It’s very, very rare that I actually “full on” dress up. You know, having a long lush bath followed by putting on that playlist that’s going to get you in the mood to go raving with a glass of wine in hand. Maybe it’s because I never ever go out and would much prefer Dominoes nights in with a Harry Potter marathon – which probably explains my use of the term “go raving” #TheGrannyNextDoor – but there’s just something about Christmas and the festive season that gives me that little push to make a bit more of an effort. So with my ridiculously excessive Youtube subscription feed – vlogmas problems – ready to roll and a glass of red in hand, I started the – long and hard – mission of getting “Party ready”.
And decided to photograph it/bribe (with Mince Pies and a Star Wars Cinema trip) my fiance into photographing the process for me. So here is my absolute go to Party wear Get ready with me. I really hope you enjoy…
Starting with the base, and for me there is absolutely no other option for a night out/party than Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk foundation. With the most beautiful full – but totally natural – coverage that lasts for hours on the skin, plus the added bonus that it contains no SPF meaning it’s perfect for Flash photography (and let’s be honest, Instagram photo’s), this is the perfect option for foundation which I genuinely couldn’t recommend enough.
Once I’ve buffed my foundation in – I’d be a liar if I said I don’t spend a good 5 minutes buffing it in – it’s time to conceal the area’s that the foundation couldn’t cover. Now, despite Luminous silk being extremely high coverage, my eye bags are the colour of my soul my wardrobe, black. So this is where Mac Pro Longwear concealer comes in. This is one that’s been raved about by so many bloggers but I just never really considered it. I highly, highly regret this decision now as it has quickly become one of my all time favourite base products. With industrial strengthhigh coverage and wear time, this conceals (the majority of) my dark circles, completely eradicates redness and blemishes and once it sets, completely stays put until it’s time for removal. An incredible concealer!
Once the concealer is locked into place, it’s time to do the same for brows and my favourite product to tame my completely unruly brows is Benefit Gimme Brow. I have quite thick brows with just a few sparse areas so Gimme Brow in Light works perfectly to fill in those sparse areas and keep them in an arch shape, and not looking like they’ve had a fight with each other, flying off in all different directions.
Can we also just a give me a round of applause for the fact that I managed to talk about brows without using the phrase “On fleek”? [insert hand clapping emoji].
Eyeshadow is hands down one of my favourite makeup items. I love that there is just so much option, you can create such a huge variety of looks, and generally just completely change your look from day to night with a touch of a brush. Palette’s are my ultimate favourite because they kinda take the guesswork out of makeup and my absolute favourite palette of late – which has somehow done the impossible of taking over from my Urban Decay Naked palette – is the Too Faced Chocolate Bon bons palette.
An absolutely stunning mixture of wearable shimmer and matte neutrals, with a flash of colour in the form of a beautiful bright pink and grey teal colour. I started with Cafe Au lait all over the lid, blending Molasses Chip into the outer corner for a warmer, smokier effect. I then used Bordeux – the prettiest purple/brown matte colour – in the crease and underneath the eyes, really bringing the whole look together. Finally, adding the beautiful matte highlight in the form of Divinity to my brows and the stunning Satin sheets in the tear duct/inner corner to really make the eyes (are you ready for the most nauseating phrase in existence?)… pop!
No makeup look of mine is complete without a winged liner (which is never quite on fleek but let’s just roll with it) and this is where the Make up Forever graphic liner comes in. A very opaque black ink that’s ridiculously long lasting [insert hands up/hallelujah emoji here] but mostly, mostly it’s just an absolute saviour for those just a little bit crappy with liner. I.e me!
To finish off the eyes, I’m going in with perfect duo (Brad and Angelina, who?) in the form of Benefit Roller Lash and Benefit They’re Real. With Rollerlash providing the curl and length and They’re real killing it in the volume and definition game, these two really are the perfect combo!
Eye’s did – yes, I feel as nauseous using the term “did” as you do reading it – it’s time to bronze up my extremely pasty face and to do this, I used Benefit Hoola. An absolutely beautiful, completely non-orange bronzer that works as the perfect contour/bronzer and applies seamlessly!
Time to make myself look even less like a corpse with a healthy dose of blush. My favourite bronzey, natural, healthy looking blush has to be Mac Warm Soul. A stunning colour that blends like a dream and immediately adds a natural flush to your face.
Blushed and bronzed, it’s time to accentuate my non-existent cheekbones with the most gorgeous highlighter in the form of Benefit Mary-Lou Manizer. The most stunning highlight which is so finely milled but really packs a punch in the pigment department. This is definitely not a subtle glow so if that’s what you’re looking for, then maybe this isn’t for you. But for a gorgeous, “going out” glow, this is easily my go to product.
