In my family, we use Christmas as a bit of an excuse to spruce ourselves up for a few days and make a real effort. Which I'm pleased we do, it's always nice to look back at photos and think well at least my outfit was nice! For me, this of course, means taking my makeup into consideration, I want to look quite festive, yet be something that's going to last well and doesn't need too much done to it during the day. Whilst for the actual day I still haven't quite decided what lip option I'll go for, this is a look I've already worn a few times and I know it's a safe one to whip out for all the festivities. Golden, defined eyes and a matte lip with a perfected base that lasts all day.



Base

This year I've really found my holy grail base products that last all day and never look cakey, this is a well raved about combination. Starting out with the Benefit PoreFessional Matte Rescue gel primer, this stuff is so hydrating on the skin so perfect for winter, and really keeps my skin matte all day as well as improving the longevity of my foundation.

For foundation I'm using the Max Factor FaceFinity foundation, which is perfect for lasting all day and gives a beautiful medium coverage.

Under my eyes, I'm opting for the Rimmel Match Perfection concealer which I've actually been rather impressed with. It's got a lovely coverage that brightens up my dark circles so well and it doesn't look at all dry which some concealers can do on me. The only thing is it can crease slightly after around six hours, but that's nothing a bit of powder can't fix.

I set all that in place using my trusty BareMinerals Mineral Veil powder. I've found that loose powder is so much more effective to setting my makeup when it's first applied, and this one is so fine that it's near impossible to end up looking caked in makeup.

Cheeks

Another well raved about product is my trusty Hoola bronzer from Benefit for a light contour/bronzer cross between. My face doesn't suit a full on contour, but this is perfect for adding definition and warming my complexion.

For blush I'm using Rockateur also by Benefit. I seem to be really into Benefit right now!! This blusher though is beautiful, it's a lovely rosy shade that adds the perfect glowing, natural blushed look to my cheeks.

Finishing off with a bit of highlight, I've been reaching for my Makeup Revolution Baked Highlighter in Peach Lights. Peachy highlights work so well on my pale skin, and this one is amazing and made even better by the affordable price tag. I sweep this on my cheekbones, brow bone and cupids bow.

Eyes

Firstly I put a little of the Revlon Brightening Eye Primer on my lids, whilst I fill my brows in. My go to brow duo of the past six months is the Benefit Ka-Brow gel-cream and then set in place using the L'Oreal Brow Artist Plumper.

For eye shadow I'm using the Makeup Revolution Naked Chocolate palette, which has been well loved over the year. Taking the shade Double-Dip which is a beautiful gold shade across my lids, packing the colour on to really make it glisten. Then add the shade Sweet Shop to my outer V and the crease, it's the perfect matte chocolately brown for softening a look and adding to the crease. To add a little more crease definition I'm using Choc-Fest blended just into the crease. This deepens the look a bit, whilst keeping it rather neutral which I like, even on Christmas! I add Adorable to my inner corner and a little extra on the brow bone - it's the perfect inner corner highlight and really widens my eyes.

Sticking with the chocolate product theme, I smudge a little of the Soap and Glory Smoulder Kohl in Cocoa Bean along my upper lash line, before coating my lashes in Benefit Roller Lash mascara.


Lips 

As I said, I haven't fully decided what lip option I'll go for on Christmas day itself, I have been reaching for this a lot so it's a strong contender. The NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Cannes is just beautiful. It's the perfect pinky nude shade that's different from my everyday lipsticks, and yet doesn't as much maintenance as a red lip due to how long lasting it is. A real winner for the party season.