At the end of every summer, I start looking forward to the hot weather finally dying off and the cold season approaching. People may think I’m mad, but winter has many benefits: it is acceptable to wear many cosy layers; nobody judges you for buying hot drinks daily and of course, the greatest thing about winter is Christmas. But people can forget how great winter beauty can be!
First off, Christmas parties and events make it so much easier to pull off bold statement colours and lots of sparkle. If you can’t wear glitter at Christmas, when can you?
You also don’t have to worry about tanning pale skin– everyone is paler in winter. Of course, you should be proud of your natural skin colour no matter what time of year it is, but there is far less pressure in wintertime to conform. Wintery colours, like dark red, look great on everyone too!
Winter is a time for experimentation, not just because it is easier to pull off statement looks. Most make up ranges release new products in time for the festive season and the quality just keeps improving each year. If you don’t have the cash to treat yourself, consider asking for a set for Christmas. There are great sets for all budgets (see next page for details).
If you want to try something extra special this year, skip the chocolate and try a beauty advent calendar. What could be better than a daily surprise from your favourite brand to count down the days to Christmas?
Talking about days of Christmas, check out the guide to the 12 Christmas Beauty Buys:
Best for… Affordability: Primark Beauty Calendar £15
£15 is considerably cheaper than other brands, so even if the quality is not as great, you won’t have wasted your money.
Lipsy London Jet Set Brush Collection £10
The gold packaging may not be to everybody’s taste, but it is hard to argue with 5 travel size brushes and a case for that price!
Sleek MakeUP Eye and Cheek Palette – See You At Midnight £9.99
A collection of 6 berry and natural blushers/eye shadows with brushes included. Sleek products are great value for money!
Makeup Revolution Glitter Nail Polish Sensitive Heart £1.50
All of the polishes in this range are beautiful and for that price there is nothing to stop you from buying the whole set…
Best for… Cutest Packaging: Ciate Mini Mani Manor Nail Varnish Calendar £49
Ciate’s packaging is gorgeous as always, but if you are on a budget, last year’s calendar is available for £20 in TK MAXX.
Zoeva Rose Golden Luxury Brushes Set £56.45
Rose gold and black handles, with fluffy white bristles packaged in a chocolate brown clutch—these brushes are too beautiful to spoil with makeup!
Nars Cosmetics Virtual Domination Cheek Palette £45
A stunning collection of Nars’ finest cheek products in white flowery packaging with a huge mirror inside.
Tanya Burr Nail Polish Pink Set £11.99
3 gorgeous shades, including 2 new releases in a simple white box.
Best for… Quality: Benefit Calendar £60
It may seem pricey, but think how much money those mini’s are worth!
Real Techniques Nic’s Picks £20
5 beautiful duo-fibre brushes available in a limited edition set. What more could you want?
Urban Decay Naked 2 Basics Palette £22
Everyone raves about the Naked palettes, and this new edition of 6 matte shades is no exception.
Essie Luxe Effects Jazzy Jubilant 301 £7.99
This colour is Christmas-in-a-bottle and is perfect for Christmas parties.