Finishing off with the lips. Now, I know that big bold lips are a firm favourite for a lot of ladies when it comes to going out but for me, whether it’s an everyday look or night time look, I would rather accentuate my eyes than my (already stupidly accentuated and Jay Z like) lips so I settled on my classic nude lip combo of the Urban Decay Naked Lip liner and Urban Decay Naked Lipstick.
Time to set my 20inches of makeup in place and for that, I have been absolutely loving Bareminerals Perfecting veil. A gorgeous, finely milled and lightly pigmented powder that just makes your skin look flawless!
The final look, which was incredibly awkward and hard to pose for so let’s have a spritz of perfume, paint the talons and get into my party outfit, yeah? Perfect, let’s do it…
As I kept my makeup quite light and girly, I wanted a fragrance to compliment that and Victor and Rolf Flowerbomb fits the bill perfectly. A fresh, fruity but very sensual fragrance too, this classic always makes me feel amazing.
Time to paint my nails and whilst a bright red/glitter/silver/[insert your own choice of festive – but equally tacky – choice of nail colour here] was tempting, I opted for a slightly more classic plum/purple shade in the form of the gorgeous Essie Bahama mama. One of my all time favourites!
Time to get the glad rags on and get partying.
(Said nobody under the age of 90, ever…)
My look was based around this absolutely stunning Debenhams Black long sleeved pleated dress which yes is black, but the beautiful lace top – with the addition of the high neck – and the pleated skirt just makes it that little bit special. It’s one of those dresses that are perfect for so many occasions and I know I will definitely get so much use out of it, for sure.
Now, I love clothes a lot. A hell of a lot. But I do have a very special place in my heart for bags and shoes and these Faith black lace up stiletto’s just blew me away from the first moment I saw them. They’re the perfect mixture of classic, with the pointed court shape, but also really modern with the delicate tie ups. Elegant, sophisticated, sexy but ridiculously stylish (and in the sale for just £31) these are definitely my baes go to “chic shoes” at the moment.
Finally, I went with a clutch that’s quite different for me but I absolutely adore it. The Black Disco hard case clutch gives that bit of edge to what I think is quite a girly outfit and finishes off the look perfectly. I love the more classic structure mixed with the delicate chain and the fun glitter and black pattern just gives it the extra special party look. Perfect for a New year’s celebration in my opinion.
And once your makeups finished, your nails are painted, perfume spritzed and clothes on… it’s time to head to your party (… preferably stopping in front of a cool bandstand on the way for some pretty snaps).
So that brings me to the end of my first ever full get ready with me. I have to say, this is definitely one of my favourite ever posts and I had so much fun putting it together. Each product I used – most of which are in the boxing day sales [insert hands in the air/high five emoji here] – I genuinely absolutely adore and couldn’t recommend highly enough.
I would love to know what some of your go to party wear products/items are? Will you be heading down to Debenhams to stock up on a killer dress/shoes/box clutch that makes me far happier than it should do? I would love to hear your thoughts 🙂
As always, thanks so much for reading. I hope you enjoyed this post!
xx
*Post in collaboration with debenhams but love of makeup and clothes that make me feel sassier than Beyonce, my own.
Love the all black it's such a classy look! The clutch bag is gorgeous! I've heard so many people rave about the Georgio Armani luminous silk so I really want to try it! You look lovely, your eye make up is beaut! Xx Call Me Amy
Haha TOTALLY with you on the granny front.. going out is cold and tiring, and I mean who wants to be those things? However, I also agree that Christmas makes me want to make an effort and WOW at you, when you do. Those shoes, bag and dress are all stunning! Honestly, you look amazing xxx
Great post, loved to see your tips and ideas (: Benefit Roller Lashes are just the best, I love it so much! Plus, you have so many lovely things… Have an amazing day, Madalena
I had no idea Too Faced released another chocolate palette! Loved the original so might give this one a try! As usual you look beautiful and this lace dress is stunning!
Such a lovely dress, and those heels are beauuuut! And of course, you look as gorgeous as ever!
And it's okay, I'm pretty sure I talk about the young'uns busting a move and complaining about how the 'youths' act…soon I'll be getting put into a nursing home by the sounds of it!
You look so pretty! I'm totally with you on not being "down with the kids" to the extent that I actually used that phrase in real life last night. Love the heels too but the bag steals it for me, beautiful x
Gorgeous look! Love the dress and shoe. Very elegant. My new years eve will probably be spent in Middle Earth with pizza and Lord of the Rings Marathon
You look so gorgeous!! I seriously need to try out that Giorgio Armani foundation, I know you are also a fan of the healthy mix which is one of my faves SO I am forever going to rush out an buy any foundation you reccomend!!
