The Christmas season is in full swing with parties galore, and a festive outfit calls for great makeup to complete the look. Clarins has been rocking my world with their fall/winter collection and I've rounded up some of my faves for an easy holiday look. Off we go!
The name's a mouthful but wowee is this stuff good. Instant Light is my go-to primer for that glowy OMG-my-skin's-so-healthy look. I love it more than a similar product from Saks that cost me double. I won't name names but that other product is a cult favourite by a super fancy brand -- and dollars to doughnuts this one by Clarins kicks its fancy butt. I use shade 01 rose, but it's also available in 02 Champagne, and 03 Peach (the last two are great for warmer or darker complexions).
To give yours skin a festive glow, smooth 1-2 pumps all over clean, moisturized skin. Follow with your foundation if you use one. But this stuff is so lovely, you may not need to!
This underrated bronzer will knock your socks off! It provides a beautiful glow without being shimmery, which means it doubles as a contouring palette. I used shade 01 Light.
To play up your features, grab a brush and apply the darker shade to the hollows of your cheeks, along the sides of the nose, and if you've got a square face like me you might also apply some along your jawline. Then grab a bit of the lighter shad and dust it on your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, and on the cupid's bow of your upper lip.
I LOVE THIS PALETTE. These colours are gorgeous, and the aubergine undertones are oh-so-flattering if you have green or hazel eyes like moi. They go on light so you don't have to worry about overdoing it, but are easily buildable for night-time looks. I used shade 02 Rosewood.
For a 5-minute smokey eye, grab a shadow brush and apply the rosy shade second from the left all over your lid. Then grab the greyish-mauve shade on the far right and blend into your crease and along your lower lashes. If you want more oomph, add a bit of the darkest eggplant shade to your crease and blend well. To finish, grab a small brush and apply the lightest shade to the inner corners of your eyes, and along your brow bone. Your eyes will instantly look more open!
Clarins Supra Volume Mascara is like fake lashes in a wand. If you want drama but can't be bothered with the glue and mess of fake lashes (guilty right here), then grab this. I have wimpy, short, fine lashes and this mascara pumps them right up! I use shade 01 Intense Black.
For the fullest lashes, apply an even coat to your top and bottom lashes, then a second coat just on the top. Make sure you work some through your outer lashes to really open the eyes.
If you're rocking a smoky eye, your best bet is to keep the lips neutral. Try a rosy nude like Clarins Joli Rouge Lipstick in shade 751 Tea Rose. I love this formula because it's creamy, hydrating, pigmented, and super comfortable to wear. Just a quick swipe across the lips and you're done! Or for more staying power, line and fill your lips with a nude lip liner, then apply your lipstick over top.
Et voila! I wore this exact look to the National Arts Centre Gala and loved every minute of it. My makeup stayed in place all night and stayed comfortable.
Where to buy Clarins:
-Shoppers Drug Mart Beauty Boutiques (online and in-store)
-Sephora (limited selection)
