After what can only be described as an unprecedented year, Christmas 2020 is set to be a bit different to the ones we’ve known before. For many of us, Christmas is usually a time for get-togethers and spending time with family and friends, as well as getting dolled up to go out and let your hair down a little. However, this year is all about the virtual parties and the facetime gatherings, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still get dressed up and delve into your beauty cabinet!
I’ll be the first to admit, I’ve barely picked up my makeup bag since March. I’m not the most confident bare-faced person, but nowadays I favour applying my usual skincare routine and leaving it there. After all, no-one is likely to see me (except for my post-woman!)
However, this Christmas, I want to make a bit more of an effort with my face and feel a bit glam. It’s been a tough year, and I think we’re all feeling a bit vulnerable right now. I always look forward to getting ready to go out, so this year – even if our work Christmas party and festive nights out are on Zoom – I’ve decided I’m going to dig my makeup out and be a bit more adventurous with my look. Of course, this doesn’t have to mean applying makeup, but I know I’ll feel more camera-ready with a bit of help from some of these makeup icons.
Whether you’re a fan of classic Christmas makeup, or you’re like me and you’re looking to venture out this year, I’ve selected some of my favourite iconic Christmas looks as well as some tips for how you can switch them up this year. ‘Tis the season after all!
1. The Signature Red Lip vs The Bold Burgundy
The first thing I think of when I hear Christmas makeup is “red lipstick” – it’s the perfect time of year to don that red pout. The Shiseido ModernMatte Exotic Red is my favourite red lipstick of all time; it’s smooth, creamy and incredibly long-lasting. The iconic bullet shape makes it effortless to line your lips for that defined finish, while the true blue-red will suit any skin tone and make your teeth look whiter.
If you want to switch up this Christmas classic, may I suggest GIVENCHY’s Christmas edition lipstick – it’s a showstopper! It’s a beautiful burgundy-berry shade that’s packed with shimmers that beautifully catch and reflect the light. This purple-toned lipstick will make just as much of a statement as the red; it’s definitely a more gothic twist on the original bold lip.
What I’ll be wearing: This Christmas, I’m going to stick with what I know when it comes to lipstick and will be showing off a defined red pout that will match my Christmas jumper perfectly!
2. The Sharp Black Wing vs A Pop of Colour
There’s no better way to add some drama to your look than with bold, glistening winged eyeliner. Paired with a statement lipstick, this is another of my favourite classic Christmas looks. I would say it’s a fail-safe, but that may depend on your liner abilities – if you’re anything like me, it can make or break your night! Since it’s Christmas, I’ve selected this glittery black liner; the Urban Decay Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliner has a thin brush that makes it easy to achieve a perfected wing that won’t smudge or budge. Plus, the camera won’t be able to tell if you’re not a liner whizz, so even more reason to give this iconic look a try!
Just like with the eyeshadow, you can switch up the classic cat-eye by infusing it with a lick of colour. Blue liner is rumoured to be making a come-back in the beauty world, but since we’re going festive I recommend a metallic copper. The Urban Decay Liquid Moondust can be used to create a sharp, glistening line, and the shade Recharged is a gorgeous pale red-copper that will accentuate your eyes.
If you don’t have a liquid liner that you can use, try creating a sharp line using a defining eyeshadow brush and your favourite bright pigmented pressed shadow.
What I’ll be wearing: This year, I’m putting my black liner to bed and will be favouring the copper metallic wing. I just love the pale-gold and sparkling finish; it really makes your eyes pop!
3. The Full Face Glam vs The Au Natural Look
Obviously, if your work party and Christmas socials are on Zoom you may want to go for a more natural look that rivals your usual festive dolled up look – and that’s absolutely fine! I’ve spent the majority of this year in pyjamas with latherings of lip balm being the closest thing to makeup my skin has seen, but over the next few weeks, I think I’m going to find solace and normality in my makeup bag and boost my own confidence.
Whichever way you’re planning to spend this Christmas, I hope you can find joy in re-discovering makeup as I have. Whether you’re going to go bare-faced, stick to what you know or mix things up this festive season, taking some time out to enjoy the things we used to love and take for granted pre-lockdown can really help. Although there won’t be a night out at the end of it, I’ve enjoyed sitting down and taking the time to put my makeup on; it’s certainly been a while!
What I’ll be wearing: Usually I don’t make much of an effort with my face for Christmas day – there’s no time between visiting all of my family – however, this year is looking to be a lot quieter and very different to what we’ve known before, so I will be using the extra time to relax, be merry, and get my glam on.
Over to you…
Are you going to be switching up your makeup this Christmas? Let us know on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram – we love hearing from you!