Absolutely loved this post! I find it so relaxing watching people do their makeup! Need that lipstick and nail polish now! Love your dress and shoes too!
I loved reading this! I really liked how the photos were done rather than just a pic of all the products together. You look so stunning, that's such a beautiful dress! x
You look so gorgeous, and I think your winged eyeliner is so much more on fleek than mine ever will be haha. Is it SPF that causes the shine in flash photos? I've never heard that, but it would explain I always look terrible!
Ah thank you so much for your lovely comment Angelina. HA, I feel like my liner is never on fleek! Yes hun, I think it's the titanium dioxide which is found in most foundations with spf <3
I adore your step-by-step tutorial how you made this beautiful and glam make-up, it's perfect for New Year's Eve party 🙂 And you look stunning in this dress, dear and your shoes are to die for 🙂
It is also one of my favourite post too! I like how everything is pictured step by step and explained in details! Your makeup is beautiful and you look absolutely stunning! xx
That foundation is absolutely gorgeous, your skin looks so flawless and glowy! I love the bag too, it screams NYE. This is just a lovely, lovely post, in general, I really enjoyed reading it! x
I love this post, I hope you'll write more get ready with me posts! Nude lips are my favourite, I wear nude lipsticks in every occasion, and that combo looks amazing. You look gorgeous and that outfit is amazing, especially the dress 🙂
Excited my life is back My husband and I have been together for almost 11 years in October. The way we met wasn’t the best way since we both had relationships. We ended our relationships to be together (or so I thought we BOTH did). As soon as I ended up pregnant with our first baby, I find out he was cheating with his EX! My world went upside down. It was very hard for me since I was pregnant and hurt. Over the years I just kept forgiving him over and over again of not only multiple affairs, but of his accusations of me being unfaithful and disrespecting me. We now have 3 kids and I just completely felt neglected and felt low of myself. I had my own affair… It has not been easy for BOTH of us to overcome. Somehow over the last few weeks we have been working together to move on. We are now moving out of state. I love my husband and I am positive he loves me. I am going to try and show him this approach. Somehow we were already doing it! We have a better communication than we’ve had in years! We are learning how to speak calmly out feelings and concerns. It hasn’t been peachy, but I can see that we both are starting to respect eachother. We care for each other’s feelings. We have US a main priority. We aren’t taking counseling, but somehow we see that little by little we seem more comfortable with eachother. Sometimes we may notice how good it is going and may step back, but helping eachother out by holding and saying it’s ok to be happy again. I love my family. and my husband and i need to keep my marriage save with him from other women so i have to seek for a love spell to keep our marriage stronger so i contacted Dr happy who help me to keep my marriage save and secure from other women am very happy today coz my husband love me more and more like ever before, we are living as one big family again bless Dr happy for what he did to me and my husband if you need help contact him too he is real and 100% guarantee ok so email him at : happylovespell2@gmail.com call +2348133873774 about his service and web site: http://happyspelltemple.webs.com/
Absolutely loved this post! Your dress is gorgeous and I love the shoot location as well 😀 You're ridiculously glam, girl!
hellomissjordan.com xx
Thanks so much my lovely, so pleased you liked it!
xx
Great post. Lovely pallete shadows. Beauty 🙂
xoxo
Thanks so much, it's beautiful isn't it!
xx
Love the all black it's such a classy look! The clutch bag is gorgeous! I've heard so many people rave about the Georgio Armani luminous silk so I really want to try it! You look lovely, your eye make up is beaut! Xx
Call Me Amy
Thanks so much lovely, Luminous silk is such a winner. I love it!
xx
Haha TOTALLY with you on the granny front.. going out is cold and tiring, and I mean who wants to be those things? However, I also agree that Christmas makes me want to make an effort and WOW at you, when you do. Those shoes, bag and dress are all stunning! Honestly, you look amazing xxx
Sam // Samantha Betteridge
Haha SO with you there Sam, it takes a lot for me to actually go out and be sociable! Thank you hun <3
xx
Great post <3 <3
http://juliaobi.blogspot.com/
Thank you Julia!
xx
Great post, loved to see your tips and ideas (: Benefit Roller Lashes are just the best, I love it so much! Plus, you have so many lovely things…
Have an amazing day,
Madalena
http://www.maadalenaaa.blogspot.com
Thanks so much. I love Roller lash too, so gorgeous isn't it!
xx
Every single picture is flawless! Please tell me your secret of how you can look amazing while applying makeup?
