Party season makeup: expert ideas for your best look yet

Brow Wow

Defined brows give instant beauty cred, says Val Garland, L’Oréal Paris global make-up director. Start with a brow crayon to “fill in, define and intensify”, says Garland. Next, use a small kabuki brush “to dust colour onto the brow hair.” Also try DIY brow tinting for lasting colour.

Try L'Oréal Paris Brow Artist Maker in Light Brunette, $20.95

Between The Sheets

Need a skin boost? Nothing is better than sheet mask to get skin glowing and help make-up glide on more seamlessly. Apply from the forehead and smooth as you move down to ensure the sheet sits flush on the face.

Try Origins Flower Fusion Rose Hydrating Sheet Mask, $10

Make Your Own (Beauty) Rules

During the ‘80s, it was all about matching your lips with your nails. These days, the beauty rules are more fluid. “A party essential is about looking your most gorgeous. It’s for you to decide,” says Garland.

Try Gigi Hadid Matte Lipstick in Austyn, $19.95

Glow Through It

Noticing T-zone shine on last night’s party social feeds isn’t idea. To keep skin looking glowy rather than greasy, reach for a hybrid. “I like a liquid product that turns into a powder highlighter,” says Garland. “It’s all about stay-put products for me.”

Try Nude by Nature Soft Focus Illuminator, $22.95.

Get Set

“Beautifully set curls done in the salon are an art form,” says Remington Schulz, Pantene hair ambassador and celebrity hairstylist. “You get luxurious volume.” For salon-worthy results at home, use a boar bristle barrel brush and quality blow dryer, then work the hair up and out.

Try Evo Spike 38 Nylon Pin Bristle Radial Brush, $59.75.

Bearing Gifts

During the festive season, it’s nice to come with something for the host. Noting says thank you better than a candle or scented body lotion.

Try Glasshouse Fragrances Under the Mistletoe Spiced Apple & Red Berries candle, $46.95

Powder Power

If your clutch real estate is at a premium, a finely milled powder compact is a must-pack, “It allows you to blot out any shine and remain flawless the whole evening,” advises Garland.

Try IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Airbrush Perfecting Powder SPF50+, $58.

(Tan) Time Management

Received a last-minute invitation? New express formulations add colour in literally 60 minutes. “Choose a one-hour, two-hour, or three-hour setting time,” says Michael Brown, make-up artist and St. Tropez skin finishing expert. “The longer you leave product on, the deeper your glow will be.”

Try St. Tropez Self Tan Express Bronzing Mist, $49.99.

Smoky Eyes

Eyeliner can be your best friend at the beginning of the night – then your worst enemy by the end (hello, panda). To get that smouldering look to last all night, “set eyeliner with a little eye shadow powder of the same colour to absorb any excess oil,” says Garland. “Another way is to use a waterproof gel liner and smudge it before it dries.”

Try L’Oréal Paris 36H Super Liner Gel Intenza Waterproof, $24.95.

Blush Perfect

A pretty, happy-to-be-there flush to the cheeks will earn points with the hostess. “I love a cream-to-powder blush because it’s easy to blend, buildable and long wear, even in the summer,” says Garland. And yes, smile when applying. “It’s the quickest way to locate where you should place the colour,” advises Garland.

Try Revlon Insta-Blush in Candy Kiss, $26.95

Lashes of Lashes

False conversation is not good party etiquette. But false lashes are perfectly acceptable.

Try Artêmes Premium Eyelashes Night Before Medium Volume, $33.95.

Seeing Red

If you reach for pale pink every week at your manicurist appointment, right now is your moment to switch to shades of crimson. “I love classic red nails for the Christmas season because they are fun beut also look sophisticated for work,” says Jocelyn Petroni, official manicurist for Chanel Australia. “Wear red nails with a short blunt shape to keep your hands looking elegant and bold.”

Try Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour in Rouge Essentiel, $41.

Take Inspo From The '80s

The crimp is back. Jump on this new trend with the limited edition ghd Contour. For those seeking fullness, a few well-placed crimps will deliver. “Crimping is a session stylist’s secret to creating incredible volume,” says London-based hair expert and ghd global ambassador Adam Reed.

Try ghd Contour limited edition, $169.

Show Off Nearly Bare Skin

Yes, we should extend out skincare to our décolletage. But when it’s time to show some skin, don’t cover it with make-up. “I prefer to use as little foundation as possible,” says Garland. “I would just conceal any blemishes wherever it’s needed, and then add highlighter on the shoulders, décolletage and collarbones.”

Try Estée Lauder Perfectionist Set + Highlight Powder Duo, $78

Bright Eyes

The skin around the eyes is the first area to show signs of party-season fatigue. Ward off any unwanted baggage with eye patched. (In a pinch, they can even go on at the office.)

Try Freezeframe Revitaleyes Mask, $79.