I haven’t worn eyeshadow since I was in a tap dancing show when I was about 6 years old. I was so excited to put on ‘grown-up’ makeup but I have to admit I have never revisited…it always felt too ‘done’ for me, and dealing with the creasing in the eyelids was all too much. But after attempting to get out of a bit of make-up rut, I tried a product sent to my office (Bobbi Brown ‘copperhead’ liquid eye shadow) and it felt refreshing to try something different. And it didn’t crease! (I did reapply once during the day to keep it feeling fresh, however).
But what if you’re someone like me, who doesn’t often do ‘fancy’? My advice? Don’t wait until you have a black-tie party to go to, wear it with your favourite jumper to dinner with friends or use it to jazz up your after work party look with your old jeans.
I’ve put together a little list of sparkly extras you can add to your usual wardrobe to help add some festive cheer without necessarily going all out, because let’s face it, chances are I’m going to be wearing my warmest jumper and slippers on Christmas day.
NAILS
I had so many queries about my Topshop sparkly nails this week (sadly the one I have is sold out), I rarely get time to paint my nails anymore but I love a sparkly nail at Christmas time plus a glitter one means that no one can really see any chips in it, so it lasts ages!
SKIN
Highlighter drops are a great way to add warmth and shimmer to your skin – I prefer them to bronzers often as they help keep a nice sheen to my skin, also great for holiday. The Beauty Pie strobing drops are great, but I also love L’Oreal’s drops here – you don’t need much, a little goes a long way.
But if budget doesn’t stretch, I can wholeheartedly recommend The Natural Collection’s range at Boots: cruelty-free and everything under £3 – the highlighter stick is great and the primer is a nice addition under your foundation, or use a bit as a highlighter.
Here I’m using a Topshop ‘Glow’ from a few years ago which is a little like Benefit’s ‘High Beam’ but sadly they don’t sell it anymore (like most products I adore!).
HAIR
There is no getting away from it being the season of the hair accessory, I always love Anthropologie’s but Asos and Accessorize often do afordable headbands as well as clips. My tip is to go for more classic styles (like pearls) rather than logos that might date, and go for hair clips rather than slides if you have thin hair as these tend to pull out thin, post-baby hair (this could be just me, though!).
EYES
I am a sucker for high/low dressing, so you will always find me in something cosy with a hint of glamour – a sequin skirt, a pair of jewelled earrings or a glitter eyeliner. I love Pixi’s bronze pencil for under my eyes (it doesn’t run, at all) or Urban Decay’s glitter eyeliner for my eyelids – it’s subtle and buildable, so you can keep it subtle and catch an occasional sparkle when you blink, which I love.
Slippers: just out of shot.
Alexandra i love it . ALL you do i love it . 🙏🙏🙏🤲🤲🤲💗💗💗 just wonderfullly work … i am in love with your career/what you do🙏🙏🙏
Thank you so much, you’re so kind xxx
Your welcome. 🙏🙏🙏
I’d already bought the Bobby Brown eye shadow, and now you’ve inspired me to order a glittery eye liner (I had been contemplating it after finding a 10 year old version, that not suprisingly was rather dried up as well as nearly empty) – perfect for the holiday season!
Yes I had this exact one from my festival years – this is subtle and buildable but I love the hint of shimmer xxx
So pretty with copper eyeshadow, I am huge fan of liquid eyeshadows, and jumbo pencils,in our busy life, it’s quick way to add a bit of polished something. I am following you for a long time, you are such a great, humble and inspiring person. Not to mention, that Peggy and I have birthday on the same day😁.
Oh yes I love jumbo pencils, too! I am no good at cleaning brushes etc so they’re great! Thank you and how lovely – she’s growing so fast! xx
Hi Alex,
Love this post, understated but lovely make up at affordable prices. The new website goes from strength to strength- love it all! Also many thanks for a previous post on hair. Like you I now have fine hair and the combination of cold weather; too many (lovely ) sessions in the sauna have played havoc with my hair. So you inspired me to try a “frizzease” product which is making a difference, so thanks. As Christmas approaches, sending festive wishes to you; Chris; Peggy and all readers/contributors. I hope 2020 proves to be a good year for everyone with more kindness, tolerance and awareness in the world.
love
Tricia M
Thank you so much! I think this year I’ve really enjoyed honing my skills and working on a website I’d like to see in the world, thank you for being such a loyal reader – merry Christmas! xxxx
Merry Christmas to you and your family , Hope you’re gonna have an amazing New Year 🎄
Really enjoy ALL you write and look forward to my newsletter from the frugality x jo
Thank you for subscribing! xx