Jodie, xo // Jodie Loue
Ahh you are too kind, thank you my love!
xx
You look so party ready.
I'm lovin the makeup and the color of your nails 🙂
The Bandwagon Chic | Instagram | Bloglovin | Snapchat: bandwagonchic
Thanks so much Zarrah, so pleased you liked it!
xx
You look gorgeous and the chocolate make up palette is super cute!
Thanks so much Angie, isn't the palette so cute!
xx
Loving your detailed post. That foundation looks amazing on you!
http://www.kmeetsstyle.com
Thanks so much, the foundation is gorgeous isn't it!
xx
I had no idea Too Faced released another chocolate palette! Loved the original so might give this one a try! As usual you look beautiful and this lace dress is stunning!
http://www.duchessoffashion.co.uk
It is SO amazing Eleasha, I honestly couldn't recommend it enough!
xx
Such a lovely dress, and those heels are beauuuut! And of course, you look as gorgeous as ever!
And it's okay, I'm pretty sure I talk about the young'uns busting a move and complaining about how the 'youths' act…soon I'll be getting put into a nursing home by the sounds of it!
Meg | A Little Twist Of…
Haha well I'll definitely be joining you soon love, so so old now! 😉
xx
You look so pretty! I'm totally with you on not being "down with the kids" to the extent that I actually used that phrase in real life last night. Love the heels too but the bag steals it for me, beautiful x
Haha well I'm just happy that it's not just me 😉 Thanks for the lovely comment!
xx
Gorgeous look! Love the dress and shoe. Very elegant. My new years eve will probably be spent in Middle Earth with pizza and Lord of the Rings Marathon
Ahh believe me Steph, I'll be watching Harry Potter for sure!
xx
It has been ages since I last got all dressed up! But your fiancé did a great job at taking pictures, I really got in the mood to do it once again.
Linda, Libra, Loca: Beauty, Baby and Backpacking
Thanks so much lovely, so pleased you liked the photo's!
xx
This post is gorgeous babe!
Have an amazing new year´s eve!
Come and visit my blog if you want! 🙂
xx
http://www.modacapital-blog.com
Thank you!
xx
I really liked this type of post! The makeup looks beautiful and I love your dress 🙂
Sarah | What Sarah Writes
Thanks so much Sarah, so pleased you liked it!
xx
So stunning!! Love how natural but yet glowy that makeup is! That black dress looks amazing on you too!
<3 Shannon
Upbeat Soles
Thanks so much hun, so pleased you liked it!
xx
You look so gorgeous!! I seriously need to try out that Giorgio Armani foundation, I know you are also a fan of the healthy mix which is one of my faves SO I am forever going to rush out an buy any foundation you reccomend!!
Shot From The Street
Ahh thank you lovely. You definitely have to try it out, I love it for a special event/long day out!
xx
Absolutely loved this post! I find it so relaxing watching people do their makeup! Need that lipstick and nail polish now! Love your dress and shoes too!
Danielle's Beauty Blog
Thanks so much Danielle, so happy you liked it!
xx
Beautiful!! Your skin looks flawless!!
xx, Elise
http://www.sparkleandslippers.blogspot.com
Thanks so much Elise!
xx
Your bf did a great job with the photos and thanks for sharing your make up tips – I may well try that Mac concealer!
Suze – Luxury Columnist
Thanks so much Suze, I'd highly recommend the concealer!
xx
I loved reading this! I really liked how the photos were done rather than just a pic of all the products together. You look so stunning, that's such a beautiful dress! x
Josie | Sick Chick Chic
Ah thank you so much lovely, so so pleased you liked it!
xx
You look amazing, outfit is so chic and make up is so gorgeous xoxox
http://thefurthestthingfromperfect.blogspot.com/
Thanks so much Ivana, so pleased you like it!
xx
Such a lovely look and actually in love with that nail polish! I use the same benefit brow too, loving it! http://www.coffeeatmidnight13.blogspot.co.uk/
Isn't it so pretty, one of my faves!
xx
Stunning! Such a great tutorial and I am loving that dress!
Eleventh & Sixteenth
Thanks so much hun, so pleased you like it!
xx
The makeup is stunning! So many amazing products! And I love your dress and shoes. You look gorgeous! I hope you have a Happy New Years!
http://Leftbankgirl.blogspot.com
Thanks so much lovely, so happy you like the dress and products!
xx
You look so gorgeous, and I think your winged eyeliner is so much more on fleek than mine ever will be haha. Is it SPF that causes the shine in flash photos? I've never heard that, but it would explain I always look terrible!
