I recently attended my first party of the season, for which I was asked in advance to wear “something sparkly”. With few exceptions, I loathe glitzy eveningwear. What seems fun in season looks depressing to me when hanging heavily on the sale rail come February.
And so with nothing on-code in my wardrobe and no inclination to buy something new, I wore my usual black tuxedo suit and Lisa Eldridge’s Liquid Lurex Eyeshadow in Zora (£21), a cool, bitter-chocolate brown eyeshadow that sweeps on straight from the applicator and smooshes in nicely with a fingertip.
It looked perfect on its own, but over the top of it I gratuitously dabbed on a little of Hourglass’s Scattered Light Glitter Eyeshadow in Smoke (£30), just for the sheer Christmas of it all, then stuck to nude tones on the rest of my face. If these feel too pricey for such frivolity, you’ll get the same look from e.l.f.’s Fine As Fleck Glitter Eyeshadow in Filthy Rich (£7).
I find this addition of texture by using two makeup products together to be a cost-saving way to “do” sparkle without buying a frock, and a more modern and elegant way of approaching party makeup. It suggests you got the memo, correctly judged the occasion, but maintained your own style without opting out.
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But I understand that even the simplest eyeshadow looks like this one can intimidate. What also looks fabulous and much more grownup than it sounds is a sparkly lip, such as Dior’s new Rouge Dior Sequin Liquid Duos (£45). These comprise two products in one very giftable package: at one end, a liquid lipstick that becomes glittery upon application; and at the other, a gloss to either add a shiny topcoat or be worn day-to-day like any other. All the shades are wearable and flattering, but Illusionist, a cool mauvey nude, and Spectacular Nude, a warm pinky beige, go with everything.
Glitter in any application will turn some of you off, and I sympathise. In which case, I would centre my party look around a deep brown lipstick or gloss. It’s less obviously festive than red, but gives the same drama and focus. There are some stunning new chocolate shades just out. Jones Road’s The Classic Lip in Chocolate (£30), is as it sounds: a rich, creamy ganache that looks very elegant with eveningwear. And Nars’ Afterglow Lip Shine in Smooth Talk (£27) is a cool, chic, sheer coffee that flatters everyone.
