We’re right in the thick of parties, soirées and catch-ups and I can’t be the only one who has a wardrobe bursting with clothes, and yet seemingly nothing to wear. Come December, with its avalanche of invitations, my year-round tactic of dressing on the casual side of smart-casual suddenly feels woefully inadequate.
But better to be under rather than over-dressed I say, as long as the host hasn’t specified a dress code of Black bloody Tie or something equally unrealistic. And if there’s one way I can get in the party spirit it’s with a bit of slap. I tend not to wear eye make-up for every- day – I blame it on the fact that I wear glasses and have a mole-like tendency to rub my eyes, but it could just be bone idleness. So for me a glittery shadow is the ultimate going out out product. Of course woman cannot sparkle by shadow alone, so out too come the eyelash curlers, mascara and eyeliner – and a good primer to stop it all sliding straight off.
Eye tint in Hollywood 17
£27, Giorgio Armani, selfridges.com
This creamy formulation couldn’t be easier to apply, thanks to the inbuilt brush, providing a pleasingly delicate pink shimmer.
Sequin eye shadow in Constellation
£25, bobbibrown.co.uk
A gorgeous chocolate brown shadow shot through with a hint of bronze and gold, it can be built up to dramatic effect.
Colour-drenched pigment in Tonight’s the Night
£18, maccosmetics.co.uk
This is a one-pot wonder: a rich blue-green that will look particularly special on those with brown or hazel eyes.
Colour Chameleon in Intoxicating Violet
£19, charlottetilbury.com
Use this chubby colour-rich crayon to line eyes for a subtle look, or apply over the whole lid for a more full-on finish.
Eyeshadow in Stud
Part of a limited edition collaboration with photographer Steven Klein, a light sweep of this sparkly mushroom shade should suit everyone.
Beauty spot
Planning to Christmas-shop till you drop in Covent Garden? There’s a perfectly placed pick-me-up in Charlotte Tilbury’s new store – a cross between boutique and boudoir, complete with champagne bar.