Angelina Is | Bloglovin'
Ah thank you so much for your lovely comment Angelina. HA, I feel like my liner is never on fleek! Yes hun, I think it's the titanium dioxide which is found in most foundations with spf <3
xx
You look great,! I love that dress and the makeup is so glam, especially the cat eye
xo
http://www.laurajaneatelier.com
Thanks so much Laura!
xx
Love this post! You are absolutely stunning! -Maireem
My Fair Autumn | Instagram
Ah thanks so much hun!
xx
This is such an amazing post, you look incredible girl!! Those shoes really are classic and wow, such a bargain!! 😀
Style Sunrise☀
🙂
x
Ah thank you Karen, I'm so pleased you think so!
xx
what a brilliant post! Your make-up looks lovely and I've definitely added a few bits to my wish list after seeing this!
 Photo-Jenn-icÂ
Thank you hun, so pleased to hear that!
xx
Gorgeous dress!!
Wishing I could use make up that well!!
U look stunning!
Dora http://www.BangsBang.com
Thanks so much Dora, so happy to hear that!
xx
I adore your step-by-step tutorial how you made this beautiful and glam make-up, it's perfect for New Year's Eve party 🙂 And you look stunning in this dress, dear and your shoes are to die for 🙂
http://crafty-zone.blogspot.com/
Thanks so much, I'm so pleased you liked it!
xx
It is also one of my favourite post too! I like how everything is pictured step by step and explained in details! Your makeup is beautiful and you look absolutely stunning! xx
http://www.elabellaworld.com
Thank you so much, so happy you like it!
xx
That foundation is absolutely gorgeous, your skin looks so flawless and glowy! I love the bag too, it screams NYE. This is just a lovely, lovely post, in general, I really enjoyed reading it! x
Martha Jane | http://www.marthajanemusic.com
Thanks so much hun, it's such a gorgeous foundation!
xx
The MAC concealer is the best I have ever used! You look gorgeous, as always!
Angie | Chocolate & Lipstick | Beauty, Fashion & Lifestyle Blog
Isn't it incredible, I'm such a fan!
xx
Loved this! You look absolutely beautiful – need that dress! x
Ahh thank you lovely, so pleased you liked it!
xx
I love this post, I hope you'll write more get ready with me posts! Nude lips are my favourite, I wear nude lipsticks in every occasion, and that combo looks amazing. You look gorgeous and that outfit is amazing, especially the dress 🙂
Valentina from http://fashionwithvalentina.blogspot.com
Thanks so much Valentina, I definitely will be doing more like it 🙂
xx
You are so beautiful! And I really love this outfit, especially the dress.
http://thechicflair.blogspot.cz/
Thanks so much Sabina!
xx
So pretty! I hope you had a lovely Christmas and Happy New Year! 🙂 xx
You look gorgeous!! What shade lipstick and liner are you wearing? The link doesn't link to the exact shades. Xx
you look beautiful, such a great look especially the eye make up x
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Excited my life is back My husband and I have been together for almost 11 years in October. The way we met wasn’t the best way since we both had relationships. We ended our relationships to be together (or so I thought we BOTH did). As soon as I ended up pregnant with our first baby, I find out he was cheating with his EX! My world went upside down. It was very hard for me since I was pregnant and hurt. Over the years I just kept forgiving him over and over again of not only multiple affairs, but of his accusations of me being unfaithful and disrespecting me. We now have 3 kids and I just completely felt neglected and felt low of myself. I had my own affair… It has not been easy for BOTH of us to overcome. Somehow over the last few weeks we have been working together to move on. We are now moving out of state. I love my husband and I am positive he loves me. I am going to try and show him this approach. Somehow we were already doing it! We have a better communication than we’ve had in years! We are learning how to speak calmly out feelings and concerns. It hasn’t been peachy, but I can see that we both are starting to respect eachother. We care for each other’s feelings. We have US a main priority. We aren’t taking counseling, but somehow we see that little by little we seem more comfortable with eachother. Sometimes we may notice how good it is going and may step back, but helping eachother out by holding and saying it’s ok to be happy again. I love my family. and my husband and i need to keep my marriage save with him from other women so i have to seek for a love spell to keep our marriage stronger so i contacted Dr happy who help me to keep my marriage save and secure from other women am very happy today coz my husband love me more and more like ever before, we are living as one big family again bless Dr happy for what he did to me and my husband if you need help contact him too he is real and 100% guarantee ok so email him at : happylovespell2@gmail.com call +2348133873774 about his service and web site: http://happyspelltemple.webs.com/