From sipping a cocktail with a classic red lip, to wowing the dancefloor with an electric blue eye – we’ve got great value party looks covered
We’ve blinked and party season has come around quicker than a Christmas cracker bang! We’re all about rocking a statement party look – whether it’s on the dancefloor, a festive market filled with mulled wine, or dancing the night away at your annual work party (sausage rolls a plenty).
At Boots, we’re all about giving you the best for less – and that doesn’t stop with make-up, which is why we challenged these Boots team members to create their signature party looks, using three main products all under £10 each – phew!
So, let’s say hello to the gorgeous Kelly, Tadiwa and Fiona, and discover how being the belle (or beau) of the Christmas ball needn’t cost the earth.
Kelly’s Electric Blue Eye
Injecting a pop of colour is a great way to shake-up the classic winged smokey eye. Here, Kelly shows us how to have fun with all things bold and blue-tiful.
Step 1
“I love applying cream shadows and pigments, as they are much easier to work with than a powder shadow – plus, there’s no fall out, meaning your base is kept looking flawless. I’m using 17. Eye Pigment Quick Stick, £4, in shade Ice Blue, which has tiny silver reflects to make my eyes pop from every angle. Simply glide across the lid and blend easily with your finger – I find this much easier than using a brush, as the product may stick to the bristles."
Step 2
“Now it’s time to inject a bolder blue using Rimmel London Scandaleyes Exaggerate Eye Definer, £3.99, in Colbalt Blue. I love this liner as it’s highly pigmented, waterproof and makes my brown eyes stand out; if you want to play with bolder shades then blues, greens and purples are perfect for brown eyes, whereas blue or green eyes pop using nudes, browns, greys and even orange. I hold my eye taut, then sweep the liner across the upper lash line, before applying to the lower. I then finish with a sweep of volumising mascara.”
Step 3
“My eyes are the star of the show, so I avoid too much bronzer, blusher and highlighter, instead opting for a strong contour to help define my cheekbones. The viral product of the year (in my eyes) is e.l.f. Halo Glow Contour Beauty Wand, £9, in shade Fair/Light, which is super-easy to apply with the sponge-tip applicator. I squeeze a small amount and dot under my cheekbones, hairline and bridge of my nose, then blend using a fluffy domed brush. This shade has a cool - grey undertone, which is perfect as it helps define my features perfectly. My top tip – always look for a cool tone contour vs a warm blush, as they both serve different uses!”
Fiona’s Hollywood Glam
Beauty trends come and go, but one look here to stay this festive season and beyond is a classic red lip and winged liner, and we’re here for it. Let’s see how Fiona created her glowy look:
Step 1
“Every great make-up look starts with the base, so I prep my skin with a matte primer, before applying my favourite foundation, concealer and bronzer. I then love to warm my face even more using a blush palette, meaning I can play with different shades depending on my mood. My top pick under a tenner is the Revolution Ultra Blush Palette Sugar & Spice, £7.99. The blushes are so pigmented, meaning a little goes a long way, plus the two shimmery pink shades mean I also get a highlighting duo – winning! My top-tip: less is more – always tap your brush before applying to the cheek.”
Step 2
“Applying black eyeliner needn’t be The Nightmare Before Christmas, especially with Rimmel London Scandaleyes Exaggerate Eye Definer, £3.99, in Sooty Black. It’s great for lazy girls like me, as it has a retractable pencil (goodbye sharpener), plus, it’s creamy and super-easy to smudge. I like to look down in the mirror to find the perfect placement, but don’t be afraid to find what works for you, as everyone’s make-up style and eye shape is different.”
Step 3
“A red lip is my signature look – whether it’s the 1st December or time to take the tree down, it just makes me feel like me. I could open a Boots store with my lippie collection, but a great pick for under £10 is L’Oréal Paris Color Riche Satin Lipstick, £8.99, in shade Maison Marais – the classic Christmas red lipstick shade (think Santa’s suit and you’re already there). This beauty packs a shiny punch and leaves my lips feeling hydrated from desk to dancefloor.”
Tadiwa’s Golden Glow
Whether you're team glitter or team glow, there’s something for everyone at Boots, so let’s look at the lovely Tadiwa’s take on a subtle wash of gold.
Step 1
“The first rule about eyeshadow club? Tell everyone to apply primer! Whether that’s an actual eyeshadow primer, or a dab of concealer, make sure you help your shadow last from Christmas Day Bucks Fizz, to being the last at the evening buffet. I use Wet n Wild Photo Focus Eyeshadow Primer, £6.29 – taking a small amount on my finger, then gently blending with a brush. I then leave for a minute to dry down slightly, before applying any eyeshadow.”
Step 2
“I love adding a subtle shimmer at Christmas, as it can be dialled up or down depending on where the festive spirit takes you. I’m wearing 17. Disco Eyes Eyeshadow Palette, £5, which features 12 gorgeous shades – from sultry browns to shimmery bronzes – there’s something for everyone. I take the deep copper shade and buff across the lid, before applying the shimmery gold for a pop of disco realness – I’ll see you on the dancefloor!”
Step 3
“No eye look is complete without a sweep of mascara, and I like my lashes to be long and lifted, which is why I chose e.l.f. Lash ‘N’ Roll Mascara Black, £6. It has a unique curved brush to help lift and separate lashes, without leaving them clumpy or OTT. I finish the look with a sweep of lip gloss and I’m ready for every festive occasion.”
Three gorgeous wallet-friendly festive looks, perfect for every Christmas moment! Check out more value beauty edits.
All prices correct on date of publication
