nourish lips with a hydrating balm, blot, then apply the colour straight from the tube. Use the tapered tip of the applicator for precision along your lip line.
THE ELEVATED NATURAL EYE – Not every party make-up look needs bells and whistles; an elevated version of a natural eye will make an impact when paired with bold lips. Start with a subtle taupe shadow blended all over the lid to even out tone, then add definition with a long-wear eyeliner in a sultry copper tone. Smudge with a soft brush or pinky finger, then finish with a coat of mascara.
THE CLASSIC RED LIP – An iconic make-up look if ever there was one, a classic red lip will instantly elevate any evening look. Reach for a moisturising, velvety texture in a long-lasting matte formula, such as Velvet Extrême Intense Matte Lip Colour in Idéal. When applying red, precision is key; use a lip brush to paint on the pigment, starting from the centre of the mouth and working outwards. Clean up smudges with a tapered cotton bud.