Gearing up for wild and wonderful party season? Me too. Here are a few of my top insider tips for navigating it in style and surviving until the other side.
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THE I-DONT-NEED-A-GLAM-TEAM GADGET
Let’s face it, this little gizmo is not the cheapest, but I can’t get enough of the way that it seems to enhance my facial contours. And what could be better pre-party? A bit like a workout for the face, the ZIIP HALO uses microcurrents to instantly tighten muscles, enhance lymphatic drainage, and – used regularly – refine skin, minimise redness, stimulate collagen production and more.
Simply apply the conductive gel, and select your facial treatment of choice from the menu in the clever ZIIP app, press start and a unique electrical programme is sent straight to your skin, delivering cheekbones, lift and glow in minutes. Then just add makeup and you’re good to go. (ZIIP HALO, £379.99, ziipbeauty.co.uk).
Discothèque
Founded between LA and London, fragrance and candle brand Discothèque is built on the belief that the dance floor is the ultimate equaliser, its scents designed to deliver a blissful olfactory sliver of those Nights to Remember. Fire up their latest wick, Lola at Coat Check (£54, discotequefragrances.com) to set the scene for a perfect party at your place. Cardamom, white chocolate, jasmine, caramel and sandalwood conjure up the velvet ropes, tiered chandeliers, and surprising liaisons of a night out in New York.
The Veil Snap Bag
The Veil
A perfectly packed bag will carry you through anything that the night out throws at you – including those things that you didn’t RSVP for… My picks for this season are as follows…
The Veil Snap Bag, (£795, theveil.com); Prada Triple Care Hand Cream, (£48, selfridges.com); Rhode Snap-On Lip Case, (£46, rhodeskin.com); By Dr Reena The Mouth Cleanse, (£24, btdrreena.com) ; Never Go Alone Sanitising Mist, (£28, nevergoalone.com ); Givenchy Prisme Libre Mini Setting and Finishing Powder, (£28, sephora.co.uk) ; NARS Yachiyo Brush, (£49, cultbeauty.co.uk)
Hershesons
…but want statement-making hair? Hershesons – the dream team behind London’s first ever blow-dry bar way back in 2006 – has just opened a beautifully intimate blow-dry space at Selfridges Oxford Street. The cleverly curated menu delivers the effortlessly polished styles that the brand is known for, in thrillingly efficient 35 minute slots. Handy or what? (From £49.50, hersesons.com)
Louboutin Lipstick
Seeking a party-perfect lip? Look no further. “This was one of the original Louboutin lipstick shades and it’s like a full-bodied mature vintage wine,” says international makeup artist Mel Arter. “It’s definitely one for grown-ups and brings the glam each time.” (Louboutin Rouge Louboutin Velvet Matte Lipstick in 001, ( £84 eu.christianlouboutin.com)
Humantra
Too many margaritas? No problem. Formulated for hydration and recovery, Humantra Elderberry Electrolyte Powder Sachets work to replenish lost electrolytes fast. Pop one into your water bottle pronto and pretend it’s wellness, not survival. (£28 for 20 sachets, w-wellness.co.uk)
Dior
Face Gym
There are many phenomenal facialists in London, but getting a last-minute appointment with them at this time of year can be challenging to say the least. As such I rely heavily on The Light Salon for its roster of targeted, reasonably-priced light therapies that deliver bright, radiant skin each time (from £50, thelight-salon.com). When it’s a serious sculpting I want, it’s straight to Facegym – purveyor of sensational massage and creator of cheekbones you didn’t know you had, for their Signature Sculpt. Book in now and thank me later (£110, facegym.com)
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JEWEL TONES ARE TIPPED FOR THE TOP
Give your festive manicure a counterpart that earns its place in the form of a well-chosen jewel. You know you deserve it…
Penhaligon’s
THE SCENT TO PARTY WITH…
Perfume head and party girl Katie Puckrik describes how “A guitar god I know refers to The Inimitable William Penhaligon by Penhaligon’s as “Sex Ram”, owing to the ovine-headed bottle, and the effect this vetiver/sandalwood/amber has on others. One “did a sort of Watusi on the spot and screamed,” he reported.” Fabulous! (£245 for 75ml, penhaligons.com)
