The Lo Down: Festive beauty tips

Now that you’re on holiday, you have (slightly) more time to spend on your skincare and makeup routines. Here are my top 4 festive beauty tips.

Tip 1: Sparkle those lips

Nothing says festive season like shine so let your lips sparkle during the evenings. Line your lips with a light-coloured lip liner and add foundation to the corners of your mouth. Next, apply a creamy lipstick using a lip brush before applying a few coats of lipgloss.

Tip 2: Brighten your eyes

Late nights and full days with friends and family are bound to leave your eyes looking tired. To appear awake and bright-eyed, apply a beige-coloured eyeliner to your lower inner rim (called your waterline) to lessen the appearance of red eyes and make your eyes look larger. Also, be careful about where you apply blush or bronzer as applying it too high on your cheekbones can make you look tired.

Tip 3: Master the ‘up do’

The festive season is a busy, frenetic time so even without your 9-5 schedule, you may not have the hours to spend on your hair. The solution? A simple ‘up do’. Twist one section from the front of your hair and pin into place at the back of your head. Repeat with the other side. Tie the remaining hair into a messy bun. You can also braid the hair for a more polished look.

Tip 4: Counter the drinks

Even though your holiday spirit may be up, don’t up the spirits. Alcoholic drinks dehydrate you and leave the skin dry and dull. Exfoliation is a good way to counter this. Rub a damp cloth over your face with an exfoliating face wash to remove dead skin cells. Next, apply a moisturising face mask and leave it on for ten or so minutes. Use cold water to remove the mask (which helps to tighten the skin) before applying your usual moisturiser.

Most of all; enjoy yourself. When you’re happy and relaxed, your skin glows and your eyes brighten: the perfect look for the festive season.

Leigh is a beauty and lifestyle blogger. Follow her on twitter @Le1ghLo or on her blog www.Le1ghLo.com.