Top 10 Beauty collections for the Festive Period
After the amount of time I’ve spent in Beauty Halls looking for gifts this Christmas, it made sense that I share my finds – just hope that you can find these in the sales and its not already sold out!
1. Lancome Albar Elbaz Hypnose Show
Any fashion addict worth their salt would know about Elbaz revolutionising Lancome, and his gorgeous hand drawn designs. He has created eye palettes (Doll Eyes, Star Eyes and Drama Eyes) as well as individual eye colours (Ombre Doll Eyes, Ombre Star Eyes, Ombre Drama Eyes). There are three beautifully decorated mascaras to choose from (custom wear, doll eyes and full body effect) and some amazing false eyelashes which I was lucky enough to get in my stocking (the box itself is stunning). Check out his wonderful accessories at netaporter.com – IPad/phone covers with the same whimsical designs.
2. Shu Uemera Takashi Murakami Princess Collection
When I saw this on the counter I was drawn in by the ethereal beauty of the animator’s work decorating the palettes, cleansing oil and lip and cheek tint. The story behind it is the duality of the black and pink princess (everyone has a nice and naughty side) – and we can embrace that with these products. With a black palette for night and a pink palette for day, a gorgeous mini brush set and eyelash curler, five shades of lip and cheek tint, the famous UV primer base and two sets of false eyelashes all getting the Murakami treatment, what’s not to love? The multi-coloured heart design will look great on your dressing table.
3) Chanel – Nuit Infinie Collection Christmas 2013
I couldn’t leave out Chanel, especially after I broke the bank buying most of the winter collection after a lovely make up artist covered my face with it in New York. What else can you do? The eyeshadows are particularly covetable – little pots of glittery, sparkly heaven (Initiation – a bronze and Illusoire – a mauve are the Christmas collection shades). It glides on like a dream and stays put. The cils scintillants (sparkling mascara topcoat) gives a little extra sparkle to your Christmas look – a bronzy, glittery coating to your lashes which works perfectly with the shadows. The Ligne Graphique eyeliner in bronze makes a refreshing change from black and works perfectly with the rest of the eye collection. The Rouge Allure lipstick is one of the best on the market – every girl needs La Precieuse in her cosmetics bag. Finish the look with eye-popping red nails in Rouge Rubis and there you have the classiest look for 2013.
4. Bobbi Brown Christmas Collection
Shimmer is the word of the moment in this Hollywood inspired collection. The Sequin Shimmer Brick Eye Palette has ten shades which can be mixed or used individually for a customised look. The best thing about this is the ease of use and the range of colour- just use fingertips and blend. The Lulu Frost compact is decorated with Swarovoski crystals for old world glamour. The Old Hollywood Palette mixes cool and warm colours with the choice of glitter and matt finishes. Functionality is the key with this collection.
5. Guerlain Crazy Paris Christmas Collection
With the stunning Crazy Paris Eye Palette Neon Look and the Rouge G de Guerlain lipstick packing a colour punch like no other, Guerlain’s collection does not disappoint. If you were seduced by the Petite Robe Noire fragrance released last year, you will not be disappointed either. La Petite Robe Noire So Crazy is a gorgeous shimmer powder for hair and body, with a bottle that just begs to take pride of place on your dresser. In black with the little black dress contoured in neon pink and yellow, with a neon pink bulb, it’s instantly one of those must-have products. The lipstick has a cool orange neon drop slider, and will last all night.
6. YSL Parisian Night Collection Holiday 2013
The key piece of this collection is the Blush Palette, which is just divine. Gold embossed with the YSL logo and a large purple heart – this is THE palette of the season (Palette Rue de Babylone). The eye collection is all about lilac (Palette Chromatique) and is equally as gorgeous. I love how the cosmetics stay true to the essence of Yves, and incorporate his quirky designs that you can see in all their splendour in his garden gallery in Marrakech. Touche Eclat has received a festive makeover embossed with tiny dots. The lipsticks adorned with YSL in gold are particularly luxurious (go for the Fushia). And if there’s too much pink and lilac for you choose the Dor Orfevre nail polish for a touch of festive gold.
7. Givenchy Christmas 2013
Black, gold and stars. Sounds and looks like a winner to me. The Ondulations D’Or Limited Edition Bronze Precieux is a work of art, with gold and black shadow to use individually or mix together to gain the full effect. The lash sparkles golden top coat rivals Chanel’s in its sparkly glory – the only difference being gold instead of bronze. I love the unique applicator. I would recommend Bronze Precieux nail varnish as a change to all the red out there right now. The limited edition Le Rouge lipstick is stunning with its crackled black and bronze effect (Go for Violine Precieux). For me, you just can’t beat the French brands.
8. Illamasqua Collection Christmas 2013
Illamasqua has a reputation for being edgy and a bit different and the Christmas collection doesn’t disappoint! The Fatale Palette is up there with the best of them, with its intense eye shimmer shades in gold, berry, brown and violet. I particularly like the Blizzard snow glitter nail polish, which has won awards for its chip resistance and can be worn by itself or over darker colours. The Sculpting Powder Duo is a game-changer – contour with with a matt and illuminating powder for the perfect Christmas finish. You can also get Swarovski “Sacred Stones” to add a little sparkle to your eyes.
9. Dior Golden Winter Collection
Think Glamour. Think Couture. Think Versailles. The standout product in this collection is the Diorific Perfumed Illuminating Powder in Rose D’Or and Perle D’Or. It’s not enough that its themed on a Masai warriors beads, it’s also scented with J’adore and gives you a beautiful pearlised glow. The other products of note are the nail colours, which are up there with the best nail packaging on the market. The Diorific Jewel Manicure Duo has a gold base, with crystal micro pearls to sprinkle over the gold. It’s a salon quality finish. I also like the DiorShow Fusion Mono Mirror Shine Eyeshadow (521 Comete), which has a gel foam texture and has different effects depending on the application (fingers or applicator).The 5 Colours Holiday Edition Palette is nice but go for the Golden Flower not Snow (not very Christmassy).
10. Bourjois Party Perfect look
I thought I’d include a budget range as if you’re anything like me, you’ll be splurging on travelling somewhere quite soon to get a blast of heat! Bourjois has got the glitter going on, which is all you need for the party season. The new Colour Edition 24h eye shadow in blue and silver creates a dramatic party look, with its cream-to-powder formula which is guaranteed to last all night. The Volume Clubbing mascara is one of the best around for the false lash effect. Sparkling Silver 1 second nail enamel which has one of the best applications on the market. The Happy Light Illuminating Primer is perfect to prepare the skin for foundation.
Have fun with your make-up this party season and mix and match for best effects!